A peak behind the scenes

What looks easy, often times is very complicated.   The finished work of art looks clean and straight forward, but a lot of work happens behind the scenes.

Here in the my Studio, everything is organic, hands on, hand made, and done in my shop work space.   I have a small team that make specific elements that add detail, quality and interest to the Legacy trophies and awards.   This is what pushes my artwork above and beyond just a the basic trophy or store shelf collectable.   Even though some things are similar, each order is made specifically for you, so there will always be variables, some large and some small changes that make each one individual.

Creative design can be straight forward, such as sculpting a specific animal.   I use photo reference and feed back from the person(s) that know the animal well.   It can also be conceptual.  An idea, but no reference at all.   I have to rely on descriptions, and suggestions as we work.  One of my strengths as a sculptor, is the ability to create the work in public view.  Most of the breed specific works are collaborative and interactive with the person, association, or group .    Once in a while, its just for fun!   I as an artist just create something I enjoy.   You may see some of those creations in person when I vend at a livestock event or in my studio located in Amboy.  Sometimes, they are for friends, family or very special events.   Some of my work never leaves the studio.

I sculpt primarily in a wax based clay that doesn’t harden.   This means I do have to make a mold of the finished sculpture in order to have a “finished” art piece.   If the design is only intended to be a one of a kind privet sale, I have used clays that self harden, or heat setting clays.   This all depends on what the end result is intended to be.

Once the sculpture is completed, the next step is the making of a casting mold.   This also depends on what the final intension for the work is.  If it is to be a painted casting, I make a silicone rubber mold.   If its for a Bronze casting, I use a different technique to create a different style specific for casting wax.      If the sculpture is large (life sized), a fiber-glass mold is made for the fiber-glass casting.   Some molds are made to cast the art in one piece, and some are multiple piece molds or multiple parts molded separately and the finished art is assembled after casting.

The castings are hand pored resin, or wax if its to be cast in bronze.  Then its carefully pulled or removed from the mold.   The casting is hand cleaned, removal mold marks.  Once that is completed they are then hand painted with all the details.   If its a wax, at this point it will not be painted but sent to the Bronze foundry for the lost wax casting process.   Bronze casting. 

Finishing details:    If it is a portrait or individual animal, we mount it on an oak base to finish it.   This is similar for framing a painting, it just makes it look finished and presentable. Creating Legacy trophies,  the figure is mounted on the custom made walnut or oak base that range from a simple pedestal to a creative, complex design.   These perpetual awards will carry 10 – 100 name plates.

The Legacy trophies or awards are the large custom wood bases that give the grand appearances at the show.

Steel and Metal fabrication is part of our design portfolio.  With plasma cutting capabilities, we can precisely cut and create beautiful metal designs for awards,   We can custom design or you can provide the design, or logo.