Sculptures
David Shankland Sculpture
Over fifty years ago, at the young age of fifteen, David found his inner sculpting spirit through that of a shark swimming in the ocean waters. The shark was over five feet long with shiny scales, identifying fins ferocious saw-toothed teeth. This piece launched him into a career as a sculptor, artist, teacher, and humanitarian activist.
David’s portfolio represents all of nature. A leaf tossed in the wind, an eagle ready to soar, an orator willing to speak, and the nuance of an abstract shape that allows the observer’s mind to wander and explore. Bundling themes for his Totem Pole work reflect his extreme ingenuity, dexterity, and professional focus. His creativity has recently been found in an eight-piece larger-than-life sculpture installation called “The Journey”.
Any person who has made a difficult decision to walk away from a hardship: an immigrant, a refugee, someone who has left behind cycles of addiction and violence, and abused and overworked front line worker, an adult child floundering/fleeing from a dysfunctional family, or from any number of realities – will immediately empathize with each of the emotional states represented by these figures. Using old growth cedar utility poles donated by a Cleveland, Ohio utility company, David has fashioned elements of this installation to reflect emotional intensity. The piece depicts changes, the evolution of a person who has successfully emerged, grown, and triumphed from a painful and destructive past.
Sample work from Mr. Shankland's
portfolio of work
walnut laminated Sculpture,
14” high.
Hudson, Ohio Show, 2015
carved from cherry wood, 13” high.
Donated to Ohio utility company for 2015
“Harvest for Hunger” food drive.
Carved from old growth cedar utility pole. 5’ tall. Donated to Ohio utility company for auction in 2013 “Harvest for Hunger” Food drive.
c. 2017
solid cherry sculpture to honor the
100th Anniversary of
Mark Twain’s death.
Research assistance provided by the
Mark Twain House, Hartford, Connecticut and
Hal Holbrook,
Mark Twain re-enactor.
Completed, 2010.
Private Collection,
David F. Shankland
is an early prototype sculpture used to determine full life-size dimensions for “The Journey” pieces.
Sculpted on old growth donated utility poles.
Completed, February, 2019
Laminated cedar, 5′ in height
“Peas” are removable.
Private Residence,
Detroit, MIchigan, 2016
Mr. Shankland says, “Within this pea pod, three peas had to be fitted after the interior of the pod was complete. They had to be able to stay inside and yet remain removable. The wonderful twisting motion is as simple as a blade of grass yet as complex as a Sperm Whale breaching.”
Check out our videos
Wood Sculpture and Totem Poles
Get a closer look at our process and see unique shots of some of our pieces in a photo slideshow.
Teaching in Hati
Students learning to carve turtles, birds and frogs out of high density foam blocks with hand held rasps, wonderful first time sculptors. year 2014.
Watch an Interview with David
Take a look at David F. Shankland and watch as he discusses his process and how he creates.