In the News

WANTED:
Rubbings and Photos
of
Small Water Covers From Around the World.

My newest project will be based on water cover designs from around the world.

These are some rubbings in my collection.
Rubbings are fun.
See my Blog for rubbing instructions and details.
Story in the Blog

Ode to Karl Shapiro

I am struck by the beauty of manhole covers.
Addicted to their cryptic charms.
I have brushed away sand and debris
To reveal stamped symbols.

I have kneeled at steel rims,
To record autumn images:
Waxed dark crayons, across white paper
Taped to cold, notched-whelked lids.

I have seen steam rising
From cold wintry grates.
Glimpsed rusty iron peeping through
Snowy track and icy treds.

Summer's steaming Con Ed irons
Burned my hands: melted my crayons.

Rubbings, photos, prints and sculptures
Honor these urban artifacts:
Preserving their beauty
Never outdated.

- Bobbi Mastrangelo

Bobbi Mastrangelo

“Cover Girl”..No this artist is not in the fashion business! But she models her prints and sculptures on iron utility covers. What an unusual theme! That’s why some reporters gave her that name. Her prints on hand-made paper with deeply embossed metallic water covers and gas covers are jewel-like mandalas.

She transforms manhole covers, sewers and grates into artistic streetscapes. These sculpture relief works appear so realistic that viewers wonder how she could even lift them to hang on the wall.

“The Grate Works” have won many awards and are in prominent museum and water authority collections. The artist is a member of The National Association of Women Artists and is listed in The Marquis’s “Who’s Who in American Art”, etc.

Her achievements in art and the environment garnered her an Alumni “Hall of Fame” and Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow Awards. Her art documents the intricate designs of early covers, calling for conservation and protection of our water supplies and precious resources. Yes! That is why other writers prefer calling her “The Grate Lady!”.