May I use your photos for personal use?
- If you are looking to use my photos, please reach out to me about this and we can discuss licensing and fees for the images. Please do not use my photos without permission.
Can you recreate a sculpture that has sold?
- Some of the sculptures I am able to reproduce, such as the Abalone Moons or the Monkey Pod Bowls. Most of them are one of a kind as Mother Nature doesn't make the same design twice. Each piece of wood holds it’s own past and story and I sculpt in a way that will compliment the wood.
How/where can I see your newest pieces?
- Once a new sculpture is released it is posted to Facebook - follow my page here https://www.facebook.com/ShapingSpirit/ to stay up to date!
How often do you make a new pieces?
- Original sculptures are created every week. I also have a line of limited edition cast sculptures, listed in my “Sculptures” section.
Do you do commissions?
- At this time, I do not do commissions. Most of the material used with the sculptures already have their own shape formed by Mother Nature. The essence of the sculpture is contained within the driftwood and I simply aid in bringing the beauty to the forefront. I would love to do custom sculptures in the future but at this time I am unable to, as I do not have the time I’d like to dedicate to custom orders.
How can I join your email list?
- You can join my email list on my website (bottom of page).
Do you have a website or Facebook page?
- Yes! You can visit my website here and view my Facebook page here. To keep up with new sculptures, products and announcements, follow my Facebook page, as I post regularly.
Do you do workshops or teach?
- Currently I do not offer any workshops or teach.
Can you explain the definition of ‘Shaping Spirit’?
- The name for my business came from a feeling that we are all shaped by the Spirit of Life. I also feel that I’m privileged to give shape to the spirit in the wood or clay that I work with.
How do you create your work?
- I get the 'magic material' questions several times a day from well meaning students and artists, but there is no simple answer. I use a rich regime of materials to create my mixed media sculptures. My practice is not static but evolves continuously with an obsessive eye to refinement; how I made sculpture last year is not how I make them now. This is not to leave the impression that I have journeyed afar and found the 'perfect material' that sculpts itself and takes on perfect detail; the truth is quite the opposite. Much of my effort has been to find ways to use nontoxic materials, many of which are less user friendly. All that said, if you are asking me what material you should use this is my answer; A skilled technical artist can make almost anything from almost anything, so the question is really what 'thing' do you want to spend time with? Taking classes, apprenticing and learning from free internet tutorials are all great ways to accumulate your foundation of knowledge to build a studio practice, however after that the most advisable thing to do is simple: play. Use small amounts of many different materials and by trial and error pick what you find the most natural affinity for and talent with. Your best work will come from an intimate relationship with that material and the thousands of hours it takes to become fluent in any skill. To cut closer to the heart of this question, if you are drawn specifically to the look of high detail sculptures most commercial brands of polymer clay (oven bake) and epoxie resin are a good place to start and can produce professional quality results. Now go play!
What inspires your creations?
- Inspiration comes from all around us, the earth, ocean, moon, loved ones and strangers. Within all things lies a hidden past waiting for the opportunity to tell it's story. Each piece of driftwood holds a story. When I sculpt & carve wood, I image this history, creating with the contours. These fascinating shapes have been sculpted by nature & time. My art is a personal expression of the gentle beauty I see in nature.