The great blue heron has always struck me as a mix of patience, elegance, and a little bit of mystery. I love the way they stand motionless for what feels like forever, then suddenly take flight with those massive wings. It's like watching calm transform into pure power. That contrast was exactly what I wanted to capture in this stainless steel heron sculpture. Also I love when they look right at you and their head essentially disappears. It's always struck me as a bit comical... know what I mean?

Working in heat-patinated stainless steel gave me the perfect way to bring the heron's subtle blues and silvery grays to life. Using only torch fire, I layered in the color so it shifted and glowed just like feathers in the sun. The long beak and sweeping wings gave me plenty of room to play with gradients and fine details, and I had a lot of fun coaxing out the personality of this bird sculpture as I worked.

This great blue heron sculpture is wall hanging, made entirely of stainless steel, colored using only heat patinas, and is safe to be kept outdoors!