Clifford Earl Sculpture - Wheeled Whimsey

Wheeled Whimsey

Here are some "toys" that adults and kids alike seem to enjoy. Largely inspired by old-fashioned, mechanical, tin toys, these larger and more whimsical versions aren't really intended to be used as toys, but they may well inspire nostalgia in you for a favorite toy from your past. Still, these one-of-a-kind pieces are probably not quite like any toy you ever owned as a child.

I've done a few pieces like this where the client requested a specific animal (but wisely left the design of the work up to me). These major works take many days to complete.

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Rat Rod Enlarge Image

Rat Rod Detail Enlarge Image

Rat Rod

Completed in May, 2014, the Rat Rod evokes memories of autos from the early 1900s. This piece was inspired by the 1908 New York to Paris Race. It is close to 4 feet in length and has a one-of-a-kind engine.
Pricing available upon request.

This piece plus the motorcycle and race car immediately below represent one full year of work.

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Motorcycle Enlarge Image

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Motorcycle

Completed in January, 2014, This antique motorcycle sculpture measures a bit over 2-feet long. Amazing detail that will appeal to any fan of motorcycles. Pricing available upon request.

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Speedaway Race Car Detail Enlarge Image

Speedaway Race Car

If you are a NASCAR fan or antique car afficionado, this unique, fine-art sculpture is a MUST HAVE! Made with a hand-carved, solid wooden body and driver, and a variety of found and fabricated objects, this one-of-a-kind piece could become the centerpiece of your collection. Due to its size (48 inches long) and weight (about 90 pounds) it is only available for pickup at the studio or delivery in the Richmond area. Pricing available upon request.

Enlarge Image Humphrey-mobile

Inspiration for this piece came from an old comic strip called Joe Palooka. One of the characters named Humphrey drove a three-wheeled vehicle similar to this one around town. The piece is about 36 inches long.

Enlarge Image Fish-mobile 1

This fish is about 3 feet long. The fish is carved from a single, solid log. The rooster riding on top is also carved from wood. The wheels are from a baby carriage.

Enlarge Image Fish-mobile 2

This fish-mobile is slightly smaller than the one above - about 2-1/2 feet long. It too is carved from wood. The tail is made from aluminum and the umbrella is covered with silk like my flying machines.

Enlarge Image Porky-pine

With its pig snout, porcupine body, and giraffe legs, this beast always draws a smile at shows and people love to stroke his snout. Overall, he's nearly 6 feet long. Each of the spines (over 1,500 of them!) were inserted in holes drilled one at a time in his carved wooden body.

Enlarge Image Fish-and-bird

Here's one little bird that had better be careful - he's driving a mighty dangerous fish mobile! This fish can really move when he's shifted into high gear and uses his auxilliary propellor to speed him along.

Enlarge Image Hippo

This drowsy hippo seems none too anxious to get his feet wet. The bird on his back seems a bit surprised by those Wellies too. Both hippo and bird are carved from wood and the Wellies are the real McCoy. His mouth opens to reveal a happy little fish.