About the Artists
George Stastny
| George Stastny is a sculptor. He was born , grew up, was educated and worked in Prague, the capital city of Czechoslovakia. Since he was a little boy, he wanted to be an artist. Living under communism, that choice and opportunity was not always easy. He was educated in mechanics, electronics and electrical engineering. His lifetime dream and desire was fulfilled in 1980 when he escaped to freedom and started his new life and career in the United States in Oregon. He combined all his lifetime work skills, especially the skills that he gained by working long years in Prague for a large construction company that was responsible for restoration of historical buildings (castles, cathedrals, etc.) and statuary. Working with stone, welding, operating cranes and other large rigs, was necessary experience when he started his own art business in the United States. He is now creating large hand carved fountains and garden vessels which he simply calls “pots.” All pieces are unique, signed, original pieces of art. Each piece is individually hand carved from a block of special concrete mix using hammers, chisels, and other hand carving tools. |
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THERE IS NO MOLD! Every piece is crafted of durable strong heavy long-lasting material with thick walls that are reinforced with welded circles of steel bar (rebar). As a result, these pieces are capable of withstanding temperature extremes present in very cold or very hot climates. The thick walls are important for protecting the root systems of plants from heat in the summer and cold in the winter. The inside bottom of each piece is tapered toward the center with a 1” drain hole. Stastny’s work has earned a position of respect, having become known in artistic circles as well as with landscape architects throughout the United States and Canada. Many of Stastny’s pieces enhance elegant private homes and commercial projects throughout the North American continent. |
Joe Rivera
| A successful entrepreneur at a young age, Joe has owned over 13 businesses in a
number of fields. An inventor as well, he obtained his first patent over 11 years
ago for a chemical free process of cleaning to help make the world safer from the
effects of toxic cleaning agents and chemicals.
His life changed dramatically after visiting the J. Paul Getty Museum in 1991. With that experience, artistic pursuits became an underlying passion and becoming a sculptor his dream. 
Sculpting in a variety of media including metal, clay, and concrete – training came from a variety of artists who were willing to share what they knew. Apprenticing under the master George Stastny, concrete has become his medium of choice. With George's timely retirement, Joe and his wife, as his only apprentices, have purchased Stastny's landmark studio and art gallery in Yamhill County. Joe creates garden art and architectural pieces in a classical tradition with a whole new voice. "Artists create a beautiful world, one piece at a time. A beautiful landscape brings peace of mind and nurtures the soul. The more beautiful, the less miserable we find our world. Artists make our environment something to cherish." "I love sculpture because the effect is long term – the medium reaches to generations. And the impact can be very dramatic with each piece." |
Cristi Mason-Rivera
 | Born into a family of artists–her father was a writer, her mother a world-renowned sculptor and brother a musician–the arts were in Cristi's blood from the start. Dancing from the age of four, it was in high school she discovered her love for photography and as a young teenager dreamt of pursuing a life as an artist.
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With Joe's dream of being a sculptor and Cristi's dream to pursue the arts as a career alongside him, she knew this was an opportunity to not only make their dreams come true but to carry on the unique art form George had created and perfected over the previous 26 years, which otherwise might possibly have faded away along with his retirement.
With the deal sealed after dozens of discussions as well as a trial apprenticeship, where their artistic as well as physical abilities were proven beyond a doubt, the business and gallery were purchased by Joe and Cristi in February 2007. Now, with over a year under their belts learning the craft under George's direction and hands-on supervision, the apprenticeship has proven successful. The pieces being created today are of the utmost quality and workmanship, following closely all of George's precise techniques. "Now having the expertise in creating these unique pieces, I look forward to introducing my own designs to our vast collection in the very near future."
Cristi's passion for design and the creation of aesthetic environments have at their most basic root a sincere desire to help others live more beautiful lives. "I truly believe this is the role of any artist, no matter his medium. By helping to make people's personal environments more aesthetic and peaceful, with the creation of these one-of-a-kind pieces, I hope to achieve at least a contribution to this goal."
