Introducing GRIFFON

December 15, 2022 Dave Stevenson

Two years in the making, my 7’h chimera is complete. (Aqua-Resin®/foam/steel, 84h x 65w x 22in). The pattern and puzzle of Griffon’s folded wings introduced a new level of complexity to my portfolio. Imposing asymmetry onto a symmetrical body is a challenge I’ve tackled before (e.g., Crush, Raptor, Balloon). This time I explored it within the constraints of an historic, iconic creature. I am eager to realize it in bronze—its edges honed sharp—finished with a radiant, translucent patina. This work was such a fun challenge, I’m now pondering a mischievous companion piece!

Griffon in the studio’s backyard. While setting up my tripod for this shot, a bald eagle swooped down and hovered above before disappearing to grab lunch at the neighbors farm. I was flattered it recognized its half of the chimera…

Griffon profile, behind StudioDave in the Catskills (84h x 65w x 22in)

Year of The Griffon

May 20, 2021 Dave Stevenson

Digital rendering of the artist Dave Stevenson w/his new Griffon sculpture

Chimaeras have been haunting artists' portfolios since antiquity. Now they've infiltrated mine! An enduring symbol of courage and protection, the Griffon is an apt mascot for 2021. Six months in the making, this has been the most challenging abstraction I have tackled to date. I am currently enlarging my original sculpture from 44 inches to seven feet high in foam & resin by 3D scanning/CNC milling. From there it will be molded and cast in bronze. Fortify your dominion with a pair of Gothic Chimaeras! For pre-sale details: call or write

3D scan digital rendering: life-sized scaling of Dave Stevenson’s new Griffon sculpture.

Mirror-image digital rendering of new Griffon sculpture by New York sculptor Dave Stevenson

Almost Done...Final Step? Build The Base!!

July 27, 2018 Dave Stevenson

Here's a detail shot of the gorgeous patina we just completed at Polich-Tallix Foundry with patina artist Rosemary Rednour. We started out with my classic Fireball Patina but ended up with what I'm calling Rattlesnake because the final mix reminds me of the timber rattlers and copperheads we encounter when climbing at the Gunks.

What's the final step? Build the base & schedule installation! I'm leaning towards a steel, trapezoidal design that will raise Acrobat about 21"-26" above ground level...

If you would like to contribute to The Acrobat Project, peruse the Sculpturezoo Art Gallery to purchase my original art & jewelry, or click on the RED donate button on the Sculpturezoo homepage. Thank you for visiting. Enjoy the Zoo!

Scaling the Base

October 23, 2017 Dave Stevenson

Measuring. Measuring again...was it 17 and a half, or 18? I had arrived at the foundry thinking cylinder but returned 4 hours and 3 arguments later to my studio with a trapezoidal shape in mind. Pictured here: Brad Conklin of Polich-T… — Measuring. Measuring again...was it 17 and a half, or 18? I had arrived at the foundry thinking *cylinder* but returned 4 hours and 3 arguments later to my studio with a trapezoidal shape in mind. Pictured here: Brad Conklin of Polich-Tallix (side note: Brad is a master wood sculptor and jack-of-zillion-trades, so I often seek his opinion & expertise). Alas, Peter Ross (also of PTX and possessing of a font of experience & practical know-how-it-all) officially won the unofficial "what base shape?" contest. Cylinder, schmilinder. Thanks Pete!

I cobbled this wooden base together with scrap wood at my studio, even going so far as to lather on a faux patina to double check the scale against my bronze sculpture. It will be fabricated in bronze next week and eventually surfaced with a REAL, s… — I cobbled this wooden base together with scrap wood at my studio, even going so far as to lather on a faux patina to double check the scale against my bronze sculpture. It will be fabricated in bronze next week and eventually surfaced with a REAL, stunning patina.

See that tiny little black magic-marker circle? There are a few more of those just out of sight. They mark the final spot-welds I need welded-up and chased. After that, we'll crane-walk it into the patina room!

Matching/Assembly for Final Weld-up

August 30, 2017 Dave Stevenson

I drove across the NEW Tappan Zee bridge--just three days after it reopened--on the way to the foundry (& my studio) today. Not exactly the most aesthetically exhilarating experience, but still kind of exciting because I have enjoyed watching it rise S L O W L Y from the Hudson River since the project began.

Once at the foundry, I approved the weld-up for the two sections of Acrobat--making sure both pieces matched perfectly before sealing them together for eternity. It's a symmetrical piece, so sure, I took a few measurements, but mostly it's just done by eye. The "Boomerang" video below shows us preparing to assemble the sculpture using a forklift as a crane.

What's next? I'll grind out and polish the welds tomorrow, and after the holiday weekend I'll map out the final design for the base--then, patina time!