My first animal sculpture...
Guinea Pig Hug will certainly appeal to guinea pig lovers. Before, I've worked briefly from a cat and a dove, but not cast them in bronze. This work is not typical of the animal sculpture genre and although a change of direction for me is still recognisable as one of my original bronze sculptures. It is inspired by our wonderful fat, cheerful, pet guinea pig called Chocolate, who belongs to my younger son. Our two guinea pigs came from a pet refuge here in Norwich over a year ago and they have become important to our family life. I had forgotten the point of family pets till these two came home with us. We are enjoying the pair of them so much I felt like imortalising them in a guinea pig sculpture! Each of my boys owns one and they live indoors in the playroom so they get lots of attention. Chocolate is the chubbiest and tamest so he modelled for this animal sculpture. Chocolate is male and is definitely an alpha pig with his large head and long solid body. He's is very forgiving, friendly and fun, and is happy to lie on his back in a super-relaxed way while we feed him his favourite herbs.
I've been wondering whether I should get my first animal sculpture cast into bronze or not. The cost of making the mould and casting the bronze is considerable, especially if the poor old guinea pig sculpture ends up in my studio unloved and unwanted. However, I think I shall follow my instinct and order it in bronze, hopefully in time for Christmas 2007. Maybe some guinea pig loving person would like to find an animal sculpture in their stocking! Go back to the top of My First Animal Sculpture.
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Guinea Pig Hug/9" high
In the sculpture he's roughly life-size and standing upright - which I have to admit he cannot do unaided. It then felt obvious to add the child, smaller than he is, giving him a hug. I feel as though he is playing the part of a friendly uncle. It is odd, I admit, but children - both mine and visitors - all love it, and it makes them laugh.