I think these videos do a great job of showing what went into building this latest sculpture. It’s a 6’H steel figure based on a piece from a Kwakuitl village known as Fort Rupert, Vancouver Island, B.C. Canada.
Tag Archives: scrap steel
Cover of the Sellwood Bee for Portland Open Studios
I’m excited to be on the cover and inside the Sellwood Bee. It’s a local SE newspaper that’s been reporting on the community since 1906!
I was interviewed during the 2018 Portland Open Studios Tour. It’s an annual event where 100 artists open up their work spaces and invite the public in for demonstrations and discussions. It’s a self guided tour for two weekends in mid-October.
My fellow Pacific Northwest Scupltors member Craig Dorety, a light artist, was also featured. A total of four of us participated in the event around the city.
Thanks to the BEE for stopping by! And thanks to Portland Open Studios which is always a real treat for artists and visitors alike.
Portland Open Studios, 2019 – Sellwood Bee
Recent Commissions
I really enjoy working with clients to bring joy to their lives through metal art. Sometimes people know exactly what they want while other times, through a consultation, a sculpture is arrived upon. Here are some recent pieces brought to life through this process.
Bamboo Forest – 95″H x 32″W.
The client wanted a piece that would be visible when the pocket door was closed. It had to be thin yet pop visually. Through a consultation I suggested this concept. It brought the outside landscape to the interior.
Reed Trellis- Steel rod of various diameter, 6.5’W x 6’H.
This was designed to be an elegant way to hide the neighbors garage. The evergreen clematis will be trained onto it.
Spiral Gate, 36″Wx42″H.
This homeowner has an affinity for the spiral design. I plasma cut this based on a pair of earrings. It was then custom fit to mount into the side yard gate.
Eiffal Tower – 8’H x 42″W
My client honeymooned in Paris with her sweetie. For their 1st anniversary she surprised her with this gift, an Eiffel Tower trellis for the garden.
Eternal Om – powder coated red with bell – 48″H.
During a tour through my studio the idea for this piece came to life. They found exactly what they were looking for.
CLIENT REVIEW: I met Shelly at The Home and Garden Show in 2016. I was attracted to her display of hearts that she had welded because I collected hearts for my husband after his stent surgery in 2013. Shelly had unusual and beautifully formatted hearts made of different metals, including barbed wired and I thought that was a serendipitous material to shape into a heart. I liked that Shelly used recovered and recycled material for her art and I also heard the passion she felt for her chosen art form. Even with our years apart in age and world experiences, I felt a camaraderie with Shelly and saw and felt her warmth and joy for the sculptures she created and for those with whom she worked. I knew I wanted a Shelly Durica-Laiche sculpture in our front yard.
She listened to my musings and almost intuitively understood my desires and made a beautiful gong that brings joy to me everyday as it reminds me of my upbringing in Japan.
Shelly brings talent and heart to her art!
Portland Open Studios Tour 2018
The Portland Open Studios Tour is happening! Join me in celebrating my 5th year anniversary during the tour. I love working in my studio creating metalwork! I want to thank all the people out there that support my work and thus make it all possible. I’ll be hanging out giving demos, talking art and process, with snacks on hand. I look forward to seeing everyone!
October 13th/ 14th & 20th/ 21st, 10-5PM.
5040 SE Milwaukie Ave, 97202.
I’m studio #12 in Community #2. Check out the map for the fabulous artists in my neighborhood as well as the nearly 100 artists citywide.
The print map is in the October issue of Portland Monthly Magazine, OUT NOW.
You can also download the tour app for $4.99.
In the studio working on a commission, 2018
Portland Open Studios Tour 2018
New Work for the Garden
Aluminum Bell with Stainless Accents
I love the details in this sculpture. I used various objects from my years of collecting. It was created using a fire extinguisher, laser cut drop, chain, square washer, vintage twist drill wood handle, stainless steel cable, plow disc and plumbing from my bathroom remodel. – 24″ W x 64″ H
Whirling Orb
I enjoy the variety of materials used to create this piece. There are found objects, plasma cut and laser cut strips of steel. It helps to add interest and texture to the whirling mass. – 40″W, 56″H on stand
Off Circle Orb
This is a one-of-a-kind garden orb. I found a laser cur drop and cut it up to create the sphere. I look forward to creating more by recreating the laser shapes and duplicating the process. – 30″W, 46″H on stand.
PNW Sculptors Gallery Green Show
I have several pieces in the Great Green Sculpture show at the PNW Sculptors Gallery. All my pieces are built with local salvaged materials. The opening is Saturday the 19th in Pioneer Place Mall.
PNW Sculptors Gallery
700 SW fifth Ave., Suite 4080
Pioneer Place, 3rd Floor, Atrium Building
comet
Comet is built entirely of reclaimed steel. It’s comprised of a 50 gallon drum lid clamp, pipe, rebar, strap, expanded mesh, perforated steel, diamond plate and industrial drops. It sits on a base made from a disc brake.
22″ W x 63″ H
