SUSTAINABLE SCULPTURE; A CASE STUDY IN CREATING SHADOW THE WOLF

05 Jul 2023

Published in: Member News

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While writing, I have been busy meeting new clients, making plans for new designs and revisiting the creation of Shadow wolf to write this blog has given me time to think about how this can translate into the creation of other animals using different automotive parts.

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After a very busy May, this month I have been able to sit and reflect on the exciting events and wanted to share more of the process that goes in the creation of one of my most popular pieces, Shadow.

While writing, I have been busy meeting new clients, making plans for new designs and revisiting the creation of Shadow wolf to write this blog has given me time to think about how this can translate into the creation of other animals using different automotive parts.

Watch this space…lots to come from Oliver Wellings Designs!

HOW DID YOU CREATE THE WOLF’S PERSONALITY THROUGH YOUR DESIGN AND CREATION PROCESS?

Shadow is a remarkable addition to our original collection of handcrafted sculptures. This unique piece is meticulously constructed using upcycled materials sourced from an automotive factory. Through my skilled manipulation of these materials, I have shaped them into various forms necessary to achieve Shadow’s remarkably lifelike appearance.

A significant aspect of my sculpture designs revolves around capturing the distinct personality of each animal, and this holds true for Shadow as well. Paying meticulous attention to detail, I have painstakingly crafted the facial features, recognizing their paramount importance in bringing out the true essence of the sculpture. In the creation of Shadow’s face, we have ingeniously incorporated automotive products such as flanges, baffles, and an exclusive fur design.

These elements not only contribute to the lifelike representation of Shadow’s countenance but also create an immersive effect, evoking the imagery of him stealthily traversing the enchanting woods of British Columbia.

WHICH AUTOMOTIVE PARTS WERE USED FOR THE WOLF SCULPTURE AND HOW DID YOU DISCOVER THE BEST PARTS TO USE FOR THE DIFFERENT BODY PARTS?

An essential aspect I aimed to portray in the creation of Shadow was his captivating prowling motion through the woods. To achieve this dynamic quality, I employed sheet metal to sculpt the desired body shape, which served as the canvas for his remarkable transformation.

Contrary to the usual practice of sending back second-grade sheet metal for reprocessing at a smelting factory, I chose to reclaim and refurbish it, utilizing it as the sturdy foundation for Shadow’s form. By skillfully integrating this material, I was able to fashion lifelike muscle definition, lending him the captivating presence he possesses to this day.

ANY TRICKY PARTS THAT TOOK SOME TRIAL AND ERROR TO GET RIGHT?

Embarking on any life-sized project entails encountering various challenges, and crafting a wolf based on the largest wolf ever discovered, while ensuring it matches the weight of its real counterpart, presented a formidable endeavour.

Amidst this ambitious undertaking, one particular aspect captured my undivided attention: the paws.

My determination to strike the perfect balance between showcasing unique attributes of an Oliver Wellings Design sculpture and preserving the authentic appearance of the wolf was paramount.

It was only after numerous iterations (with the sixth design!) that I finally achieved a result that satisfied my discerning eye. Dedication to this meticulous process ultimately yielded the exquisitely realistic depiction of paws captured by Shadow and shared with audiences at an international level.

ARE THERE PLANS FOR FUTURE WOLVES OR ANIMALS INSPIRED BY THIS SUCCESS?

With the triumph of my initial collection, I am already diligently forging ahead with plans for future designs. Among the distinguishing elements that continue to define an Oliver Wellings Design sculpture, the fur design stands out prominently, captivating sustainable sculpture enthusiasts worldwide. Its allure has drawn attention from art and sculpture collectors across the globe.

The versatility of this fur design is a testament to its adaptability, as it can be tailored to suit any animal. This unique attribute opens up boundless possibilities for future projects, catering to the individual preferences of bespoke collectors of my work. As I embark on new artistic endeavours, the potential for creating captivating and personalised sculptures knows no limits. If you are interested in a piece, or commissioning your own bespoke sustainably sourced design, my contact details are over on my Contact page.

www.oliverwellingsdesigns.co.uk