I am frequently asked by galleries to create smaller less expensive pieces. This can be challenging for me as what I would love to do is create only large very detailed pieces. But on one of my trips to the beach I came across a sand dollar and thought it could be a fun relatively simple piece that could fill some of that void.

So I decided to give it a shot. I created two sizes: the large one measures 13" by 13" by 2" and the small one measures 7" by 7" by 1". This piece could easily be created from one piece of metal. I created it by grinding the whole piece, then grinding away everything but the blue details, and then came back and colored in the golden cooler color. Then I cold shaped it with my arbor press, welded a hanger on the bottom in an area that would end up silver so I could grind away the weld mark and then it was complete!

I also learned that apparently these are not only called sand dollars but also sea biscuits! I had never heard that before. Have you? I also found it interesting that it has bilateral symmetry. This is a relatively rare type of symmetry seen in faces and orchids to name a few. Meaning it is symmetrical only across one plane. For instance a starfish is symmetrical along 5 planes but the sand dollar is only along one because of the single larger oval cut out in its shell. These holes allow water to flow through to help them not get lifted by currents and to allow sand to pass through.

This metal sand dollar sculpture is wall hanging, made entirely of stainless steel, colored using only heat patinas, and is safe to be kept outdoors!