Cats

Cat sculptures, copper and bronze, made by hand, welded and brazed, by Beau Smith.

In October or November of 2023, I began to make a series of Cats. I have made a few Cats before, years ago. But these are the first ones I made intending, and actually doing it, to make a series. The process by which I made these Cats is substantially different from the Frog sculptures I am known for. You may notice that the shapes are more wrought, more slender and smooth. Still, though, they have the familiar copper wrinkles that are in my Frog sculpture. 

Cats became a departure for me. Having made Frogs for over 35 years, I had come to master the techniques involved. It was finally time for something new. With the Cats came new creativity. I began painting them. The Cats held so many creative innovations and openings for new creativity. I love them for that. I happen to love actual cats, anyway. More than Frogs, actually. Can I say that?