Scottsdale Artists’ School: Where do you find inspiration for your beautiful sculptures?
Rod Zullo: In many ways—from music and philosophy and the history of all of those.
Rod Zullo, Thin Air, bronze, 25 x 25" (63 x 63 cm)
SAS: How did your artistic pursuits begin?
RZ: I started very young. My mom and dad both loved art. My grandmother was an oil painter. Unfortunately, multiple sclerosis shortened her career, but she enthusiastically gave me so much support for the art I loved. I was blessed for the opportunity to pursue art with the full support of my family. I say this because I know many artists do not have this kind of encouragement. If you love art, don’t let anyone diminish that love.
SAS: Most people know you are a sculptor; however, you practice other mediums too. Tell us about this.
RZ: Through traveling, living and observing, I have been exposed to a variety of art styles, mediums and messages. I strive to see beyond the literal and narrative, to create work that is contemplative and expressive, yet conscious of traditional fundamentals. I draw, paint and sculpt and use many materials including clay, charcoal, graphite, oil and more. I am constantly experimenting with different materials and mediums. Many people may not know this, but I even have made-to-order custom chocolates—I sculpt, mold, cast and paint them. Yes, they are edible!
Rod Zullo, Ode to the West Wind, bronze, 40 x 30" (101 x 76 cm)
SAS: Your horses appear so exact and lifelike. How do you achieve this?
RZ: Ha! My horses are lifelike but certainly not exact. I grew up surrounded by horses and I simply try to create the “feeling of a horse.” If they come across as lifelike, that is a huge compliment because life in my work is my ultimate aspiration.
SAS: What other artists have influenced you?
RZ: I have been influenced by many great artists including historic artists and friends. The most significant historic artists are Paolo Troubetzkoy, Rembrandt Bugatti and Antoine Bourdelle. On the contemporary front I have been influenced by Floyd Devitt, George Carlson and Kent Ullberb.
Rod Zullo, Ecorche Horse, bronze, 21 x 21" (53 x 53 cm)
SAS: Tell us about teaching at Scottsdale Artists’ School.
RZ: I began instructing at Scottsdale Artists’ School around 2009. I currently teach two workshops a year. In January 2022 I taught “Animals in Bas Relief” and in April I taught “Modeling the Horse and Other Animals.” Stay tuned for next year!
SAS: Do you work from live models?
RZ: I work from live models as well as my imagination. A balance of what is and what I imagine. When teaching, obviously I cannot have a live horse in a school room, so I try to convey to my students the structure and form of a horse.
Rod Zullo, Lenore, bronze, 28 x 14" (71 x 35 cm)
SAS: Has teaching made you a better artist?
RZ: There is no argument, teaching has made and continues to make me a better artist. The communication required to instruct other artists forces me to bring out and develop my thoughts, techniques and philosophies. I stand by the phrase, “The more I learn, the less I know.” That is the most exciting part of teaching. My students challenge me. They bring me new thoughts, ideas and riddles to solve. My entire life has changed and improved since I began teaching. —