ABOUT DANA MASTERS
- Sculptor and founder of 'On A Whim'

Hi, I'd like to introduce to you my collection of pewter figurines, ornaments, and other Whims... ...but first I'd like to take a few steps back.

I was graduated from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania with a bachelors degree in fine arts. After graduation I headed for Williamsburg, VA where I spent several years honing my skills in different media including designing and carving jewelry and Christmas ornaments. But sculpting gave me my greatest satisfaction.

So upon advice from a friend, I headed for New England where the hub of the pewter and jewelry industry is located. My in-house experience with New England Companies gave me a chance to work on projects for Companies such as Disney, Hudson Pewter, and General Motors.

In 1992 I founded On A Whim. Drawing upon my experiences in the industry and my past, I began designing, sculpting and producing my own lines.

I gather inspiration from everywhere; from observing life around me, family and friends, and of course a couple of terrific cats. Once a design is solidified in my head I carve the original in wax; often using several different types of wax to create the effect I want.

I then have various molds made of the original from which castings of fine lead-free pewter are made. Finally each piece is hand finished to bring out all of the intricate detail. Each creation becomes a part of me.

I strive to express a sense of movement and interaction between the characters or with the viewer, and I'm not satisfied with a piece until I can feel the life in it emerge. That's the true challenge; bringing them to life. Being able to share these intimate WHIMS with all of you gives me great pleasure. It's great fun, and I hope that you enjoy my 'On A Whim' characters as much as I enjoy creating them.

So as promised..INTRODUCING 'On A Whim'

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TECHNIQUE

My approach to developing pieces for my 'On A Whim' collection begins with an idea. I try to create pieces that are both whimsical and utilitarian at the same time; trinket box figurines, tooth fairy boxes, etc..

Every design is my own original concept. Once I've solidified the idea for a new piece in my head, I begin to carve using a variety of sculptable waxes. I form the waxes into exactly the design I want including every detail and technical aspect (i.e.: the way the piece will open as with the tooth boxes and trinket figurines. And any hanging methods necessary; ornaments.)

Once I've completed the waxes to my satisfaction, they are ready to be transformed into pewter. Molds are made of my originals and castings are then created from those molds. Each piece is then hand finished to my specifications, and the finishing touches are ready to be added. Under my supervision, sewn pouches are made for the tooth boxes, ribbons and beads are added to the ornaments, and finally each is carefully packaged.

The entire process is fascinating, and truly a labor of love (and many late nights!)

LINKS

My Tooth Fairy - Tooth Fairy Boxes
http://www.mytoothfairy.com/boxes.html

CLIENTS

New England Companies
Disney
Hudson Pewter
General Motors

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