This artwork is a celebration of one of the northern hemisphere migrant bird species and its association with environment, people and culture.

Touching the Moon

A celebration of the wonders of nature, creation, love and the mysteries of motion – a sculpture of a pair of House Martins in Flight together and held by the Crescent moon.

This a piece in the series developing from the first House Martin sculpture  by JOEL – through Touching Water and Touching Love to the beautiful Touching Blue Willow and here the statement piece

Touching the Moon

The House Martin (Delichon urbicum)  is depicted in this bronze sculpture  with details of feathers and a sense of movement. The iconic and distinctive  blue and white colours of the bird are achieved  by a combination of techniques using heat, chemicals, stains, dyes and waxes – both classic and new.

Here you can follow the reference in the design concept by Joel  –  from the cast pieces, the welding and patination to the addition of fused glass to give an ethereal depiction of moonlight glinting on water

The early concept developed from the story behind and within the iconic Willow-pattern china. The artist used this familiar historic imagery and message, and reworked it with the celebration of our bird-life and nature conservation message and words of hope.

House Martins fly so far  each year from Africa to nest in the UK and Europe – under the very eaves of our houses. They build their astonishing upside down igloos of mud in which to keep their eggs and raise the young. 

For me the mysteries and wonders of the seasons and the pull of the moon, and the marvellous ability of such creatures to navigate so well and so far is inspiring. They are truly birds without borders and need our support. The messages also intertwine with those of love and consideration for those in migration.

Sculpture Design Elements and Process

The first wax has the hero shape of the wing formation, of a House Martin. Next and to achieve increased movement, complexity and a unique artwork Joel worked on the wing shape and tilt of head of another of the birds at the wax stage to have a different form in flight.

She drew up the pattern for the crescent moon and created a unique base in wax.

The House Martins were cast and made ready.

The moon and base were made separately and welded together

Joel supervised the welding stage and later was present for the details of patination 

Here you can see the application of chemicals and heat to achieve the colours of

Touching the Moon.

This adds to the unique expression of the subject.

First views of the sculpture  

We can see them as a feature set in the garden, and against the sky

A beautiful expression of Hope 

Touching the Moon

set against the blue sky

Of course this bronze sculpture need not be set outdoors – it makes a beautiful feature for any hall, room or office.

I love the different appearances of the bronze sculpture of these birds in different places and in different light – in this case indoors  you can see the gleam on the back of one bird and the interplay with the shadows that fall on the wall behind.

Aware of the need for enhancing and developing the presentation of the sculpture Joel has fused glass applied to the bronze base and sourced a dark stone  with white veins like ripples threading through it.

This gives the sense of moonlight on water and reminds us of the influences beyond our reach, the mysteries of tides and migrations.

When working with fused glass there is a combination of control but also the material taking its own path, making for unique outcomes, and such glass can capture and reflect light in delightful  ways.

Keep in touch for the further unfolding of the full New Blue Willow story and the poetry by the artist that  accompanies the artworks.

To discuss this or other bronze sculptures by Joel Walker please contact the Tenon Studio.