A State of the Studio address

The State of the Studio Space is strong. As 2018 begins to near it's completion, I must say this is the most area and resources I have ever had in one space. Over the years I've worked in basements, storage areas under the stairs, the kitchen counter between meals, garages, rented studios. But this - I have basically three stations at my convenience. The 22ft work bench for building; the "hanging wall" for vertical painting and photographing along with fold out work tables; the 'ol drawing board that's been with me for over 20 years and still as necessary as ever; and of course the computer station for digital design work. Never a dull moment when I'm in this space and in my zone. Much more to come in 2019. Always make the space to keep your State of the Creative strong!

Masters of Summer

I was hesitant about making butterflies after the suggestion came my way, but after looking over photo references I really saw the amazing detail in their forms.

Starting with a photo reference, the first one turned out to be a female since it had thicker black lines on the wings and no black spots on the lower wings. Once I figured out how to make the wings hold the folded shape I wanted to hang on the wall, the pattern was fun to replicate.

Once the first female was completed,  the male was fairly easy to make with the modifications of the line thicknesses and spots in the pattern.

Time to make a few more with variations in size.

From Eagle to Thunderbird

After over two years in progress I believe this birds journey is complete. The sculpture starting out as a bald eagle, however I focused primarily on the wings and claws for it's dimensional elements. Not satisfied with the final (flat-faced) design and the focus being primarily on the aggressive looking claws, I wanted to put an object in it's grasp. A dead fish seemed too depressing, arrows and olive branches where a bit too political for the time being. Finally, I remembered the Legend of the Thunderbird and did some research to familiarize myself with the description of it's powerful wings and lightning bolts in it's claws. A blue and white color scheme to represent the sky feels appropriate. Below are a few work in progress photos as well. Next up, there's an elephant on my table.

Solar Lotus

This recent commission for a sun theme sculpture took on a dual meaning when the fire shapes reminded me of the lotus flower shape. The Lotus also represents enlightenment in Buddhism. Thank you to my friend Lisa for commissioning and inspiring this piece.

The eyes have it

Originally I had left the eyes of the King of Hearts sculpture blank in the style of graphic novel characters, but since giving him sight he feels complete.

Color combinations abound!

Interior design magazines, landscape photos, or children's books - if I see a color combination that draws my eye I'll snap a photo. When it comes time to paint a sculpture I'll sometimes pull up a reference that has the mood or theme I want to reflect. Time to mix some paints!

A space to create, make one!

My studio space has changed many times, large or small, but I make the use of any space available. If there's a will there's a way!