THE WORK
Animals
For most pieces of sculpture, bronze is the final stage of a long process.
CLAY
Most of my creatures begin in clay. After creating an armature of wire, I begin adding and removing clay. I use three types of clay. Taxidermy is a water-based clay that can be worked for several days as long as it’s kept moist. Taxidermy hardens to a rock-like consistency and can be the final product. Petroleum clay handles wonderfully but never hardens. Monster clay is a very hard type of petroleum-based clay that holds its shape.
Preparatory Sketches
I was once asked how I get my sculptures to feel so much like the animal I’m sculpting. The answer is simple: I sketch a lot. When I sketch, I feel like I’m in contact with the animal. I can explore poses, proportions and anatomy. As you can see, I focus on the planes of the animal, rather than values. In the event that you purchase one of my sculptures, I’m happy to send along the preparatory sketches.
Artist statement
Life is about intimacy, curiosity and the embodied acceptance of all creatures. The process of sculpting is my way to that acceptance.
Contact
Mark Dyke
Phone
505-270-4846
Address
2714 Monterey Ave. SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106