Posted on 01/15/2013 1:30:30 PM PST by Slings and Arrows
Tim Racer, an Oakland, area artist, is known for his unusual work carving beautiful, lifelike, custom carousel dogs.
Racers passion began while helping to restore old carousel horses. He enjoyed the work so much that he decided to try his hand at carving his own. My pit bull Sally was a natural subject so I thought Id give her likeness a try, Racer says. People really responded to that carving, so Ive been busy carving carousel dogs ever since.
These works of art are labor intensive. Each carousel dog requires up to 700 hours to create. Racers dogs are commissioned by enthusiastic dog owners looking for an unique way to celebrate their dogs. Its the best part of what I do, Racer says. Meeting like-minded people who have passions for their dog and my art.
Each piece is lovingly created, incorporating the dogs personality. One model named Chloe is ball-obsessed, so Racer incorporated her favorite tennis ball into the sculpture. Graham, another subject, loved his moms dragon collection so much that she gave him a stuffed one, expecting him to tear it apart. He didnt and, instead, took excellent care of it. Racer carved a sweet little dragon riding on Grahams back.
Racers love and dedication to honoring dogs doesnt end with his art. Hes also the founder of BAD RAP, a pit bull rescue that he founded in 1999 with his wife. Racer says they were inspired to start Bad Rap because of his sweet rescued pit bull, Sally. When they founded the organization there were few pit bull rescues and they wanted to help. In between Racers artwork, the rescue and the couples three dogs of their own, its pretty busy. Never a dull moment! Racer says.
These are GORGEOUS! Oh, there are going to be some very, very happy people on Facebook later (rescuers. & dog owners)
Thanks so much for sharing this!
Gorgeous! Thanks for the ping, Joe!
Sure beats the fur sculptures we've seen.
Thanks Joe, I’ve been absent awhile. The dog carvings are just outstandingly beautiful. What talent he has.
Had to be a liberal to want that Daffy! Takes a blockhead to admire something like that, lol.
Those are wonderful!
It was a joy. Really.
Agreed.
bkmk
Hey! Good to “see” you! ;o)
I’ve been down with some crud, which means my mind has been “off”, though I don’t know if it’s been more “off” than usual. ;o)
I’m sorry I didn’t respond sooner.
No problem DC, every time we talk I owe you a letter, lol. Hope you’re feeling better. Winter depresses me.
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