Lions, Fu Dogs and Bears (OH MY!)

Ranked #4,655 in Arts & Design, #69,224 overall | Donates to National Wildlife Federation's Alaska Regional Center, Big Cat Rescue, FIV Cat Rescue

Unique Animal Sculptures of Lions, Fu Dogs and Bears (OH MY!)

Animals make fascinating subjects for artists. Here you'll find unique sculptures of lions, fu dogs, bears, cats, wolves and other animals. I'll showcase my sculptures plus other artist's creations.

I'll also include interesting facts about the animals in the sculptures and links to animals organizations and artists websites so you can find as much art as you desire.

To see more of my sculptures, including non-animal art, check out my website at Sculptures by Frankie (www.sculpturesbyfrankie.com). 

Come back as I will be adding new sculptures, artists  and great resources and websites often! 



My Web site has been HACKED and is down temporarily so some photos are not loading and the link to Sculpture By Frankie is not working on this site.

My Latest News

Frankie Kangas in new book of artists

I'm in the book, Artists of the Mendocino Coast, Vol. 2. It just got my copy and it's gorgeous. I'm so excited and humbled being among the incredible artists in this book!

I've been told that the Fort Bragg area has the largest number of artists per capita than any place in the United States. And it is an amazing place to live and do art.

Nanuk, Lord of the Ice on left podium 

What Kind Of Animal Do You Want To See?

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How I Got Started As An Artist

I Started Late, But With A Fury

I was hooked on sculpture after seeing some art works by Michelangelo in a museum when I was seven. From then on I dreamed of someday working in clay and creating pieces like his. Why clay? I don't know. All I know is that all of my life, I've imagined myself working with clay.

But I spent the first half of my life building a business career in Silicon Valley (California). At age of 48, I retired from business, moved to the Fort Bragg (California), and began taking art classes at the College of the Redwoods. My initial training in sculpture gave me the opportunity to work with a variety of media: wood, stone, wire, wax, bronze, cement and clay. I found that working with clay was my true vocation, turning vision into reality.

Working with clay satisfies some deep tactile sense in me. I've found I do my best work when I can include both additive and subtractive modes, which isn't possible with many other media. I like being able to push and pull, pinch and twist -- to manipulate the clay into whatever shape I want at any time I want.

My sculptures incorporate a variety of finishing techniques -- raku, saggar, horsehair, stains and underglazes, plus both low-fire and high-fire glazes. Most of my work is stylized animal figures, including lions, bears and "fu dogs" (Chinese temple lions). I also create other abstract sculpture.

In addition to on-going art classes and almost obsessive research, I am studying under the tutelage of an accomplished local sculptor.

I donate 10% of all sculpture sales to the National Wildlife Federation to help save Polar Bears from extinction. I also donates 10% of all Internet sales to Big Cat Rescue to help big cats at their sanctuary in Florida.

Video -- Lions, Fu Dogs And Bears (OH MY!)

Some Of My Sculptures

Polar Bears Moments
by Franksterk | video info

7 ratings | 4,931 views
curated content from YouTube

LIONS

Lions Sculpture Called "Nine Lives"

Here is one of my latest sculptures. I am fascinated by drawings and painting of pictures within pictures but have never seen it done in sculpture form, so I came up with this idea of a sculpture of a lion face, but made up a several lions. Below you can see the original drawing and the end result. It looks like it was carved from wood because instead of glazing it, I used stains, acrylics and waxes. For information on pricing, contact me at frankie@sculpturesbyfrankie.com.

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Nine Lives -- Can you find all 9 lions? 

Young King

Ceramic - High Fire Glaze

lion head sculptureThis one-of-a-kind sculpture was individually hand-made using slab-built clay construction techniques and an armature of newspaper. As the sculpture dried, the newspaper was removed, the piece was bisque fired, then a coating of glaze was sprayed on the sculpture and it was high fired.

Size: 12 1/2" High x 10 1/2" Wide x 12" Deep

For more information and larger pictures click Sculptures by Frankie-felines (www.sculpturesbyfrankie.com/list-felines.php)

Young King and NWF


I donated "Young King", the sculpture displayed above to the National Wildlife Federation's (NWF) in 2008 dinner and auction event at Grant's Farm in St. Louis, MO.

NWF and Adolphus Busch are hosting the event to raise money to save and enhance wetland habitat that is home and haven to a myriad of wild creatures, including thousands of migrating water fowl. Julie Scardina of Sea World/Busch Gardens fame will MC the event.

