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Killer Whale (Orca K-38 "Comet")
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- Category: Sculptures
The killer whale or orca (Orcinus orca) is a toothed whale belonging to the dolphin family. Killer whales reach between 20 to 26 feet in length and weigh over 13,000 pounds, and are found in all oceans. In the west coast of Canada and the United States, there are considered three types or subspecies of Orcas: Resident, Transient, and Offshore. The Resident types live in pods, and over 300 have been individually identified and named over the past 30 years. Killer whales have the second heaviest brains of ocean mammals and have demonstrated highly intelligent behaviors in the wild and in captivity. Orcas are apex predators of the ocean and hunt other whales, fish, seals, and even great white sharks using a sophisticated learned technique to immobilize them. Although they are called "killer" whales, there have been no reported lethal attacks on humans by orcas in the wild. I modeled this orca on a specific individual: "Comet" (K-38). Comet was born in 2004 and hangs out near San Juan Island in the Pacific Northwest with his mother "Spock" (K-20). My thanks again to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop.
Wet clay model
Concept sketch - iPad Pro and Apple Pencil
Whale Shark
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- Category: Sculptures
The whale shark (Rhincodon typus), is the largest fish species and the largest non-mammalian vertebrate, reaching over 40 feet and weighing up to 47,000 pounds. This slow moving giant is found in warm seas all over the globe and feed on plankton and small fish. Whale sharks are estimated to live over 70 years, and are considered harmless to humans. The first whale shark kept in captivity was in 1980 at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, where I also coincidently saw them in person for the first time during the 2018 New Year's holidays. Seeing these gentle colossal living submarines swim over my head inspired me to sculpt one. As always, my thanks to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop.
Wet clay model
Wet clay model
Siberian Tiger in the Snow
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- Category: Sculptures
Tyger Tyger, burning bright,
In the forests of the night;
What immortal hand or eye,
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?
- William Blake
The Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) also called Amur tiger, is considered to be the largest tiger species, weighing up to 700 lbs in the wild and over 1,000 lbs in captivity. This magnificent beast once ranged throughout Korea, north-eastern China, Russian Far East, and eastern Mongolia, but are now limited to mostly Russia and some parts of China. As a subspecies, the Siberian tiger's skull is more massive and broader than Bengals, and their mane and fur thicker, and paws wider. In preparing for this piece, I studied a lot of videos of wild Siberian tigers. One wild Siberian was so large and burly that if not for the stripes could almost pass for a bear! I think my favorite animal of all time is the Siberian tiger for their power, beauty, and rarity. I will definitely be making more tigers as my clay sculpting skills improve. As always, my thanks to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop.
Wet Clay Model
Giant Oceanic Manta Ray and Mermaid
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- Category: Sculptures
The Giant Oceanic Manta Ray (Manta birostris) is the largest ray species in the world, with a wingspan of over 20 feet. These gentle giants feed on zooplankton (shrimp, krill, and planktonic crabs) and are distinguished from other manta ray species with markings on their backs that produce a large capital letter "T". Giant mantas produce one (and occasionally two) offspring per birth cycle (up to 13 months), and their population has drastically declined over the last twenty years due to overfishing. My thanks again to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop.
Wet clay model
Wet clay model
Wet clay model
Concept sketch - done on iPad Pro with Apple Pencil
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