Equine Sculpture Work in Progress -- Report #1
"The greater the artist, the greater the doubt. Perfect confidence is granted to the less talented as a consolation prize."
I read this quote and although I don't know the author, I can certainly relate to the part about "doubt". Well I don't consider myself great; but I always have doubts, and plenty of them. I always see opportunity to improve my work and use several methods to help me reduce the doubts (they are never totally eliminated).
I frequently photograph my work as it progresses. It is amazing how many weaknesses become obvious when looking at a photo that just do not seem to appear when I look directly at the artwork on my easel or sculpture stand.
I also get help from knowledgeable friends, especially veterinarians and people deeply involved with horses and dogs. True friendship allows you to tell each other what they need to hear as opposed to them saying what they think you want to hear. Such a friend is Jen at Three Chimneys Farm. I have sent her photos of my unfinished art and she spots problems and lets me know where things just are not right. The sculpture that I am currently working on has already been privileged to her keen eye and will again several times before it goes to the foundry
This yet untitled sculpture is about 40% complete and measures approximately 8 3/4 inches high and 14 inches long.
If you can accept some degree of imperfection, then consider this: I will be taking "pre-casting" orders for this piece which will save about $500 from the purchase price after the work is cast. The price on a pre-casting basis is $1,600 and a deposit of 50% will be needed to reserve the bronze at that price. The deposit will need to be received not later then 10 days before it goes to the foundry. If you are interested, get on the list and let us know how we can reach you.
The purchase price after the work is cast will be between $2,000 and $2,300. It will be cast in bronze and mounted on either a walnut or granite base. I have a lot of work yet to do as you can see, and I will be posting updates in the form of photos until it leaves for the foundry sometime in September. Hopefully the bronze castings will be ready by Christmas; but I cannot promise that because I have no control over the foundry. If you are interested in this offer and would like more information, you can reach me via the contact link on this site or email me at [email protected].
My goal is a moving target. Make the next piece better than the last. I always see where the piece that I just finished could have been better, which reminds me that it is not perfect but it is always improving.
