I've posted before about some amazing creations using matchsticks - specifically, a full-size racing car and a replica of Tower Bridge. Now, from this article, we learn of an artist in England who's using them to rather more profitable effect.
Artists like to stick out and show their flair - and none more so than David Mach who creates colourful creatures from tens of thousands of matchsticks.
Mr Mach makes animals such as gorillas, grizzly bears and rhinos by combining an array of matchsticks with different coloured tips.
The 52-year-old immortalises the animals in such detail that his pieces sell for between £20,000 and £35,000 each.
His 15-inch high gorilla - with flared nostrils and a fierce open mouth - required 30,000 matches and took three months as each match was painstakingly glued onto a mould.
The Scot, who works from a studio in London, recreates the animals' features and different skin shades using 14 different coloured matchsticks imported from Japan.
He said: 'I like to make figures that are instantly recognisable and make people take notice.
'The animals are a joy and a challenge to make because they have difficult features such as antlers and horns.
'I love to use a variety of material for my pieces. I try and use common things, like matchsticks or coat-hangers, because people know exactly what they are. These items are in everyone's lives but are almost invisible.'
More at the link.
Last year another article highlighted Mr. Mach's human portraits made from matchsticks.
It is a striking likeness. But beware. Just one stray spark and Elvis becomes a hunk-a-hunk of burning love.
Going up in flames is an occupational hazard when you are made of 50,000 matches.
The image of Elvis Presley, along with Marilyn Monroe, Mao Tse Tung, Muhammad Ali and Buddha are the work of Scottish artist David Mach.
It took him more than 500 hours and 1,000 boxes of coloured-tip matches imported from Japan to complete the 2ft Presley sculpture. Each match was glued on to a glass fibre mould.
Mr. Mach is a well-known artist, with his own Web site. He became famous - and controversial - in the 1980's with work such as this replica of a Polaris submarine, made out of 6,000 old tires, meant as a protest against the nuclear arms race. It's shown below under construction in London in 1983.
Someone tried to burn it, but got caught in the flames and was fatally injured, probably bringing Mr. Mach rather more publicity than he'd otherwise have received.
He's also produced some rather weird and fanciful figures, which are quite popular among the cognoscenti. I have to admit to being amused by his well-equipped beaver - at least, I think it's supposed to be a beaver! Suggestions to the contrary are welcome in Comments.
In this video clip, he discusses his matchstick portraits - and what happens when they catch fire!
A portfolio of Mr. Mach's work, including many more of his matchstick 'sculptures', may be found here. See the second and third pages in particular.
Peter
Mr Mach better take another view of a beaver. I don't know what it's supposed to be, but a beaver it's not.
ReplyDeleteLooks more like a skunk. It certainly smells!
Definately not a beaver...look at its teeth.
ReplyDeleteI think it looks more like a cat or a feline soemthing myself.