Even though I failed to create any interest in last years sculpture competition, run by the local district art society, I've decided to have another go. I was amazed by some of the odd pieces I saw last year, some of which were highly commended. This year I have entered something a little different. It is made from 25, 14,and 12mm steel, with the 25mm being upset at the ends to give me more bulk. The sculpture is mounted in a block of sandstone and the same stone was used to make the 'egg'. I have called it 'The Initiation' (Make of it what you will.....I think that's how it works :) ). I am worried that it may be too contrived and that I may have been better off welding a bunch of random scrap together and calling it 'The Pain of Childbirth'...lol. 

 

I welcome any comments or criticisms

 

Cheers Ian

Wow, nicely done!  I like how you used the two mediums.

 

I'm new to blacksmithing but a long time hobby artist.  What if you bent/curved the central rod towards the egg side, as if the weight of everything on the top were making it bend over that way.  May make it seem more "life-like".  Not really a critizism, just a different take as I really like it the way it is.

 

In my area they have an art competition called "Art Prize".  Theres a winner picked by popular vote by spectators and one picked by judges (art snobs).  It's a little contraversal with the artist types but has really been a big success with the amount of people coming to the area to see it.  

I like it and it looks good, certainlys qualifies as "yard art" in our corner of the world. Its abstract, has natual elements and ikt comes with it's own stand.   Good luck with the judges.

 

Peter

I think its a cool little piece, having it support itself is a hugh bonus. I would like to see the transitions from small material to the large stock worked out a bit more. Just produce more work you'll get it out there, or like me you'll have a bunch of stuff in your yard :rolleyes:

i think it is xxxxxxx awesome!!! it is a great metal sculpture. well worthy of the art world. i have also had problems cracking this world. it seams that if you paint or do pottery you are a shoe in. if you do contemporary stainless sculptures and give it a stupid name like bleeding heart of Athena, and the piece is a sheet of stainless steel with some lines on it to put in a corner you are a shoe in.

but for the hand forged steel sculptures that have so much mor time and meaning that you only get to be in the yard art group. even if your piece is better than museum quality. i would gladly display your sculpture in my living room. and put the Mona Lisa out in the flower bed!!

I really like it and believe it could be displayed anywhere.  I initially thought it was a light stand with the bulb being held as the light.  Could work?  Just produce more pieces.  

Think I would have continued the thick bar on around in the same arc till it was near the same elevation as the cluster weld on the upright . There it would bend sharply in to the middle bar and whip up then down to point the cage down. I admit to being Art Nouveau  obssesed. 

I like it.  Good use ofl jointery and style.  Well thought out with nice flow.  Good use for a large rock.

I agree with Dillon, I too had a couple of tons of yard art before I got to where I was making sales but I still had a lot of left overs, so make lots of stuff it helps you get there quicker. I like the piece but the more you make the freer they will look and have that less contrived look you mentioned not liking so much. Just remember you don't need to be the one that is really happy with your work but just the customer or in this case the judges. It never ceases to amaze me what wins the prizes or what gets bought. I sometimes think to myself, "So, someone actually bought that" or " THAT got first place!OMG!!". Don't go around saying things like that out loud unless you are real good friends with the artist or the patron it can get in a heap of trouble.

Good piece, I like the part that is wrapping in a vine-like fashion around the main curve, maybe it could be cool if more of the was happening. Keep going, there are some really nice forms emerging.

Wow, thanks very much for all your comments,observations and advice, all very much appreciated.

 

Cheers Ian

Hi Ian, I really like the sandstone the sculpture is set in as well as your sculpture. Agree with the other comments on the more you do the sculptures seem to develop more flow and balance as your mind loosens up...does that make sense ? Anyway for me, that appears to be the case...I think. Good luck in the ' Arts ' competition !

Denise

Uncle Ian

 

Keep telling you give up your day job Really good work

 

Cheers John and Dags

Beautiful art piece. Like the use of stone and metal, the design portrays a lot of meanings. It shows movement and balance. This would be great in a science exhibit. Great work and good luck! 

I love the way the lines flow! You should be proud of your work. Keep it up!