I’ve always thought that my Auntie Jan was a little bit odd. Scattered around her house, she has a huge collection of animal sculptures. From what my mom has told me, she’s never had pets, but her collection of dog sculptures probably weighs more than a Great Dane! While I’ve always wondered where Auntie Jan’s fascination with sculptures came from, I’ve also recognized that my mom seems to share some of the same fascination (though to a much lesser extent).
While I was in high school, I took a class on making ceramics and found that I wasn’t half bad at it. In the first couple weeks, I made a sculpture of my dog, Ludo, and the teacher praised me for the detail of it. After recognizing I had a particular passion for sculpture, I talked to Auntie Jan and she told me that all of her sculptures were made by a professional sculptor. I didn’t even know there was such a thing, but professional sculptors are not all that uncommon. I think I even dreamed of becoming one for a time!
It’s inevitable that pets will pass on before their masters, however, for those truly special pets that touch our lives like no others have, you might consider immortalizing them in a pet sculpture. Though custom sculptors aren’t all that common, if you can find one, having pet sculptures made of your lifelong animal friends will preserve their memories forever. You can display pet sculptures on the mantle, a bedside table, or even on the Christmas tree, no matter where you put them they’re sure to keep watch over you and your family. They’re also great for pet enthusiasts who just love to show off their pets!
Don’t let your pets pass on without having something to remember them by, pet sculptures are an ideal way to stay connected with your animals even after they pass.
For the person out there who has most everything they want, it’s always hard shopping for a gift that they are sure to enjoy. Here are a few ideas emphasizing an experience rather than an object, all of which are quite unique!
~Spa Treatment – who doesn’t love to be pampered? Whether you’re a man or a woman, a relaxing day with a massage, bath, and delicious food is sure to rejuvenate the body and mind and make for a lasting memory.
~Custom Sculpture – it’s a rare experience to be embodied in art by a custom sculptor; not only is the experience enjoyable but it leaves you with a tangible memory!
~Sporting Event – there’s very few people who dislike all kinds of sports, and a sporting match between their favorite competitors is sure to be a delight. It’s also an experience you won’t have twice!
Sculpting has become somewhat of a lost art in modern times, but in ancient times it was one of the most prestigious professions in society. The ancient Romans who created sculptures of massive deities, mythical creatures, and heroic humans were the true masters of the craft. It’s amazing that since those times, the art of sculpture hasn’t changed a whole lot. Some of the most renowned sculptures in the whole world still reside in Rome, Italy, and the artisans who crafted them are regarded as some of the world’s most important artists.
Sculpture is the art of man creating objects, animals, people, and places in his own interpretation. Though most people think sculpture is the art of man replicating what he sees, in truth sculptures are not mirrors of real objects, but objects visible from the light cast by the artist; thus every sculpture is unique.
Who doesn’t remember a time during childhood making sculptures out of Play-Doh? It’s a time honored tradition that is sure to bring out the creativity in young minds, and foster future interest in art. In addition, sculpting can help to relieve stress in adults. If you or your children are interested in creating handmade sculptures, it doesn’t take a lot of time or supplies. Though Play-Doh is a viable option for younger children, if you’re interested in keeping your sculptures preserved you will need to use clay.
Once you have created your work of art with clay, with a lot of varieties it can be fired in a standard oven. You do want to make sure you don’t have a lot of small pieces liable to fall off, and ensure that you pull the clay out before it starts to crack.
While sculpture has always been made of various materials, including rare and expensive materials, sculptors have always sought to produce works of art that are permanent. Sculptures can be created by carving; others are assembled, built up and fired, welded, molded, or cast.
In the Pacific Northwest, wood was sculpted for totem poles, masks, utensils, War canoes and a variety of other uses, with distinct variations between different cultures and regions. Totem poles are monumental sculptures carved from large Western Red Cedar trees.
Does it seem like the person you’re shopping for has everything? Having trouble finding that perfect gift, or any gift they would enjoy? Consider this unique, personalized gift you won’t find in any store; a custom sculpture. There are a number of artisans who make custom sculptures shaped to look like a specific person. These gifts are sure to be a delightful surprise, and become a treasured heirloom for their owner.
Sculpture artisans are difficult to find in the yellow pages, but a search online will yield several who are happy to model a personalized sculpture after a person, place, or object of your choosing.
When children are young, in addition to math, reading, science, and social interaction, it’s important to introduce them to art. When a child finds a calling in art, it can lead to a lifelong fulfilling career, or just a fun part time hobby. Here are a few enjoyable activities sure to spark your child’s creativity.
- Clay Sculpture – clay is a safe, non-toxic substance that is sure to inspire your children to create their own original figurines and objects.
- Painting – give them a brush and watch them go, after a while they’ll start to paint shapes rather than just smears!
- Crayons and Coloring Books – filling inside the lines might not seem all that creative, but given time it can lead to a desire to design original creations.