This self-standing painted steel sculpture is handmade by Gail Chavenelle of Dubuque, Iowa.

Measures approximately 14" wide x 24" tall.

“Beginning with childhood paper dolls, chains, pop-out books and greeting cards, I have been intrigued by paper sculpture. I loved the forms but wanted the works to be more permanent.”

Instead of a sheet of paper, she works with a sheet of metal – 20 gauge stainless steel. As with paper sculpture, Gail creates three-dimensional images from a flat sheet by folding and bending a shape she cuts with either a plasma torch or a pair of tin snips.

For her miniature pieces, a laser cuts Gail's design into a sheet of 22 gauge stainless steel, assuring smooth edges. Gail then finishes and bends the metal, creating the final sculpture. Each piece is signed by the artist.

Gail Chavenelle is an artist helping you create joyful spaces with sheet metal sculpture. For more than 25 years, her pieces have helped us celebrate, give thanks, mourn, laugh and sing. These brilliantly simple strips of metal have expressed our feelings when words fell short. Instead of a sheet of paper, she works with a sheet of metal – steel. As with paper sculpture, she creates three-dimensional images from a flat sheet by folding and bending. You might call her sculpture  “Permanent Paper.” Her collection includes works in stainless steel, rusted steel and a variety of colored powder-coated finishes.

“I explore metal’s kinetic movement so pieces can bounce, fly or dance in the breeze. I love the curl as strips of metal become wild hair. I am awed as a turn of a metal head creates an intimate moment between lovers or parent and child.”

The organic quality of her pieces transcend the connotations of the medium. Instead of harsh edges, there is line and movement. It is often a wonderful mystery as where the piece begins or ends! Each design weaves into itself creating the whole. 

She is as equally inspired designing her miniatures as she is by 8′ tall public installations. Add joy to your space with one of her current designs or a custom piece.

Find more of Gail's work here.