the "middle" of the gate

It's been a while since I've posted the progress on Rick's new creation. These images are of "The Gate". It's coming along very nicely. It's interesting to see the " bare bones" of each bird. This one is already taking on it's own personality, both in presence of size and general demeanor.



I love seeing how the face and mouth turn out. I'm sure it will change some more, even by the next photo shoot.

the start of a new one

While I was photographing Raptor, I had the chance to see Rick's new piece. I don't think they have a name just yet, but it's amazing to see the process of the "naked bird". You can see the detail he forms into the steel so the finished piece resembles the rock. Keep your eye peeled for this piece in the near future. Right Side Productions has big plans for this one.

raptor

Rick crafted this bird several years ago, but I never had the chance to photograph it. So, when right side productions informed me that it would be in town for a few days before heading off to Arizona or somewhere monuments go, I had that quick chance to photograph it.

Lovely bird.

Raptor
7 ft. 9 inches tall
5 ft 5 in wing span
weight: 800 lbs.

stealth complete

Rick finished her this week. And she's quite lovely. I've started calling Stealth a "her". She just feels that way to me.

I asked him if he thought of them, sexual wise, when creating them. You know, got a feel for the creature, male or female, and if that translated into the finished project.

He didn't. He just went with a feeling in mind.

menacing...

STEALTH
hatched february 2006
H 11' - 7 "
W 5' x 7"
weight, aprx. 1750 lbs.

stealth arrives

This is what the sculptures look like after they are sanded. Now she's ready for the color. I asked Rick once if he cosidered each piece male or female. He said he didn't care. Funny. I see this one as female.

stealth

Rick titled this beast, "Stealth".

It's ready to be sanded, which is the stage before the color is applied.

the artist

Meet Rick Cunningham. He's an amazing artist that creates monumental sculptures of Eagles. The great American Bird of Prey. This blog is dedicated to his work and will feature photographs of his creations.

The photograph above is him, working on "stealth".