About Lila —
Artist, Observer, and Storyteller of Form
Lila Klapman entered the world of sculpture with a passion for dance and years of experience as a masseuse. After obtaining a degree in English with a minor in Fine Art, she immersed herself in a study of the human figure for the next 20 years.
She became a staff member at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, where she learned various bodywork and movement disciplines. She led workshops in Massage and Movement, Massage for Health Professionals, and Hypnosis and Bodywork.
As her hands developed sensitivity to the structure of bones and muscles from years of massage, the transition of turning to sculpture was a natural one. She was fascinated with the spine in motion- its undulations, and natural beauty. She began to focus on the subtleties of bone structure , posture, and line, during movement. The visual and tactile were equally alive in her.
As she began to sculpt, all of her life experience funneled into her work. Although primarily self taught, Lila has worked with sculptors Marianne Groh, Martine Vaugel, Stanley Bleifeld, and Richard MacDonald, among others. She is especially grateful to her longtime associate and friend, Karl Reichley, master patina artist. They have collaborated throughout her career as an artist. And thanks go to Sean Monaghan of Bronzeworks Foundry for his many years of casting expertise.
In her studio, working with live models, she captures the spirit in motion, blending grace and flexibility with strength and passion that has a powerful effect on the viewer.
About Lila — Artist, Observer, and Storyteller of Form
Lila Klapman entered the world of sculpture with a passion for dance and years of experience as a masseuse. After obtaining a degree in English with a minor in Fine Art, she immersed herself in a study of the human figure for the next 20 years.
She became a staff member at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, where she learned various bodywork and movement disciplines. She led workshops in Massage and Movement, Massage for Health Professionals, and Hypnosis and Bodywork.
As her hands developed sensitivity to the structure of bones and muscles from years of massage, the transition of turning to sculpture was a natural one. She was fascinated with the spine in motion- its undulations, and natural beauty. She began to focus on the subtleties of bone structure , posture, and line, during movement. The visual and tactile were equally alive in her.
As she began to sculpt, all of her life experience funneled into her work. Although primarily self taught, Lila has worked with sculptors Marianne Groh, Martine Vaugel, Stanley Bleifeld, and Richard MacDonald, among others. She is especially grateful to her longtime associate and friend, Karl Reichley, master patina artist. They have collaborated throughout her career as an artist. And thanks go to Sean Monaghan of Bronzeworks Foundry for his many years of casting expertise.
In her studio, working with live models, she captures the spirit in motion, blending grace and flexibility with strength and passion that has a powerful effect on the viewer.