"I Sculpt Emotion!"
Award Winning Sculptor, Artist, Humanitarian and Teacher
David would be delighted to chat with you about his past, current and future work.
“Sculpture means movement to me, and within that movement – be it a leaf hanging on against the wind or a person’s hand stretched out in supplication – movement gives a visual path for hearts to follow.”
- David F. Shankland
Master Sculptor
Biography
"I Sculpt Emotion!"
Over fifty years ago, at the young age of fifteen, David found his inner sculpting spirit through that of a shark swimming in the ocean waters. The shark was over five feet long with shiny scales, identifying fins, and ferocious saw-toothed teeth. This piece launched him into a career as a sculptor, artist, teacher, and humanitarian activist.
From high school art classes to a Fine Arts degree from Ohio Wesleyan’s infamous art department, to a 46-year long relationship with his teacher, mentor, and friend, Ebb Haycock, David has evolved personally and professionally into an artist.
CURRENT Project
The Journey
An eight (8) figure series depicting a person making and executing a difficult and dangerous decision to walk away from a violent or unsafe life situation.
Any person – male or female, young or old – of any race or ethnic background – who has made a difficult decision to flee from a hardship: an immigrant, a refugee, someone who has left behind cycles of addiction and violence, an abused and overworked front line worker, an adult child floundering/fleeing from a dysfunctional family, or from any number of realities – will immediately empathize with each of the emotional states represented by these figures.
Leaving
This is the first of eight full size figures depicting “The Journey”. This flee from danger – be it war, violence, addiction or abuse reflects – FEAR and COURAGE.
Ridgeline
“The Journey” unfolds with an overwhelming sense of UNCERTAINTY, yet RELIEF.
Food
Through a simple moment of nourishment, a sense of HOPE becomes clear.
River Crossing
“The Journey” includes times of difficulty and challenge. However, FEAR and UNCERTAINTY begin to turn into RESILIENCE.
Sleep
Much needed rest allows for new dreams and the awakening assurance of
NEW POSSIBILITIES.
Why?
Experiencing the universal question,
WHY ME?
Exhaustion
With erratic sleep, unsure new steps, little sustenance and an uncertain future, complete mental, emotional and physical EXHAUSTION prevails.
Arrival
With a grand sense of new-found safety, GRATITUDE and VICTORY reign. The dawn of a NEW FUTURE begins.
Akron, Ohio
ARTWORK
Photo Gallery
An award winning, seasoned, versatile sculptor and artist.
Historic antique renovator, skilled in antique restoration and reproduction.
Check out our videos
Wood Sculpture and Totem Poles
Get a closer look at our process and see unique shots of some of our pieces in a photo slideshow.
Teaching in Hati
Students learning to carve turtles, birds and frogs out of high density foam blocks with hand held rasps, wonderful first time sculptors. year 2014.
Watch an Interview with David
Take a look at David F. Shankland and watch as he discusses his process and how he creates.