Kate Taylor visits Mark di Suvero’s studio on the Armory Show VIP tour:

The scene at Deitch offered a contrast to a visit, earlier in the evening, to di Suvero’s studio, which gave one the impression of a cross between an urban farm, a factory, and a commune. When Di Suvero took over the buildings that are now his studio, they were close to being condemned. Someone had used them most recently to tear apart stolen cars for their parts, and they were filled with junk. But each building included a working crane, which was crucial to allow to di Suvero to construct his massive steel sculptures.

Di Suvero’s two full-time assistants live at the studio, along with several dogs, all of them part pitt bull, who provide both coziness and security. Offices and living quarters on the street side lead to the studios, which have massive doors that open up onto a spectacular view of the river. In the main studio, a giant sculpture was in process. Di Suvero doesn’t work from drawings or maquettes and never knows how a piece will turn out. Therefore, he generally doesn’t do commissions, unless “you’re fine about not knowing what you’re going to get,” the director of the studio, Ivana Mestrovic, explained. Di Suvero’s next major show at his gallery, Paula Cooper, will be in May 2010.