Self Portrait

I’m a California sculptor specializing in political and social satire. I’ve drawn inspiration for my art from a lifelong interest in news and politics, and a  varied work history.  

My first jobs included baby sitting, drawing portraits for my hometown newspaper - the Woodland Daily Democrat, and working as a motel maid, retail clerk, and tomato sorter on a harvester.

I painted paisleys on wooden crutches, and decorated shop windows for Christmas.

I worked as a department store gift wrapper, card dealer in Nevada casinos, and house painter.

For the California government, I worked as a file clerk, janitor, high rise window cleaner, trades dispatcher for the Capitol, and correctional high school teacher.

I continue to sculpt the famous and the infamous.

I spend a long time researching my subject, and gathering photos.

I carve a small head the size of a walnut from polymer clay with dental tools. It takes many days to achieve a likeness.

Then I make a wire skeleton, wrap it with plaster bandages, add some papier maché, cover that with clay, carve details, and bake it. I make hands, feet, and anything else that I want to add, build a wooden base, assemble the figures, attach everything to the base, paint all with acrylics and ... it's done!


harling4of7@gmail.com