Lion vs. Dog Chess Set

I've always been fascinated by chess sets and decided to create my own of Lions vs. Dogs. For more information and pictures of it, check out Unique Chess Sets

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Lion, Mother and Cub

Ceramic - Horsehair Raku

lion mother and cub sculptureThis one-of-a-kind sculpture was individually hand-made using slab-built clay construction techniques. The handcrafted piece was bisqued fired then during the raku firing, horsehair was burned onto the sculpture. As the hair is consumed by fire it twists and turns, producing a unique pattern. The sculpture was then scrubbed, waxed and buffed.

Size: 4" High x 6" Wide x 7 1/2" Deep

For more information and larger pictures click Sculptures by Frankie-felines (www.sculpturesbyfrankie.com/list-felines.php)

Pride

Ceramic Lion Sculpture

lion head sculpture This one-of-a-kind sculpture was made using a slab of clay over a armature of newspaper. It was was bisque fired, sprayed with a glaze, then high-fired at cone 10.

Size: 10" High x 9" Wide x 12" Deep

For more information and larger pictures click Sculptures by Frankie-felines

Sleeping Lion (Mask) by Frankie Kangas 

Video Of Lion Sculptures

Some Of My Work

* Lions *
by Franksterk | video info

0 ratings | 167 views
curated content from YouTube

FU DOGS or FOO DOGS

Just What Is A Fu Dog or Imperial Lion

Interesting Facts About Them

chinese fu dogI started sculpting Fu Dogs because they are Chinese Lions an I lOVE lions. From the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) until the end of the empire in 1911, Fu Dogs were powerful mythic protectors that have tradionally stood in front of Chinese imperial palaces, emperors tombs, government offices and homes of government officials and wealthy.

* Fu Dogs or Foo Dogs are also known as Imperial Lions, Temple Lions, Guardian Lions,Shi, or Ra shi da.

* They were traditionally carved from marble and granite or cast in bronze or iron.

* Traditionally presented as a pair with the male on the right and the female on the left.

* Having a pair of Fu Dogs in front of a home was a traditional symbol of a family's wealth or social status.

* Symbolically, the male fu dog guards the structure, while the female protects the inhabitants.

For more details about these mythical creatures click Imperial Gardian Lions

Fu Dog - Small

Ceramic - High Fire

fu dog smallThis is the smallest version of my smiling fu dogs
(I create 4 sizes). This one-of-a-kind sculptures was individually hand-made using pinch pot and coil clay construction techniques. When they dried they were sanded then bisque fired. Finally, they were sprayed with a glaze and high fired.

Size: 4" High x 4 1/4" Wide x 6 1/2" Deep
Base: 1 1/4" High x 4 1/2" Wide x 5" Deep

For more information and larger pictures click Sculptures by Frankie-fudogs (www.sculpturesbyfrankie.com/list-fudogs.php)

Fu Dog - XLarge

Ceramic - High Fire Glaze

fu dog sculpture

Award Winner
Honorable Mention, Animal Contest
Mendocino Art Center in Mendocino, CA
March of 2007


Traditionally, fu dogs are fierce animals to ward away evil or bad juju. I make mine smiling and jolly. I take the, "I'll change evil into love" approach. This one-of-a-kind sculpture was individually hand-made using slab-built clay construction techniques and an armature of newspaper. As the sculpture dried, the newspaper was removed, the piece was bisque fired, then a coating of glaze was sprayed on the sculpture and it was high fired.

Size: 13" High x 11" Wide x 10" Deep
Base: 1 1/2" High x 10 1/2" Wide x 16 1/2" Deep

For more information and larger pictures click Sculptures by Frankie-fudogs (www.sculpturesbyfrankie.com/list-fudogs.php)

Topiary Fu Dogs In China 

Beautiful Fu Dog Lamps on Amazon

For The Fu Dog Lover

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Fu Dogs On Flickr

Check out these fu dog photos taken by travelers. Add your own and vote for your favorites.

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Beautiful Fu Dog Lamps On Amazon

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Must See Terricotta Army Videos

Terracotta Army Ancient History Project

Terracotta Army Anci... 2 points

Terracotta Army

Terracotta Army 1 point

Xian Terracotta Army

Xian Terracotta Army 1 point

Books On Fu Dogs And Chinese Art

Other Books On Chinese Sculpture

Photos And Recent Articles About Fu Dogs

Here I'll be including links to recent photos and articles about fu dogs.


Fu Dogs by klfillar on Tabblo
Click here for some fabulous close ups of a pair of Fu Dogs. Extremely artistic -- both the fu dogs and the photographer's artistry.

