My Largest Sculpture to Date: A Bison for the Henry Vila Zoo

Welcome to BM Sculptures! I'm Blake, and I’m thrilled to take you along on the incredible journey of creating my latest and largest masterpiece—a life-size bison for the Henry Vila Zoo. This project pushed my artistic skills to new heights and tested my creativity in unexpected ways.

Crafting the Bison's Horns: A Labor of LoveThe journey began with the meticulous creation of the bison's horns, a task that demanded precision and patience. Crafted from stainless steel, each horn weighed around 10 pounds and took an entire week to complete. These horns weren’t just a functional part of the sculpture; they were a symbol of the strength and power that this majestic creature embodies.

Experimenting with New Materials: A Fiery Challenge

For those who follow my work, you know I typically carve sculptures from pink insulation foam. But this time, I decided to experiment with polyurethane foam taxidermy forms. Little did I know, this new material would bring its own set of challenges. The foam was highly flammable, and I had a few close calls that resulted in small fires. It became clear that working with this material required caution, so I kept a spray bottle and fire extinguisher close at hand throughout the project.

Perfecting the Bison's Head: An Exercise in Precision

One of the most challenging aspects of this sculpture was adjusting the angle of the bison's head. To achieve the perfect position, I crafted several wedges, reworking the neck and adjusting the wedges multiple times until the alignment was just right. This level of detail was crucial to bringing the bison to life.

Bringing the Bison to Life: Texturing and Finishing

To capture the bison's natural texture, I covered parts of the sculpture with spray foam, which I then coated with thousands of shredded tires to mimic fur. This technique not only added realism but also aligned with my commitment to using recycled materials in my art.

Despite my best efforts, the flammability of the foam continued to be a concern. Even with aluminum tape for protection, welding still resulted in occasional small fires, underscoring the challenges of working with unconventional materials.

Fiberglassing and Final Touches: A Lesson in Patience

The next step was fiberglassing, a process that required careful handling to avoid damaging the foam. Fortunately, the polyurethane foam held up well, allowing me to move forward with the painting. I painted the bison black to add depth and realism, and then added stainless steel eyeballs for that lifelike finish.

A Sustainable Touch: Repurposing Old Bike Tires

One of the unique aspects of this sculpture was the use of old bike tires for the bison's outer layer. I sourced these tires from local bike shops, giving new life to discarded materials and adding a distinctive look to the sculpture. The tires were pressure-washed and treated to ensure they were clean and ready for use, showcasing how sustainability can enhance artistic expression.

Overcoming Last-Minute Challenges

As with any large project, there were unexpected challenges. I discovered a critical issue beneath the bison during the final stages, requiring a last-minute adjustment. It was a reminder of the unpredictability of the creative process and the importance of adaptability.

The Grand Reveal: A Testament to Creativity and Dedication

Finally, after countless hours of hard work, the bison sculpture was complete. Every detail, from the intricately welded horns to the lifelike fur, was a testament to the dedication and creativity that went into this project. My commitment to accuracy led me to make final adjustments based on real-life bison anatomy, ensuring the sculpture was as true to life as possible.

Thank you for joining me on this artistic journey. Your support means everything to me. Whether you're a fan of tire sculptures, metalworking, or epoxy wood creations, your feedback is invaluable. Let me know what you’d like to see next in the comments below!

And now, without further ado, I’m proud to present the life-size bison sculpture. Don’t forget to visit the Henry Vila Zoo to experience this piece in person!

I’m Blake from BM Sculptures, signing off. Thank you for your continued support, and please subscribe for more updates on my artistic ventures.