Glass Fusion Metal Fountain - Art Prize 2011

Here's a sneak peak at this years possible ARTPRIZE entry. A stainless steel and fused glass fountain. It's in the beginning stages right now. A lot more polishing and metal work to do yet. It will be a collaboration between myself and Regina Johandes. Regina does some amazing glass work. By far, it is the best I have seen.

Below is a short video of some of her work. She plugged a few of my jewelry racks in, starting around 42 seconds. http://www.designsbyreginamarie.com/video.htm

"Climb" Sculpture - Art of Leadership

Some early shots here of a commission I'm working on for the Art of Leadership Foundation in Detroit. The sculpture is currently resting on its side while working on the metal rocks and climber. The sculpture is in what I call a "roughed in" stage. It's starting to take shape, but there is much to be done yet.

Each rock has a word underneath it and is represented in levels. The climber is progressing and climbing through these tiers....reaching and climbing through rocks in life that hold us back and make us stumble. Climbing further, the person is reaching for goals and standing on rocks that are firm and do not fall.

Rock Obstacles:

Peer Pressure

Abuse

Poverty

Temptation

Indifference

Foundation Rocks:

Family

Integrity

Love

Education

Faith

Rocks reached for:

Wisdom

Leadership

Success

Respect

The sculpture in the end will stand nearly 10 feet in height and 4 feet in width. It's made out of stainless steel and will rest on a 5'x5' cement pad. The back of the sculpture will have a stainless tube support which will be a tree with the foundations logo within.

Family Tree Sculpture

I recently made this family tree sculpture as a gift. If interested in purchasing one for your family, please visit the etsy website for further information. Thanks!

Family Tree Sculpture

This is a metal tree sculpture I made tonight that will be used as a jewelry rack for a gallery in Holland. While making it, all the while I was thinking how cool it would be to make a family tree version. The last name could be flagged at the base of the sculpture and there would be metal leaves with the first name welded on, or cut out of each leaf. Each leaf could then be placed on the branches. As the family grew, additional leaves could be purchased. I thought it was a cool idea.

Pricing:  $200 plus shipping (Approx. $45)
Description:  Up to 15 names.  Sculpture stands approximately 24" tall, 15" wide, and 6" deep.
Hot roll metal tree with copper oak or maple style leaves.

Please email at:  metal_image_design@yahoo.com if interested.  Thanks!

"Chaos"
"Rise Up!"
"Together"
"Light the Fire"


My wife and I attend Grace Community Church in Holland. A few years back our church youth group pastor approached me about making a few sculptures for the new youth building, "The Intersection". Amy and I both were youth group leaders for several years leading up to this. I came up with these which all have a significant meaning for me.

Fused Glass & Metal

I received a call on Monday from Regina Marie Design Gallery in Holland. I met with the owner Regina, who works in the art fused glass. She has some amazing work in her gallery! She had a big show coming up this weekend and wanted me to get a few pieces built to display at the show. It was very short notice, but it all worked out. There are two wall sculptures and one table incorporating her fused glass art with the metal. I love the mixed media. The two go well together.

While working on the plate that makes up the table top, the plate slipped from the vise and fell on my toes. Unfortunately, I wasn't wearing my steel toed shoes at the time and ended up breaking a couple of them. It's the first time I've broken a bone in my body, but it could have been much worse. It's just very uncomfortable to walk needless to say.

I have a lot of people ask me if metal sculpture is hard. I can attest that it is. One must endure smashed body parts, burns, cuts, flying debris, smoke inhalation, and being on fire occasionally. I could tell you a few funny, "I got hurt" stories. If you have a passion for something though, you're willing to endure just about anything. I feel very blessed to be able to do what I do, and be able to share it with others.

If you get a chance, check out Regina Marie Design Gallery. 525 Michigan Ave. Holland, MI on the corner of 22nd street.

Kinetic Grass Sculpture

Here is a recent commission I delivered last weekend. The sculpture has 5 blades and stands nearly 7 feet in height. It's kinetic, with blades that will rock back and forth in the breeze. As you walk around the sculpture, it takes on a new look with the angle changes.