Conservation of African Wildlife is at the very heart of John Tolmay’s personal ethic both as an artist and more importantly as a hunter. Though he is now long-retired as a professional hunter and guide, John is still very active in bringing about an understanding of the all-important bond between hunting and conservation. His bronze art pieces are an expression of the countless adventures he has had over his long and distinguished career both in guiding in Africa and as a respected bronze artist at the top of his game.
December news from the Studio
A few updates from the Studio to follow.
I have decided that The Banker was so difficult to deal with as a wall mount due to its weight and the limitations that put on the ability to hang it on any wall. It would be better served as a bust that can be set into a plinth or exist as a free-standing piece. This image below will give you an idea of what to expect to see. The first image is the piece begin worked on in the foundry and the second piece is of the piece with the patina completed.
And as always I have been keeping very busy in the studio with two new sculptures of those interesting African scenes that have become less and less likely to see unless you’re very far off the beaten track. Observations of little moments in everyday life that are fleeting but so important.
Thorn Tree Surgery is a piece similar to Running Repairs of which there are two left in the edition, but this time I have a keenly interested dog and an indifferent goat in the piece with a huge amount of detail to keep the eye entertained at every angle. Estimated size at this point is: 12″L 13″D 11″T (with the spear).
The second piece is called Loading the Daily Water Supply where it takes two women to help each other get those big clay pots onto each other’s heads. The pots are filled from the creek using the gourd carried by one women to decant the water into the pots. Woman number one is helped by woman number two to load the first pot onto her head. Then the second pot is loaded by both the women only this time woman number one is already loaded and she has to balance her load while helping woman number two load the second pot onto her head. The whole exercise is centred around strength, dexterity, cooperation and balance. They dare not drop those pots because it’s back to the potter and the kiln for a new pot and no doubt comments from the other women in the village. Nowadays it’s 4 gallon plastic jerry cans or metal buckets that are carried. There is no running water in many African villages – even today. The estimated size at this point is: 12″L 8″W 17″T.
Both pieces are at the Hefestus foundry waiting to be cast – holding thumbs I’ll have one or both with me at the Dallas Safari Club and SEWE.
Click through the various poses below.
