Gonzales Area Foundation Gala

This year, I am honored to have been a participating artist in the auction held by the Gonzales Area Foundation in support of the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center!

I proposed this design, and after a few tweaks, I got on to carving the base (out of aromatic cedar) for the work. It was done with a chainsaw, sanding tools, and a darker wood stain, then finished with an indoor/outdoor lacquer.

After that, I moved on to the bird itself. It took days of cutting metal and grinding it down beforehand bending, and later, welding. The form began to take shape in segments. Feet, legs, body, neck, and lastly, the head.

I treated the wood with a homemade de-rust solution, given it was found metal. Then, after some back and forth with my studio mates and my professor, I decided on some subtle color. It put a lively piece of myself into a more elegant work, and the board members of GAF loved it too!

The sculpture raised $575 for the cause, and I could not be happier with the ways my art can serve communities.

Plus, I have had so many fun conversations with people who enjoyed my bird. From giving him a name to other fun little stories. I love the joy others feel from the things I make!