Design and Fabrication

Before beginning a project, Raimondi thoroughly researches the environment where the sculpture will be located. After meeting with architects, designers and community representatives, the sculptor develops a theme for the work and begins preparing drawings. Site, surroundings, and of course, clientele are all carefully considered before pencil is ever laid to paper.

Based on drawings, Raimondi creates cardboard models. From these pieces he is able to envision the final sculpture, determine stress points and create the proper balance, structurally, as well as aesthetically.

From these cardboard studies, Raimondi creates patterns that he uses to fabricate a scale model of the final sculpture in bronze, which serves as his guide for the complited work. Unlike many sculptors, Raimondi's works are not cast in molten bronze, but rather formed, rolled and welded into shape from large sheets of bronze. This gives them a lighter, more fluid appearance.

Once completed, the finished sculpture is trucked to the final site, often in several pieces, then lifted into position by cranes.