From the Archive
Slideshow: De Wain Valentine’s process of creating Gray Column, 1975–76. © De Wain Valentine. First, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 8th photo by and © Cathy Weiner; 2nd and 3rd photo by Sean Valentine
This series of photographs illustrates the labor-intensive process required to create Valentine’s large-scale polyester resin sculptures. First, Valentine weighed out the precise amount of catalyst to be added to the polyester resin in order to initiate the curing process. The correct proportion of catalyst to resin was critical to casting large-scale pieces.
Valentine then poured the catalyst into large barrels of resin. Along with the pigment, the three components would then be thoroughly mixed together. To ensure complete mixing, Valentine would use a propeller blade that was attached to a motor to stir the mixture in the barrel. Mixing these large barrels of resin would often take up to an hour.
Once mixed, the polyester resin was poured from the barrels into the mold. In one image, we see Valentine in the foreground pushing a forklift, with his two studio assistants on ladders. At the foot of the ladder are the barrels containing the polyester resin that would be poured into the mold. Once cured, the artwork would be sanded and carefully polished to achieve a reflective sheen.
Works of Art
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Gray Column, 1975–76, De Wain Valentine. Polyester resin. 140 x 87 1/2 x 9 1/2 in. Lent by De Wain Valentine. Artwork © De Wain Valentine
Explore the Archive
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Video: The story behind the making of Gray Column, from its original concept to its display at the Getty Center, includes a wealth of stunning archival images taken during Gray Column’s creation.
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Video: Learn about the research and activities of the Getty Conservation Institute that went into the planning of the exhibition From Start to Finish: De Wain Valentine's Gray Column.
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Video: Surface Matters—learn about the role of and upkeep for the pristine surfaces on De Wain Valentine's sculptures through the work of the Getty Conservation Institute.
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Video: MasKast Resin, the polyester developed by De Wain Valentine to create his large-scale sculptures, is explored by the Getty Conservation Institute.
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Video: De Wain Valentine and the L.A. Art Scene in the 1960s and 70s is explored by the Getty Conservation Institute.
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De Wain Valentine in front of Gray Column, 1975–76, during the polishing stage. © De Wain Valentine. Photo courtesy of De Wain Valentine
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De Wain Valentine polishing Gray Column in 1976. © De Wain Valentine. Photo courtesy of De Wain Valentine
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De Wain Valentine in his Venice studio. Photo: © Cathy Weiner
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Slideshow: Gray Column moves from conservator Jack Brogan’s studio to the J. Paul Getty Museum, 2011. Artwork © De Wain Valentine
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De Wain Valentine and two of his studio assistants, Chris D'Arcangelo (left) and Keith Anderson (right), 1975–76. Photo © Cathy Weiner
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Two Gray Walls, 1975–76, De Wain Valentine. Cast polyester resin. © De Wain Valentine. Photo courtesy of De Wain Valentine
