"Going Places" Burrowing Owl Metal Sculpture Sculpture

Born and raised in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, I currently live and sculpt in the countryside near the famous theatre town of Stratford, Ontario, Canada. I have spent my life surrounded by the arts, am a trained welder and an avid outdoorsman. My love for the wildlife in my own backyard and across North America influences my every piece. Like the Group of Seven, I have spent years exploring the majestic northern wilds of Ontario, particularly Algonquin Park, and use these experiences to influence my art. I use my extensive experience with metal to create highly detailed hollow form sculpture as I try to recreate each creature as accurately as possible in metal. Each piece is hand cut, hammered, formed and detailed, free form designed as I create, ensuring each sculpture is unique and will never be duplicated. Artist Statement: My art is continually evolving but always focused on realistic representations of the world around us.  Sheets of metal transform to vibrant manifestations of the human, animal and natural form.  The process of manipulating steel is not planned but rather instinctive; the figure springs forth from the imagination, the textures, shapes and colorations coming together as I hammer, grind and weld each component.  I follow no guide or single school of technique, allowing my creativity and multiple metalworking disciplines to come together as needed.  Fluid movement is always present, whether shown in muscle texture, wind or water currents.   Each piece is inspired by the vivid beauty I witness every day, the completion is a testament to the rich material I draw on.  Through the study of form and function, the practice of exploring the elements of the raw materials I work with, and a desire to always elevate the craftsmanship of my art, each sculpture grows and moves in its own way.