ArtFire

This Tufted Puffin sculpture is hand carved from basswood and painted using an airbrush. I saw some of these on a big rock off the coast near where I live. Though to tell the truth, even through a spotting scope I could just barely see the orange bills.

This carving is a nice size to hold in your hand: 10 x 9 x 2 cm, or 4 x 3.5 x 1 inch.

Thank you for looking at this sculpture, which is entirely designed and created by artist Sandra Healy; if you have any questions, please click the contact button below.

Though this Tufted Puffin is only about an inch thick, I use various carving and painting techniques to suggest a much rounder figure. It is a unique method which I have developed since I started in 1975.

My sculptures come into fruition only when combined with the mind of the viewer. My challenge is to give you, the viewer, what you need to fill in the details of texture and roundness with your mind.

HOW I WORK: Rather than using a power carver, I enjoy using knives and chisels to finish shaping the basswood. As well as being quiet and meditative, this gives crisper details.

After sanding the animal smooth, I use an airbrush to paint the colors. Finally, 3 coats of water-based urethane are brushed on, and the sculpture is signed on the bottom.

wood, basswood, paint, ink, urethane finish

Usually, orders are sent the next business day by USPS first class, and I will email confirmation to you. It will arrive wrapped in tissue paper with a hand-painted border.