LauraArmstrong.studio
  • Home
  • Featured Work
  • About
    • Artist Statement
    • Techniques
    • About Laura
    • Press
  • Repertoire
    • Sculpture
    • Lighting
    • Architectural Elements
    • Objets d'Art
    • Commissions
  • Musings...A Blog
  • Past Newsletters
  • Contact

Chaparral Outdoor Sculpture

5/15/2010

 
This graceful roadrunner resides in the Hill Country backyard garden of Warren and Adrienne Armstrong,  where they often retire in the evenings with a glass of wine.  

I started the design process for this sculpture by researching the shape of the bird.  I then fashioned a clay model, paying attention to the shapes and lines that make one think ‘roadrunner’ at first glance.  Thinking back on it, I’ve done several bird sculptures to date, so there must be something in me that’s enamored of birds...  

The roadrunner is no exception.  Their bodies are elongated, they’re slender, and they’ve got fascinating feet (two toes forward, two toes back, each with a fabulous spiky barb at the tip that’s really fun to recreate in sculpture).

After designing the clay model, I made a maquette (a smaller version, a sample) to make sure I was familiar with the lines and shape of the bird.  For the body, I used the tack-and-bend process embraced by sculptor Tom Gingras, and I blacksmithed the beak and barbs on the feet.  The maquette is about a third the size of the commissioned sculpture.

It was important to visit the patio where said bird would be residing, so a drive to Warren and Adrienne’s -- coincidentally during peak wildflower season along Hwy. 71 -- was warranted.  We drank tea on the patio and decided on the best sculpture dimensions for the space.  

Once the sculpture was finished, we introduced the chaparral to his new home and celebrated with some bubbly this time (instead of tea!..). 

Heron Task Lamp with Swivel Neck

5/5/2010

 
I designed this lamp based on the lines of a heron that frequents the backyard.  

I slumped the glass on a mold I made, then forged the armature beneath that supports the glass.  The body of the lamp is sheet metal shaped by hand hammering, then oxy-fuel welded together.  The neck swivels back and forth, making it suitable as a task lamp for, say, sewing or reading.

    Mailing list sign-up

    MUSINGS

    Back stories and latest goings-on in the studio

    Categories

    All
    Architectural Elements
    Lighting
    Objets D'Art
    Sculpture


    Archives

    September 2023
    June 2023
    March 2023
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    October 2021
    May 2021
    March 2021
    December 2020
    March 2020
    January 2020
    September 2019
    August 2019
    May 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    July 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    February 2016
    December 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    March 2014
    January 2014
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    May 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    May 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    August 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010
    October 2009
    July 2009
    May 2009
    February 2009

LAURAARMSTRONG.STUDIO
Copyright 2023 Laura Armstrong. All rights reserved.
  • Home
  • Featured Work
  • About
    • Artist Statement
    • Techniques
    • About Laura
    • Press
  • Repertoire
    • Sculpture
    • Lighting
    • Architectural Elements
    • Objets d'Art
    • Commissions
  • Musings...A Blog
  • Past Newsletters
  • Contact