After
making a few sketches, I began the sculpture, using packing materials I had saved from our move to Texas from California. Styrofoam blocks, paper and PVC pipe formed the basic anatomical structure. 

Chicken wire was used to form the rest of the structure, further defining the shape of a longhorn dam. I then wrapped the entire piece in papier mache, strips of packing paper coated in diluted white glue. I now had a structure, but it needed to be stronger. 

I "beefed" her up with expanding foam that I shot into the carcass. The horns in particular needed stabilizing. For this I used a strong length of heavy wire, crafts screening, and bustier boning (thank you, Madonna). 

Claudia Grand Dam: back view, 2002. 
Note rattlesnake detail

Other images from our 2002 koi tour. 
Photos by Helen Rodriguez


Dry lake

 Zen waterchute

I coated the body with five gallons of stucco to achieve a textured surface. The hooves were shoed in crafters' foam and covered in tile grout. The horns were striated in outdoor paint. Other details, such as the eyes, were also painted or carved out.

I decoupaged the rattlesnake skin on the back of the cow and hand-painted the detail, such as the Texas state flag -- flown proudly by the snake. For some reason, I just had to sculpt a rattlesnake on the back of Claudia. Maybe it was all the "don't mess with Texas" speak.

Voila! In 2002 , after hours and hours of physically taxing labor, Claudia Grand Dam was born. And, judging from the reactions of all who have seen her, everybody loves Claudia.