Sculpture notes

by Tom McClelland on August 31, 2010

As the land around here is articulated by the lower arc of sunlight, I return to thoughts of sculpture and form. I often think of my sculptures as vertical landscapes with their textures and coloration, the combination of found objects, pure form, and figuration, being reflective of Eastern Washington landscapes. Although they are metal pieces, they seem organic to me.

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New Work

by Tom McClelland on August 19, 2010

Yesterday, I sculpted a new figure as the kick off for a series. Although, I have some sketches and a lot of ideas running through my brain, I’m not sure just what this series will be. The first one is entitled “Foundation” and consists of this new figure…about to loose it off a brick… balanced on a rock…balanced on a base pad in the shape of a building. Probably has something to do with all my years as a builder of structures and the insanity of my life.

"Foundation"

plaster figure will be cast into bronze soon

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Fritz Lang Fencepost

August 5, 2010

Since folks have been commenting on my sculpture at Maryhill Museum of Art, I thought it appropriate to include another in the “fencepost” series. A couple of years ago, I created a “Fencepost” sculpture, entitled “Metropolis Fencepost” (bronze and stainless steel). It was largely inspired by Fritz Lang’s masterpiece film “Metropolis” (1927) combined with my [...]

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The “Watchdog”

August 2, 2010

Now that the “Bodie” sculpture is installed in downtown Richland, WA, a few of the merchants wondered if he is the new watchdog for the Parkway! I hope they enjoy his presence there. Sculpture, particularly that which is in the public domain, can take on many different interpretations. Enjoy!

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Summertime

July 22, 2010

Summer time. Now, with the “Bodie” sculpture completed and installed in downtown Richland, I am working on a small commission piece for a collector in California and some speculative work of my own. Of course, I am casting about for more work, as well. If anyone out there is interested in my sculpture or my [...]

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Bodie, finally!

July 13, 2010

The “Bodie” sculpture is finally completed and ready for installation! After many days of welding, cutting, and grinding,my good friend, Larry Oates and my wife, Ann, helped me get the sculpture loaded into my truck for the final touches (patina) at Old School Bronze. We are installing this Thursday with the reception/dedication at noon on [...]

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Balance and Counterbalance

June 15, 2010

Balancing and counter balancing mass is a big part of my sculpture work. That, along with an  asymmetrical design approach fosters a sense of movement and, even, precariousness in the overall forms. I find symmetry and the use of too many right angles to be rather boring and far too static.

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“Bodie” update

June 4, 2010

I picked up the rough castings of the “Bodie”piece from Old School Bronze (the foundry I use for large scale work) yesterday. They look good. Now it’s weld… weld…weld and, grind…grind..grind. With work on my other projects, I should have the final “Bodie” sculpture all assembled and ready for the patina in about three weeks. 

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Lena Horne Remembered

May 24, 2010

Singer Lena Horne died this past week, and I was reminded of a sculpture I did entitled “Stormy Weather.”  This piece was influenced by the stormy spring weather in Benton County, which was when I was working on it in my studio, and got the title from the song that Ms. Horne made so famous.  The sculpture is bronze and [...]

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Maryhill 2

May 12, 2010

  This Saturday,May 15, there will be a walk through the Maryhill Museum of Art’s Outdoor Sculpture Garden at 4pm, with a reception for artists.  Maryhill’s curator, Steve Grafe will be on hand to comment on the work, along with several of this years artists, including Yours Truly. I hope many of you traveling this [...]

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