Giant crystal shaman attracts new followers at US art show

Giant crystal shaman attracts new followers at US art show

(20 May 2019) LEAD IN:
Imposing sculptures made of precious stones alongside delicate artifacts welded from old hairdryers and bike parts – they’re all at this years art show in California’s exclusive Beverly Hills.
Hundreds of artists from across the US and overseas are showcasing their work.
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It’s a big gathering of artists and the people who like to buy their art, but you can come and spend the day browsing here even if you leave your wallet behind.
The event is free and open for everyone to take a look.
These large metal sculptures are of Shaman warriers according to artist Dan Hale.
Embedded with amethyst, turquoise and citrine, they’re meant to bring peace to the space they occupy and those who stand near them.
Whether that serenity can be bought is a mute point, these prices range from $1,500 to $12,000 USD.
Dan Hale from Arizona says works are now in hospitals, massage parlors and places where people look for healing powers.
“Shamans, these warriors I build, have special energies from the different stones that I use in their spirit. They’re made of metal and different specimens that are crystals from all over the world, from Brazil to Arizona turquoise to citrine so that’s what creates their spirit and that’s why they are shamans and have energy. People buy them to protect their homes and their feelings.”  
Art made of recycled products remains a popular trend with artists today.
Welded and detailed metal creations are attracting attention.
Adam Homan’s Iron Humpback is made of reclaimed and recycled parts.
His finely crafted metal creations are made from transmission parts, to bike chains, wrenches, even an old cash register.
Established artists set up here to gain new collectors for their hand-made pieces, but they’re also attracted by the cache of showing in Beverly Hills.
Homan’s Party-Bot with wine bottles, Thunder Dragon with illuminating eyes, and Robo-Rex with movable jaw and head are also crowd pleasers.
Homan says he loves the look on people’s faces when they recognise old recycled parts in a piece of art.
“There are steel sculptures that I create and I use a lot of old recycled parts vintage items. I use old typewriters, old hair dryers, anything I can weld that’s from the past. I love to use that. I feel like it really peaks people s imagination or reminds them of their childhood or a toy they had or something like that really engages them in the sculpture and brings a lot of joy when they look at it.”
The show’s spring theme is Garden Party.
It attracts artists who compete for best-in categories.
First, second and third place in each category are given out.
People from all over the world take in the outdoor spectacle which is now into its 40th year.
Kristen Buhagair, Recreation Services Manager, Beverly Hills Arts & Culture says the show is becoming home to a wide range of artists.
“We have such an amazing collection of artists that come here. We’ve got about 255 artists form all different categories anything from mixed-media to panting to sculpture we really have it all. We’ve got some world-class artists. On top of all of that the event is completely free and open to the public so anybody available to come,” says Buhagair.
Digital and mixed media 2-D and 3-D art is very popular.
Artist Richard Lee’s 3-D Marilyn Monroe is worth a second take. It looks like a painted portrait, but the former actress’s face is made from hundreds of small glass bottles.
This portrait hopes to fetch $4,500 USD.

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