“I was particularly excited to be commissioned to sculpt this mantelpiece-sized octopus! The original was made for a gentleman seeking something a special anniversary gift for his wife. The octopus was an animal that could be found in the two places they loved, in the USA and in Scotland. That first piece was made to incorporate a little cave inside the rock, into which his wife might place a small piece of jewellery, like a hidden treasure.
The documentary film ‘My Octopus Teacher’ had just come out, and so my research was extra fascinating, as I learnt more about the super intelligence of these fascinating creatures.
Sculpturally, it was also a significant challenge, as the eight delivate tentacles of my Octopus on Rock statue needed to be robust enough to withstand the casting process. Tentacles were entwined to help with this, and the rock leant additional strength and also helps elevate the Octopus, allowing his tentacles to fall around him in lovely, natural shapes."