BEARS

Polar Bear Sculpture Comes to LIFE


"Nanuk, Lord of the Ice"


This one-of-a kind ceramic sculpture breaks free and becomes live. See the next section for more pictures of this sculpture, or for more sculptures, visit Sculptures by Frankie-bears (www.sculpturesbyfrankie.com/list-bears.php)

Anatomy Of A Polar Bear Scupture

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Nanuk, Lord Of The Ice

Ceramic - High Fire Glaze

Here are the various views of my polar bear sculpture.

Nanuk close-up

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Nanuk, Lord of the Ice - front

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Polar Bear Sculpture Videos

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Bearing Three

Ceramic - High Fire Glaze

bearing threeThis one-of-a-kind sculpture was individually hand-made using slab-built clay construction techniques. The handcrafted piece was then bisque fired. Both under-glazes and high fire glazes were sprayed on the sculpture. Then it was high fired.

Size: 7" High x 13 1/2" Wide x 15 1/2" Long

For more information and larger pictures click Sculptures by Frankie-bears (www.sculpturesbyfrankie.com/list-bears.php)

Stone Bear

Ceramic - Horsehair Raku

stone bear sculptureOne-of-a-kind bear sculpture was individually hand-made using slab-built clay construction techniques. The handcrafted piece was burnished before being bisque fired. Using the special firing technique known as "raku", real horsehair was dropped onto the sculpture. As the fire consumes the hair, it twists and turns, producing an embedded one-of-a-kind pattern. After being scrubbed, the sculpture was waxed an buffed.

Size: 4 1/2" High x 4" Wide x 8" Long

For more information and larger pictures click Sculptures by Frankie-bears (www.sculpturesbyfrankie.com/list-bears.php)

Polar Bear Sculpture by Alec Lawson Tuckatuck

I just discovered this absolutely incredible sculptor. He is fabulous as you can see by these videos of his polar bears. You can find him at Inuit Stone Carving.

Polar Bear Sculpture by Alec Lawson Tuckatuck 0 points

Polar Bear Sculpture by Alec Lawson Tuckatuck 0 points

Wear Your Love For Polar Bears

Get this design on t-shirts, hats, totes, cards, posters -- anything you want.

10% of all sales are donated to National Wildlife. If you want to see more of this design, click More Bears

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500 Animals In Clay

This is my most favorite animal sculpture book -- EVER. It hasn't made it into my library yet. It sits next to my recliner where I can pick it up and thumb through it at will. And, believe me, I flip through it often.

The art ranges from artful realism to provocative surrealism (including animal-human hybrids) and from humorous to bazaar. And, it features every animal imaginable. In my humble opinion, it is a must for every artist's library.

For more information, click 500 Animals in Clay

Polar Bear Creations By David Booth

Terrific Polar Bear Art On T-shirts and Everything Else

As far a I'm concerned, David Booth of Cabin Fever Art, is a genius and a true artist. I showcase one of his polar bear cartoon weekly on my lens Are You Polar Bear Aware? Check it out.

His polar bear creations are fabulous (he does other things as well) but my favorite is this one:

When Polar Bears Dream

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Below the photo, you'll see how you can order this image on a t-shirt.

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“Van Gogh sold 1 picture during his life and called himself a poor bungler who can't sell a picture.”

Help Save Endangered Species And The Environment

National Wildlife An Outstanding Organization

When I discovered the problems facing polar bears, I looked for an organization that I could work with to help save them. I found the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). Their mission is to protect wildlife for our children's future, connect people with nature and to confront global warming.

I am proud to be a member of NWF and to support them in their efforts to save Polar Bears and other animals from extinction.

The NWF is helping to lead a nationwide grassroots effort to protect the Arctic Refuge. For more information on this click NWF-Arctic Refuge.

Or, for membership information, click NWF Membership.

A Favorite Place To Shop For All Things ART

Dick Blick Art Supply


Dick Blick is one of my favorite places to shop for everything to do with art. I've purchased everything from paper to portfolios and clay and glazes to sculpting tools.

To check them out, click on the banner on the left or Dick Blick Art Materials

Or, get a FREE 624-page Art Supply Catalog by clicking
Free 624-page Art Supply Catalog!

Excellent Video Of Artwork Morphing

Women In Art Morphed Together

Although these images are not of sculptures, it is such a wonderful display of art that I had to share it with you.

Women In Art 4 points

Artists: Why Create Videos Of Your Work

I've found that taking pictures of my art and turning them into videos is an excellent way to get it seen by more people. They've helped me get visitors to my website and has even converted a few into sales.

You can also get an inexpensive morphing program and do what I did with my photo shown here. It is fun to watch and gets lots of attention. It makes people want to see more of your work -- if it's their style. Art is after art is personal -- everyone has different tastes.

I've included some of my videos in this lens. I have more at Sculpture Video Showcase.

