Dad's Turtle

Another turtle!!! This one is for my Dad by request. It is bronze with black and blue patina.
I made a turtle for my Dad last semester. [Fall 2007] However, the actual pour was horrible. We had a perfect storm of calamities that left the molds only partially filled. It is the first time where virtually all the molds had major defects. My Dad's turtle only filled on the sides and the entire middle was missing. There was no way to salvage the piece. So, I cut up that turtle and started over. This turtle is made from the recycled bronze from the first turtle. I actually like this turtle better. It is smaller and the shape is better. I also like the designs on the shell. Music symbols and a guitar are on the shell behind the head My Dad loves to sing and play his guitar in the church choir. Above the tail is a flaming heart with a cross inside. It is my version of the Sacred Heart. My Dad has a great love for the church. So, besides the New Mexico themed designs on the turtle shell, there are a few designs very personalized just for my Dad.