Manatee Set
$3,800.00
Our manatee wall sculpture set features two gentle sea cows in different sizes (24″ and 48″, totaling 6 feet), creating a striking underwater scene.
Description
Our manatee wall sculpture set features two gentle sea cows in different sizes (24″ and 48″, totaling 6 feet), creating a striking underwater scene. (they are individually available as well). Each piece begins with original hand-drawn renderings capturing their endearing features – rotund bodies, whiskered faces, and paddle-like tails – precision cut from 14-gauge Type 316L Marine Grade stainless steel.
I grind and shape each manatee sculpture using controlled heat up to 1800°F to set colors into the steel’s molecular structure. The heating creates soft grays, warm browns, and gentle blue tones reflecting their natural coloring. These peaceful herbivores, often called “sea cows,” are known for their gentle nature and can consume up to 100-150 pounds of vegetation daily while gliding gracefully through Florida’s warm waters.
Specifications:
– Sizes: One 24″ and one 48″ sculpture
– Material: 14-gauge Type 316L Marine Grade Stainless Steel
– Finish: Heat-treated patina, no paints
– Mounting: Marine-grade stainless brackets included
– Installation: Indoor/outdoor suitable
– Care: Regular inspection for outdoor display
Handcrafted in Central Florida where manatees frequent our waters, these pieces capture the serene presence of these endangered marine mammals. Perfect for coastal displays, each sculpture reflects the peaceful nature of these remarkable creatures.
Additional information
Face | Left, Right |
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ABOUT THE ARTIST
Armando R. Hevia, a passionate artist and sport fisherman enthusiast, was born in Havana, Cuba, but moved to the U.S. as a young child. He has lived Orlando, Florida since 1972. Fortunately, Florida is a premier destination for fishing, and the open seas have given him a wide realm of both observation and discernment, fueling his creativity to replicate sea life in his own vision.
Armando has always loved to draw, and studied both Commercial Art and Welding at Mid-Florida Tech in Orlando. His welding knowledge prompted him to experiment with creating his first metal sculpture over 20 years ago. What began as a hobby has turned into much more, and he has methodically developed his stainless steel sculptures depicting sea life. All sculptures begin with a hand drawn design before the metal is cut to the proper specifications of each fish. He then grinds each piece to add depth and dimension into each piece. The array of colors is achieved by controlled heat, a process known as fire color. The colors are not painted on, but rather drawn out of the metal by different temperatures of heat. The colors are then embedded into the steel permanently. Each piece is original, and no two pieces are alike.
Armando not only has a passion for, but takes pride in each piece of art he creates. It is clear he has an innate, intuitive gift for art, and is willing and able to create anything the mind can imagine.