o Animal Sculptures
I am a sculptor and designer and have spent many years making a variety of projects using metal. And now I am making these beautiful sculptures using an amazing material called jasmonite. I've been blown away by people's reaction to my sculptures of dogs and also by how important a dog is as a treasured family member and lifelong companion. These are unique and intricate pieces of art with a complex process of production from design, modelling and clay, mold making, casting and finally finishing where I bring these beautiful pieces to life.
Marco
Marco was my first dog that I alone was responsible for as an adult and one of the reasons that I decided to regulate my life and become a teacher. Holidays and an income come in handy when looking after someone other than yourself. He was my confident co-pilot and I rarely left the house without him. Bullies are such shapely dogs and Marco was so very handsome that I couldn’t resist making his likeness in sculptural form. He often would sit just like the pose of his sculpture, with his beautiful feet in a row and his soulful gaze meeting my eye. I modelled his likeness quite quickly and left some of the making marks in the clay. This sculpture is cast in solid Jesmonite, coming out of the mould white, so I painted Marco’s dark brindle markings and dark brown/amber eyes using gauche paint. Marco did initially show a little interest in the sculpture but he soon got used to it.
Alfie
Alfie was not just a pet; he was an inseparable companion to Blake, an ex-marine whose adventures traversed the rugged terrains of Scotland's Munros. Through rain, snow, and sunshine, Alfie accompanied Blake on his expeditions, embodying loyalty and steadfastness. Their bond was unbreakable, forged through their shared experiences amidst the breathtaking Scottish landscapes.
Unfortunately, in January 2024, Alfie departed from this world, leaving behind a void in Blake's life. To immortalise their cherished memories and pay tribute to Alfie's unwavering devotion, Elisha, Blake's partner, embarked on a mission. She commissioned a life-size sculpture of Alfie, capturing every nuance of his playful demeanour and loyalty.
This sculpture symbolises more than just a pet; it embodies the bond between a man and his beloved companion. Presented to Blake on his birthday, it serves as a poignant reminder of the countless adventures shared and the love that transcends earthly boundaries.
Though Alfie may have departed, his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who loved him dearly, captured in this tribute crafted with skill and reverence.
Vince
It took me a bit longer to model Vince in clay, he has a very soft, gentle character, definitely not an alpha male. He loves to lie around resting and sunbathing in the front room but is intimately aware of his surroundings, so I chose a reclining pose for him with an engaging alert expression. The modelling this time is a bit more refined and anatomically accurate, especially his feet. The Vince sculpture is cast again in Jesmonite but hollow this time. Once again the cast was white due to Vince being mostly a white dog, but strangely, the tiny areas of colour took a lot of care and attention to get right. Vince is also comfortable with his sculptural likeness.
Luna
Luna is a rescue mini Bull Terrier from Spain and a pocket rocket! Ever enthusiastic she loves to bound around her home lavishing affection on all she encounters. Out on walks she is non-stop, 100 percent intent on speedily enjoying herself and making her way to the river. Rob and Chris, her owners, liked the idea of depicting Luna in her typical state of high alert so chose a standing pose, tail out straight and head forward but slightly to one side, concentrating.
It was important to convey her dynamic energy and beautiful compact shape in the clay. The Luna sculpture was hollow cast in white Jesmonite with painted markings. Luna was most excited when it was delivered taking a keen interest and jumping around, tail wagging.
