Using a real dolphin vertebra (tursiops truncatus) as the model,I'm making a large scale version(5 ft.wide) in stainless steel.

Getting there. Working on chest and armpits at the moment, you go a really strange shape when you raise your arms like that. New framework for legs nearly ready for insertion. Will post pictures when finished, est 7 tonne finished weight. We have an agreement in principle to have our unveiling at solstice this year! One last meeting to dot i's and cross t's. Cant believe thats happening. Have arranged to deliver the head to the local school after easter, the ALevel art group are going to be making him a summer crown based around the mighty oak. Dont feel we are on the downward slope yet but definatwely getting there.

The sculpture in the paintbooth with the first few base coats applied...

This work finally got installed today after it's 10K paint job.The colors change as you walk around the piece and as the light changes. It forms the focal point for Palm Square shopping center on the North side of Santa Rosa,(where I live).At the outset the client told me the piece would be painted and I also was restricted to the banana leaf motif,both aspects took me far outside my "comfort zone". However I was not required to install the piece nor oversee the paint aspect,and all permits,fees,and ordinance applications were taken care of by the client.For these reasons I took the job. I was also encouraged the more research I did on the paint.The only time I ever grow is when I'm taken out of my comfort zone so I rolled with it.Under these circumstances it's definitely not the most creative work I've ever done but I'm reasonably happy with the outcome ,as is the client,and in this particular case,I DO think the colors add more interest to the form...