Liberty
This carving was inspired from a patron. I have added my carving style to her and changed her positioning and making her more proud and adding more details not in his original. The entire top wing area now flows behind her giving her more of a scuptural appearance. The head is carved in full to match her proud appearance. In carving her form and adding the back are we are then able to obtain more detail not available if I had not. The same for the banners. A short motto or saying can be carved into the banner instead of the present motto. The eagle was created in Honduras Mahogany, the eagle surface is primed with 2 coats and finish with 4-6 coats of Interlux paint for each color and finished with 23xx gold German Leaf, to a gilded finish. The eagle will be installed with brass key hole slots into the back of the eagle surface. The stainless steel screws are include with the eagle for installation along with a hanging pattern. She is created for outside use and of course inside display
Type
- wood
Material
- oak
- steel
Base
- metal
Finish
- paint
Material
- mahogany
Meet the Maker
Joseph Paul Uranker
J.P. Uranker - Master Woodcarver
I was created June 22, 1950 in Moon Run, Pennsylvania. BA in Art education from Carlow University in 1974. After college I joined two highly selective art associations in Pittsburgh, Associated Artist of Pittsburgh, and Pittsburgh Society of Artists. Married Francesca A. Hoffman 1976. I worked at Carnegie Mellon University from 1978 – 1991 and I used my art talents to restore the unique art and architecture at the University. My last project at the University was restoring the George Nakashima collection in Warner Hall. Also during this time in 1986 I received a Master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon in Business and Public Management, and Labor Relations in 87.
The handcarved heirlooms that I create are rich in history, detail and design. The deep, deliberate curves and lines left by the chisels are a statement to the quality and craftsmanship that go into each piece carved. Each piece is a collaboration between my patron and myself as we progress on the journey for each project.