My inspiration for this piece: I visited an alpaca ranch. Since alpacas are not the most social animals, the owner gave me some sweet treats to use in getting them to come to me in the open field. As soon as they discovered the treats in my jean pockets, I had 2-3 three on each side trying to get their noses into my pockets. I could not stop laughing!
The alpacas I saw had just been sheared. Their skinny necks, fluffy big heads and endearing smiles were just the motivation I needed to then pick them to sculpt.
These unkept teeth would make a quality breeder shudder but are sure to generate joy and laughter in many.
Sheared Joy (alpacas)
*Can purchase together on one base or as individual sculptures
H - 6", W 4 1/2" x D 5 1/2" (each head without base)
Edition size: 20
Price: $1840 (both on stone/wood base) or $850 each
This is a Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep. These 400-500 pound rams are famous for their large curled horns. They have good eyesight which aids in jumping, gaining footholds and observing surrounding areas for predators. If the ram's horns get too big, he will rub off the ends (called brooming) to keep them from interfering with his vision.
Handful (Western Lowland Gorillas)
H 13", W 10", D 8" without base
Edition Size: 30
$2650
WWF Donation - With each sale of this piece I will make a donation to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in support of the vital conservation work they orchestrate globally.
Some Bunny Loves You (bunny)
4"H x 2-1/2"W x 3-1/2"D
Edition Size: 50
$520
Horn of Plenty (big horn sheep)
12" T, 8" W, 5" D (with granite and wood base)
Edition Size: 20
$2110
Playtime (wolf and raven)
14" H, 8" W, 7" D with base
Edition Size: 20
$2000
Shari Vines studio
Wolves and ravens are known to pair up in service of each other in the wild. The wolf catches its prey, the raven perches in a tree to alert the approach of other predators. When the wolf is satiated, it allows the raven to feed. Once they have both eaten and rested, they sometimes play.
That thought of them spontaneously playing in the wild moved me to capture that magical moment. Here the raven has just swooped down and pecked the shoulder of the wolf as the wolf jumps up and then continues to bound across the meadow. We all need to remember the joy and power of play!