Of Dust and Dreams

Figure 1: The tree is still rooted in the ground.  The approximate weight of this West Texas juniper is 350 pounds.

Figure 2: The log is cut loose. Note the horse’s rider drawn to the right of the carving mallet.

Figure 3: The figures are beginning to be blocked out.  The piece is still in the canyon, far below any road.

Figure 4: The calf, the horse and the rider are continuing to take shape.

Figure 5: The sculpture is finally in the studio.  All three figures are clearly proportioned and blocked out.  The details are established from this point with a variety of tools, primarily a Nicholson #50 pattern rasp which not only rapidly smooths out gouge marks but can be used to establish details.  A Nicholson 1/2 round second cut file removes the rasp marks and prepares the surface for 220 sandpaper and ready to be refined.

Figure 6: A closeup of the finished sculpture.

Click Here to see “Dust and Dreams” in the Treasures of the West Gallery with the poem that Chris wrote for this sculpture.

Written by John White

Chris is an unusual artist in the sense that he personally harvests the juniper wood for his commissioned works. He makes frequent trips to Texas for this reason. He would love to visit with you about ideas for sculptures that you would like him to do.

May 17, 2020

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