The Bottle Nose Dolpin of six pack rings

 

This Dolphin made from six pack rings is the 5th Sea Animal affected by six pack rings I created, she is made from one piece of wire, except for the 3 support rings which helps her hold her shape.  The Process of building one of these sculptures is as follows:

1:   Stretch the wire: The wire retains its Circular shape from the packaging and shipping process, I unwind the spool of wire and let it breath for a night, spanning it in straight paths across the studio.  Un tensioning this wire is a continual process during the framing process., the tension retained in the wire is unbelievably strong and must be burnished out as the wire is used in the sculpture.

2:  Bend the Wire into an Animal: After deciding the starting point and developing a plan, the spatial thinking comes in effect, I may hang it on a hook, turn it upside down, even perpendicular.   I print out a bunch of google photos of the sea animals to have images on reference and place them on the table.  Zip Ties are the preferred method of connection.

3:  Apply the Six-Pack Rings:  They are amazingly versatile and create an almost invisible skin for the animal.  Placing the rings seems random but is a carefully thought out process.  Zip ties again are used and I have created a special belt I wear during this process, here is a picture of the belt setup:

I have my Clippers on hand to snip the end off the zip ties and never have to scramble to find a zip tie while holding a bunch of six pack rings and wire together to connect.
Yes that is a penguin in the making in the background!  It is finished, it is made from one piece of uncut wire,  and I will be photographing and posting it soon..

4: Photograph the Sculpture:  Each Sea animal is photographed with a black backdrop, I mix flashes with sunlight and long exposures to bring out the natural energy of  the sculpture, sunlight bounces around inside the creature to create a evenly lit glow.