Whale Tail - Hanging Bronze

Hanging Bronze Wall Art by Jay Lloyd

Cast Bronze Whale Tail

110mm
150mm
200mm

Bronze is one of the oldest materials worked extensively by man, yet it has retained its mystery throughout the ages. It holds the same allure for me as it did for all those who have worked it for centuries.

I place a high value on craftsmanship and enjoy the entire process of bringing new ideas to life, from concept right through to final product. There is no thrill as exciting as opening up a mould and revealing the casting within. I qualified as an Industrial Designer in the late 80’s at the School of Art and Design of the Witwatersrand Technikon (Now the University of Johannesburg) in South Africa. I have been casting in various metals for at least 20 years starting with lead and tin alloys for the fishing product market and later pewter cutlery. I moved to casting aluminium and built up a manufacturing business making specialised decor and bathroom fittings. The business eventually employed eight permanent staff and I sold it before immigrating to New Zealand.

We moved from South Africa to Waiheke where I established my new studio and foundry in 2010. I now work mostly in bronze and do a variety of work from jewellery to sculpture. I regularly exhibit my work on Waiheke and various galleries throughout New Zealand. I take my inspiration from my immediate environment and like my work to have simple clean lines. I often combine bronze with other elements such as wood, stone or natural fibres. Everything I make is individually cast and finished by hand to capture the warmth and beauty of bronze for everyone to enjoy.

The ocean has always been the dominant force for the Maori people who travelled huge distances in their long canoes and lived on the bounty of the tropical waters. They had a great respect for the creatures on the sea and in particular dolphins and whales. The whale with its great size and obvious intelligence plays an important part in the culture of the Maori people. They are often represented as an example of family love with mother and calf always side by side.