Here is a brief slideshow of some images of how i create a large welded metal sculpture.
     I first chose an illustration i could enlarge and transfer to my work table.

     I then bend metal pieces to conform to the drawing and construct a 3D metal framework of the face and head. The structure shows the basic planes of the head that i use as a reference when adding metal to construct a face. My armature is the framework that i built from the drawing. this I use as a guide when starting to sculpt a large metal face. I have attached the armature to a stable steel base that is a good working height. later on in the sculpting process when the new sculpted form has enough strength to stand on its own, i remove the under-structure or armature and set aside for another time.

The sculpture is starting to take shape.

Now for some buffalo horns and feather head-dress and off to the sculpture park.

     I have just launched a new video blog channel called "Explore Welded Metal Sculpture". It is about Education, Motivation and Inspiration for welded metal sculpture. This You Tube channel is for anyone who wants to see videos of my finished sculptures, sculptures in progress, sculpture and art projects i am working on and education on how to weld metal sculpture.

          It is also focused on helping those of you interested in my sculpting process, the tools i use, arts shows, art shows i'm curating and art exhibits i'm involved in. 
      
        This You Tube channel is also geared to help motivate, educate and inspire those interested in how to get started with welded metal sculpture. The main goal of this channel is to express the inspiration and achievements of what i love to do most and share any  knowledge that can help others get started in this awesome and rewarding art-form.
   
     The video is coming soon. It loaded sideways so i need to redo it. Please come back later to see it. Thank You.

      It's been since 2007 since i've sculpted  a large head sculpture over four ft. tall. The Cloverdale Ca. Sculpture Trail juried outdoor sculpture exhibit is a good opportunity for me to create this new piece for their 2017-2018 sculpture exhibit.
   The sculpture is being made from the usual recycled metal parts and pieces. It's all welded together using mig welding and oxyacetylene cutting and welding. The biggest problem i have making a sculpture this big is finding enough interesting metal parts to use. Just recently A&S metal recycling co. just told me they will not be selling metal to individuals any more. That"s a huge disappointment because now i am forced to find other resources for my recycled metals. I was lucky to find a very generous man who let me take away a van-load of his junk metal that he was tossing out.
    This Indian bust sculpture is titled "Chief Steel Feather" and will be on display this summer of 2017 in the town of Cloverdale Ca. Keep in mind this image is early in progress so its hard to judge how it will look when finished. It will have a large feather head-dress and other embellishments.

        Here it is more progressed.