7450 Highway 128, Philo, CA 95466, US
Tuco's Story
Tuco Being Her Joyful Self
Tuco Being Her Joyful Self
Tuco Being Her Joyful Self
It was a gorgeous day at the Art Fair when I met Tuco's family for the first time. They were enjoying a totem pole I had made about my dog, Charlotte, and her many moods and they started telling me about their Goldendoodle, Tuco. She was currently undergoing chemotherapy and her future was uncertain.
They told me what a great dog Tuco is and how much she is loved as a member of their family.
Tuco the Golden Doodle
Tuco Being Her Joyful Self
Tuco Being Her Joyful Self
They shared stories about her like the time she found a fawn trapped in some fencing and went and got the family to come set it free. Stories about her playing with rabbits that come into the garden and family vacations they took together, including a trip to the snow, which Tuco loved. Through their photos and stories I got to know Tuco without ever meeting her.
I spent the next 6 months studying photos of Tuco and creating ...
'Willie'
'Willie' African Grey Parrot
Otis and His Blue Sweater
Otis
Otis needed a surgery, as most pets do from time to time, but wearing that 'cone of shame' was just too much for a cat of his sensibilities. Luckily his mom, Barbara, had saved a sweater from her son's baby clothes. She got it out of storage and let Otis wear it while he recovered.
Otis loved the snuggily blue sweater so much that he continued wearing it for the rest of his life.
A Well Dressed Cat
His passing left such a huge hole in the family that they decided it would comfort everyone to have a sculpture to remember him by.
'Taffy'
'Taffy' a perky pup
Batman and Robin
Batman and Robin
Chester and Winston certainly cut dashing figures in their Halloween costumes as Batman and Robin. They tickle my heart every time I see them.
These two were a lot of fun to sculpt and a bit of a challenge too, especially Winston, who is very fluffy. I wasn’t able to capture the wispiness of his fur but I think I caught his personality pretty well. I’m sure they bring constant delight to their family, in costume or out.
Chester and Winston
How lucky we are to have furry ‘Superheroes’ that warm our hearts, bring us comfort and keep us entertained every day.
'Lulu"
'Lulu' at home
Commissioning a Sculpture
How it Works
I consider my portrait sculptures to be more of a caricature than a realistic copy of your pet. They are an art piece your family will treasure. With each one I try to capture the spirit and mannerisms of your pet - the things that make your pet so special.
I work from photographs that you send me. The more directions I can see your pet from the better but lots of times I work from a single snapshot.
Before I begin we talk for a while about your pet so I get to know him or her a bit. I like to think of them while I'm working on their sculpture and trying to capture that special something. We agree on a pose for your pet and then I get started.
The process takes several months. I share a photo with you mid way - before the piece dries in case I need to adjust anything. Once it's dry it gets fired, glazed and fired again. Then it's ready to go home.
Each sculpture is different but most are between 10 and 18 inches tall. Pricing ranges from $750 to $1250 for single animal sculptures. I can also create a full totem pole for you with multiple animals which is a special way for you to remember all of your wonderful pets. We set a budget for the piece and once I receive a non-refundable deposit I begin work.
If you'd like to talk about a special sculpture of your pet email me and we can arrange a call to talk about it.
Charlie and Penny
The Catch
A Note from Gordon
"I was totally blown away by Alexis' spectacular totem that my wife Renate had commissioned as a surprise gift.
All my memories of wonderful pets, as well as current ones were captured in the most realistic sculpture conceivable. Alexis captured not only the physical aspects of our pets but also their spiritual side in the most wonderful way.
One can almost think they are going to emerge from their stone like forms back into real life.
Gordon
Renate and Gordon with "The Catch"