Michaels Bronze Sculpture

About the Artist

Paul was born in Tacoma, Washington in 1954 and grew up in Fircrest, Washington. He studied Fine Art, specializing in Sculpture, graduating from Tacoma Community College and Washington State University.

In 1992 he started sculpting full time, carving custom carousel figures and restoring antique ones. He also has built displays, dioramas and a replica ship's figurehead for the Willapa Seaport Museum in Raymond, Washington. Michaels now specializes in Bronze Sculpture. His goal is to capture the personality as well as the likeness of the subject.

Michaels has worked closely with the Tacoma Historical Society to mark the locations of the sawmills that once lined the waterfront of Old Tacoma. In addition to designing and creating the plaques, the artist has researched the history of Tacoma's first industrial waterfront. The Tacoma Historical Society endorsed and acted as fiscal agent for the Top of the Ocean and Allen C. Mason sculptures.

Paul R Michaels creates beautiful life-size bronze figures, busts and historic plaques as well as representational sculpture. Michaels has a unique ability that blends his love of history and art in bronze.

When sculpting a portrait, whether a bust or life-sized figure, he works closely with the client to create a recognizable likeness. Every effort is made to capture the personality of the subject, from the facial expression, the clothes, and personal objects included on the sculpture.
Patterns for plaques are designed and carved by the artist and are cast at a foundry using the sand casting method. Three-dimensional pieces are sculpted in clay. Upon approval by the client, molds are made and the statue is created utilizing the lost wax method. For a very good explanation of bronze casting see Mark Stevenson's description at:

http://www.carapacearts.com/