Along the bridge at Yonkers Station, a flowing ribbon of cast aluminum bring inspiration into the heart of the city. Named “Muhheakantuck (The River that Flows Two Ways)”, the unique piece was created by notable local artist, Barbara Segal. Several of her creative designs are installed in public spaces throughout Yonkers, featuring an accessible style combining beauty with function. From her Yonkers studio, she produces acclaimed fine art in various metals and luxury stones. With exhibitions across Westchester County and in galleries worldwide, Segal’s popularity is surging on the international art scene.
Mastering Stone Carving in Europe
Segal’s exploration of fine art began in the 1970s as a young student at Pratt Institute in New York City. During her time there, she nurtured her creativity and built upon an interest in sculpture that began in her youth. Seeking to deepen her understanding of classical art and traditional sculpture, Segal embarked on a transformative journey to Paris. There, she spent two years studying at the prestigious L’École des Beaux-Arts. Surrounded by the splendor of ornate cathedrals and statues, she immersed herself in Renaissance and Baroque art.
In an interview with Trebuchet, Segal describes this early stage of her career and apprenticeship in Italy.
I moved to Pietrasanta, where I studied foundry work, and then in the mountains above Carrara I studied stone carving with master artists and artisans […] I was overwhelmed by this historical presence and sense of the artist’s hand in the work, and in later years wanted to put this feeling into my own work.
Working alongside renowned artists such as Jacques Lipshitz and Max Bill, Segal absorbed the ancient techniques of stone carving. With years of dedicated study, Segal’s hands became attuned to the nuances of stone. With this skill she began carving out her niche in the world of fine art sculpture.
“I love the tactile sensation of working with stone,” Segal explains. “There’s a sense of connection to the earth, a grounding force that permeates every stroke of the chisel.”
During this period, Segal developed a style focused on luxury, excess, and satire. She began to use elements of fashion, such as designer handbags, to showcase her sculpting talent while also being critical of the excesses of celebrity and consumer culture. Through her satirical art pieces, such as a carved marble model of a Louis Vuitton handbag, she parodied the absurdity of paying $5,000 for a purse while charging $60,000 for the stone version.
Inspired by Yonkers’ Eclectic Spirit
Armed with master skills and drawn to Yonkers, Segal set up her studio and continued to hone her craft. Inspired by the city’s eclectic blend of cultures and traditions, she left Europe with a vision of combining modern American aesthetics with classical stone carving methods. Using ancient techniques and traditional tools such as picks, chisels, and rasps, each creation resonates with energy and feeling.
“Emotion is passed on through my hands and into my work,” she explains. “My sculptures are a reflection of the human experience, inviting viewers to journey through the realms of history, culture, and imagination.”
Marble, onyx, and calcite were transformed into objects that resonated with Segal’s audience. The unique colors and textures of the sculptures reflected her meticulous craftsmanship. It also invited viewers to reconsider their notions of value and status. Her highly detailed rendering of the iconic Chanel handbag, for example, is a bleak shade of grey and weighs more than 2000 pounds, a nod to vapidity and the burden of societal expectations.
Shaping Yonkers’ Artistic Identity
As a long-time resident of Yonkers and active leader in the artistic community, Segal’s most enduring legacy lies in her public art installations, which dot the cityscape like hidden gems waiting to be discovered. One of her most beloved creations, “Cloud Living Room” in Sculpture Meadow, is a whimsical ensemble of stone furniture that invites passersby to take a moment of respite amidst the urban landscape of Yonkers. Designed with both form and function in mind, these sculptural pieces blur the line between art and utility, encouraging spontaneous interactions and shared experiences among visitors.
“Yonkers has become my muse, my inspiration,” she explains. “Its vibrant energy fuels my creativity, and its diverse community enriches my art in ways I never could have imagined.” It is this deep connection to her surroundings that infuses Segal’s work with a sense of authenticity and belonging, transforming her stone sculptures into symbols of community pride, strength, and resilience.
