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Ikemen Silverback Gorilla Shabani
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- Category: Sculptures
Almost all gorillas in zoos are of the western lowland subspecies (G. g. gorilla) which are distinct from the eastern gorillas in both habitat and morphology. The western gorillas are typically more slender, have lighter and shorter fur than their eastern and mountain counterparts. Male gorillas can reach up to 6 ft in height and over 400 lbs. Females are usually half the size. All gorillas are primarily vegetarians with their diet consisting of fruits and vegetation, with occasional insects and grubs. I modeled my piece based on Shabani, a popular silverback at the Higashiyama zoo in Nagoya, Japan, who has become famous for being handsome, photogenic, and an "ikemen" (Japanese term to describe metrosexual men). My thanks again to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop.
Wet clay model
Barbary (Atlas) Lion
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- Category: Sculptures
The Barbary Lion (Panthera leo leo) is a lion subspecies that once roamed much of North Africa, including the Atlas Mountains, hence they are also called Atlas lions. Although none have been sighted in their natural habitat since the late 1960s, their distinctive traits such as their very dark and long-haired manes that extended over the shoulder and under the belly have been observed in zoo specimens, possibly indicating the survival of the subspecies in captivity. The Barbary lion was generally larger in size than the average African lion, and their overall thicker manes covering more of their body is believed to have been a genetic adaptation to the colder climate of the Atlas Mountains. This is actually my second attempt at sculpting a lion, my first version, made almost exactly 2 years ago, was for the Water Bearer and the Lion. I based the pose on an illustration by Joseph Bassett Holder, an American zoologist and physician (and evidently also quite a remarkable artist). My thanks again to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop.
Wet clay model
Great White Shark
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- Category: Sculptures
The great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), is one of the largest living predators, second only to killer whales to which they are on rare occasions prey. Great white females are larger than the males of the species and can grow in excess of 20 feet in length and over 4,000 lbs in weight. According to a recent study, Great white sharks have been discovered to live up 70 years or more. Also called "white death" in some cultures, they are responsible for the largest number of reported unprovoked fatal shark attacks on humans, giving them a deservedly terrifying reputation. I sculpted my great white based on an actual specimen on display at the Tustin, CA location of one of my favorite restaurants, the Crab Cooker (photo below). My thanks again to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop.
Wet Clay Model
Wet Clay Model
Great White Shark specimen at the Crab Cooker in Tustin, CA
Polar Bear and Cub
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- Category: Sculptures
The polar bear (Ursus maritimus), is a carnivorous bear whose native range is in the arctic circle. Polar bears are the largest living land carnivores, and adult males can weigh over 1,500 lbs with females typically at half the size. Polar bears spend much of their lives on ice sheets at sea hunting seals, their primary food source. Polar bear mothers are noted for their affection toward their offspring and their valor in defending them. I sculpted this polar bear mother and her cub based on a stock photo. The cub also helped to support the central mass of the mother bear, and I was pleased with the symbolism of that. My thanks again to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop.
Wet Clay Model
Wet Clay Model
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