Howdle Studios

Fell Pony ready for installation

Bruce — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 23:48:33 +0000

The following photos are organizing the three moduals and cleats prior to glueing the 124 pieces that create this image.

Fell Pony and Laxey Church after firing.

Bruce — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:55:48 +0000

Laxey Church being glued on hanging board.

Fell Pony just unloaded with a few pieces in kiln. The number inventory is to the right.

Raven sculpture just before boxing and shipping to VA. Over 24" in

height.

Laxey Church for UW-Platteville Museum.

Bruce — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:35:03 +0000

Cutting down and hollowing fell pony.

Bruce — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 19:33:49 +0000

Fell Pony 7'wide fire place mantel.

Bruce — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 22:18:35 +0000

Artist Statement for UW-Platteville Direct Purchase.

Bruce — Sat, 14 May 2011 13:01:20 +0000

These works were selected from gallery pieces that I have produced from personal inspiration.

My works range from pieces made with a half a pound of clay to more than nine tons. I am motivated to express in clay, my interpretation of animals and other living forms in motion. Detail is secondary, with primary emphasis on capturing the spirit of the subject.

I focus on sculpting animals, birds, fish and the human experience. Each piece concentrates on the spirit and the gesture of that subject. I am presently intrigued by making both the undefined silhouette of the mural and the surrounding negative space of the wall important part of the composition.

As I create the image, the surface is dominated by texture and gesture created by the need to be expedient, and by my desire to show traces of the sculpting process that help to communicate the spirit and energy of the figure. I strive for accuracey of the subject with laboring the process.

What I appreciate most about working with clay is the surface spontaneity, which I find especially beneficial because of the need to be expedient in finishing the design before the clay dries. After drying it is fired with a sodium process that melts the clay surface, preserving the mural's design and creating a very durable piece impervious to weather. This process also allows the clay to maintain its natural coloration if desired and to outlast the structure on which it is mounted.

Final image on Concord commission:

Bruce — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 16:11:00 +0000

Installing the central panel at Concord Rider Transit in NC. Photos were taken by L.J. Weslowski who manages the bus transit system.

General over view of 4 of the 5 panels.

Completion of Direct Purchase for UW-Platteville, WI and DNR office, Merrill, WI

Bruce — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 22:43:39 +0000

Located at The DNR Council Grounds State Park public Entrance Visitor station.Through the Wisconsin Arts Board for the percent for the arts this was one of Three selected for Boebel Hall.For UW-Platteville, Boebel Hall.Bison for Boebel HallIn this view we can get two in.

Setting the angle for the cleat to hang the two panels for Culver's

Bruce — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 20:02:01 +0000

To be located to the right of existing mural in the lower middle section of the wall.Will be located at the upper far right.

Installed the two companion reliefs.

Installation in Concord.

Bruce — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 22:27:38 +0000

Truck being loaded with Concord NC Rider Transit mural.After 1000 miles driving on Tuesday began installation with supplied help from Concord.Tom is routering out the area to counter sink the screws to mount the hanging template for the central mual.Finished hanging the central piece and getting ready to move on to the other 4.