Frank, the finished raven looks great the way you have it mounted to the rock. Nice choice of rocks too.

How many hours do you figure you have in it?

Steve

Hi Steve,
Thanks. I couldn't get one of those fancy rocks soon enough, so I trudged 60 feet through over four feet of snow to my rock stash. That's the first rock I uncovered and it was flat on the bottom too.It weighs around eighty pounds. I was puffing pretty good by the time I got it back inside.Lots of different colored moss, I like it too.
Three weeks, but I have no clue as to how many hours. It just seems that there's more sand in the top of the glass after I shape some metal. Does that make sense?
Frank

Hi Nelson,
Thanks. That's my second bird. I sure learned a lot though.Might try one more.
Frank

Hi QuiQue,
Thank you very much.It truly is a fascinating creature.
Frank

Hi Gerald,
Thank you, and fair winds to you brother.
Frank

Hi Paula,
Thank you for all your encouragement, it helps.
Frank

Hi Jake,
Thanks.The color seems to change with the ambient light.For the photograph you see, I used six sixty watt incandescent light bulbs and a black background. Against a light background it looks almost black. The camera flash makes it look brown.I would have shown the sculpture with different lighting variations but I'm sure people are getting a bit tired of this same old bird.The rock was serendipitous.
Frank

I like your art and would gladly look at different pictures of it. I think you have really done a good job getting the feel and heart of the bird in there.

Rick Crawford at Smoky Forge

Hi Rick,
Thank you.On the absolutely coldest, windiest, bone chilling days there's always a Raven to be seen flying with such joy I get warm watching.These memories provide such a strong motivation its almost like the Raven is shaping the metal.
Frank

Hi Rick,
Thank you.I have to admit that the rock I used was the first one I uncovered.The choice was made for me.
Frank

Hi Brad,
I live in the Hiawatha National Forest. Every day I awaken I thank our Creator for allowing me to live in such an enchanted place.The rock base is a piece of 500 million year old Cambrian Sandstone just like the Pictured Rocks.
I think I understand why the Raven is embedded in so many cultures. It interacts with other beings and the environment in an intelligent yet playful manner.My goal was to capture that spirit.
Your comment gave me a chill as it suggest that I may have achieved this goal. Thank you Brad, and everyone else who has been supportive and encouraging.I know.... "get back to work!"
Frank

Hello Friend,
Thank You very much.What you say means a lot to me.
Peace,eh?
Frank

what an amazing piece and everyone here has said it all....
What awesome energy has been transmitted into this raven. I'm sure this piece would sell in a NY minute if you chose to.
The texture of the wings are exquisite! You definitely have these birds as your spirit guides....I am in awe!
SteelyJan

Hi SteelyJan,
Thank you.I do believe that our Creator chose to let these creatures influence me in ways I didn't even imagine. I must learn to be more respectful. I studied the Raven and Eagle and described the Raven as being so intelligent with his large brain compared to the Eagle who's skull is filled with eyes.
The Eagle's spirit let me see the sky through his eyes and I saw more sky than I ever thought possible."so my brain is so small, every thing you now see is my spirit."
Even more important I have you and others in this unique gathering as guides to each other.I am dearly greatful.
Frank

Hi Peter,
Thank you very much.
Frank

Hi Rick,
This Raven has a wingspan of less than four feet while the actual Northern Raven has a wingspan of around 50-60 inches.That's a pretty big bird.
Frank