Dear Friends,
When I started Sandicast in my garage back in 1981 with only four sculptures-a bunny, fawn, squirrel and Cocker pup, I realized my dream of creating a business that combined my God-given artistic talent with my lifelong love of animals. Now my collection includes over 600
different dogs, cats and wildlife. I never knew back then that Sandicast would grow to be loved and collected around the world. I go to the homes of top breeders, where I work with several dogs. I strive to come as close as possible to the breed standard, yet capture a distinctive and characteristic pose that will cause pet lovers to say "That's my dog!"
On the first day, I play with and observe the dogs and we quickly become friends. At this time, I take photos of them to aid me in blocking out the general shape. I memorize the pose I find most typical and, from that point on, I sculpt from live animals during my return trips to the breeder. After each piece is sculpted, I carefully etch each individual hair, which can take up to five days to complete. Sometimes I get so involved with what I am doing I work through the night.
To sculpt wild animals, I go into the field. For North American wildlife I travel to Bear Country USA in South Dakota, a 300 acre animal reserve with bison, grizzlies, moose and wolves. There I am able to get close to these magnificent animals and capture their true character and realism.
For exotic animals such as meerkats or tigers, I'll work behind the scenes at the San Diego Zoo, observing koalas or hippos up close. Dear Friends.
When I started Sandicast in my garage back in 1981 with only four sculptures-a bunny, fawn, squirrel and Cocker pup, I realized my dream of creating a business that combined my God-given artistic talent with my lifelong love of animals. Now my collection includes over 600 different dogs, cats and wildlife. I never knew back then that Sandicast
would grow to be loved and collected around the world. I go to the homes of top breeders, where I work with several dogs. I strive to come as close as possible to the breed standard, yet capture a distinctive and characteristic pose that will cause pet lovers to say "That's my dog!"
On the first day, I play with and observe the dogs and we quickly become friends.
At this time, I take photos of them to aid me in blocking out the general shape. I memorize the pose I find most typical and, from that point on, I sculpt from live animals during my return trips to the breeder. After each piece is sculpted, I carefully etch each individual hair, which can take up to five days to complete. Sometimes I get so involved with what I am doing I work through the night.
To sculpt wild animals, I go into the field. For North American wildlife I travel to Bear Country USA in South Dakota, a 300 acre animal reserve with bison, grizzlies, moose and wolves. There I am able to get close to these magnificent animals and capture their true character and realism.
For exotic animals such as meerkats or tigers, I'll work behind the scenes at the San Diego Zoo,observing koalas or hippos up close.