Another Great Art Video

This is a drawing video and although this is not a sculpture video, I had to add it because it is so incredible. Check it out. You won't be sorry.

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500 Figures In Clay

Another fabulous book from my library. The sculptures are creative, fun and inspiring. A "must have" book IMHO.
For more information, click 500 Figures in Clay

Featured ART Lenses

Wonderful Lenses On Art Or Artists

Check out these wonderful art lenses out.
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Animal Sculptures On Ebay

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More Fine Art Books

Must Read books

What books do you have in your library that you think everyone should read? Add to this list your favorites and vote for them. Come back to see what books you're library is missing!

A History of Western Art Revised by Laurie Adams

Appropriate for one-semester art history surveys or historically-focused art appreciation classes, A History of Western Art, Revised Fourth Edition, features additional color which provides students with a greater understanding of the works of art. Focusing on the Western canon of art history, the text presents a compelling chronological narrative from prehistory to the present. A non-Western supplement, World Views: Topics in Non-Western Art, addresses specific areas of non-Western art and augments...0 points

Art: A Brief History (3rd Edition) (MyArtKit Series) by Marilyn Stokstad

This book, an introduction to the history of art that features excellent scholarship, takes a global approach with an emphasis on the Western tradition in art. It reflects new interests and issues, expanding the topic to include women and minorities, and showing media and techniques other than painting, sculpture, and architecture. Written in clear, standard English without art historical or aesthetic jargon, Art: A Brief History is visually appealing as well as intellectually stimulating. This...

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Art: A World History by Elke Linda Buchholz, Susanne Kaeppele, Karoline Hille, Irina Stotland

The history of art in the palm of your hand!

This lavishly illustrated and super-condensed history of world art is the perfect gift for any art lover. A pocket-sized book bursting with 900 illustrations, it takes the reader from the beginnings of art in prehistory to the contemporary scene.

With concise introductions devoted to every significant art movement, this volume guides readers from the caves at Lascaux to the 21st-century masters, and teaches them to easily distinguish between Mannerism...0 points

Art History For Dummies (For Dummies (Lifestyles Paperback)) by Jesse Bryant Wilder

Art history is more than just a collection of dates and foreign-sounding names, obscure movements and arcane isms. Every age, for the last 50,000 years has left its unique imprint on the world, and from the first cave paintings to the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, from the Byzantine mosaics of the Hagia Sophia, to the graffiti-inspired paintings of Jean-Michel Basquiat, art history tells the story of our evolving notions of who and what we are and our place in the universe.

Whether you're...

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Excellent Magazines On Sculpting & Pottery

Clay Times

Clay Times

3 points

Sculpture

Sculpture

2 points

Ceramic Books Found In My Personal Library

Great Books To Learn From

A Potter's Book by Bernard Leach

This is the first treatise by a potter on the work more...2 points

Ceramics: A Potter's Handbook by Glenn C. Nelson, Richard Burkett

This classic handbook introduces students to the f more...1 point

The Practical Potter, A Step-By-Step Handbook by Josie Warshaw

A highly accessible approach to creating beautiful more...1 point

Some Of My Animal & Sculpture Lenses On Squidoo

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For Fun Pictures And Facts About Polar Bears

Check Out This Lens

If you like this site, you should see my polar bear site. To go there right now, click Are You Polar Bear Aware?


Cibachrome print of a polar bear embryo by award winning international photographers, Daniel & Geo Fuchs. To see it and more of their fabulous work, click The Bulger Gallery.

By the way, how many embryos do you count?

Guest Book

Please Give Me Some Feedback

Please let me know what you like; what you don't like, and what you'd like to see more of. Thanks! Purrs and bear hugs, Frankie

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See What Else I'm Up To - Visit My Lensography

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Copyright 2008-2012 Frankie Kangas All rights reserved.


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Frankster

I'm Frankster, aka Bearmeister aka Cat-Woman
I am a property manager, sculptor, animal and nature lover. I founded and run FIV Cat Rescue to save cats...
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500 Beautiful Animal Sculptures 

My favorite book ever!

500 Animals in Clay: Contemporary Expressions of the Animal Form (500 Series)

Amazon Price: $12.19 (as of 02/16/2012)Buy Now

This is my favorite book on animal sculptures. I love to look at it for the beauty and for inspiration in my own work. It makes a great gift for art lovers and artists alike!

500 Figures in Clay - Amazing 

A great gift book

500 Figures in Clay: Ceramic Artists Celebrate the Human Form (500 Series)

Amazon Price: $11.87 (as of 02/16/2012)Buy Now

This is my second favorite book of sculptures (my first is 500 Animal Sculptures above). This book has all sorts of figures including the human form. It is simply a great book.

Featured Lenses 

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