Wanda participated in the Loveland Sculpture Invitational in Loveland, Colorado in August. Over 240 national and international sculptors exhibited in this spectacular show, which is the largest outdoor sculpture show in America. See: lovelandsculptureinvitational.org
"Partners" was recently purchased by Meredith Hodges of the Lucky Three Ranch in Loveland, Colorado. Meredith is the country’s leading authority on training mules and donkeys. This remarkable person has written many books; including children’s books; has training videos and TV specials. The ranch has some of the finest mules and donkeys in the country, training facilities and Loveland Longears Sculpture Park. This is an truly amazing place! Tours are available by appointment. Please visit their Website: luckythreeranch.com
See Wanda's latest work, Partners, at the new Lockkeeper’s house in New Bremen, Ohio and at the Johnston Farm and Indian Agency Museum in Piqua, Ohio.
"It starts with an idea in my head. There is really no logic here. It just has to be something that I see in my mind, and feel inspired and ready to do. I may do some preliminary sketches. I look at hundreds of books, magazines, and catalogs to find the expressions and the positioning that I want. A mirror or live model can also be useful."
"I make a metal armature and cover it with newspaper, aluminum foil, and masking tape. Sometimes I use high density foam insulation. This step is to give me the general shape and support, without the cost and the weight of the clay. The armature must be very sturdy and have very good support. My husband, Daryl, is very helpful in this step."
"I use a plastiline clay. It never hardens, and stays workable. I use many sculpture tools, but the most useful tools are my hands. I may spend hundreds of hours until I reach the results that I am happy with."
"Then, it's off to Loveland, Colorado, by car, with the clay original secured in our specially made carrier (made by Daryl, of course!). It is too delicate to ship, so we are forced to make the 1200 mile trip to Colorado. We carry it into each motel with us, and yes, we do get some strange looks!
We visit the mold maker, the wax specialist, the pourer, the chaser, the patina specialist, the base maker, and the packer/shipper, and take care of all of the specifics. We then leave our "baby" in their hands, and try to get a little R & R before heading back to Ohio. Loveland is one of the sculpture capitals of the country, so it is always inspiring to visit the many galleries and sculpture gardens there."