large multi patina realistic praying mantis sculpture image
huge patina surreal outdoor praying mantis art image
giant bronze contemporary praying mantis landscape sculpture image
outdoor metal nature inspired praying mantis artwork image
medium multi patina insect outdoor praying mantis art image
freestanding patina realistic praying mantis garden sculpture image
large bronze surreal praying mantis landscape artwork image
huge metal contemporary outdoor praying mantis sculpture image
size sheet praying mantis sculpture project mainartery image

What now?

How to acquire your own sculpture?

Frequently asked questions

How do I know I’ll love the custom sculpture you make for me?

By the time you commission a work from Mainartery, you’re typically fully committed to the
style and concepts behind the work. We don’t move from one stage to the next without
full approval. Our approach has consistently turned the occasional reservation into expectation
and delight when clients grasp our ability to understand their needs.

How easy is it to work with you if I’m interstate or overseas?

Many of my (our) projects are for interstate or international clients. Communications technology makes it easy not only to talk, but also to exchange visuals and virtual mock-ups of the sculpture in development, and how it will look in your location. Where substantial and valuable works are involved, the commissioning process often benefits from an initial face-to-face meeting to cement early agreement on the scope of the project, as well as a site visit during installation.

How can I be confident that a sculpture will look and feel right in my space?

We show you detailed images of our designs and sculptures, and immerse you in a full and engaged understanding of the work you wish to acquire. We also offer a service that digitally overlays your sculpture onto photos of your proposed installation location for an accurate sense of the style and scale of the work in your surroundings.

How do you handle installation of the work?

We take responsibility for advice or actual installation whenever it is required. Smaller to medium sized sculptures usually stand on their own plinth and base. Larger works may require setting foundations or special fixings dependent on its final location. Even if we are not involved in the final installation, we often lend a consultative eye to our client’s contractor.

Do you guarantee safe delivery?

We pay meticulous attention to the handling and transport of your artwork. Our packaging is designed to withstand the most severe conditions, including falls. We also use trusted, specialist couriers. For extra peace of mind, we recommend appropriate transit insurance.

How do you guarantee your quality?

Our sculptures are made using the best processes and grades of materials so they can become legacies for the future. Providing the sculpture’s installation environment is fit for our recommendations, and that our scheduled minor preventive maintenance is upheld, there is no reason why your sculpture will not outlive you and several generations beyond.

What is your refund and return policy?

We’ve yet to receive a refund or return request in 28 years. However, in the event that you are not totally satisfied with a purchase from our range, we offer a full refund, minus packaging and shipping costs, or a credit towards another artwork.

Any other questions?

Sculpture is a joyous, complex art. If you need a guiding hand, call Todd Stuart on 0451 518 865.

Inquire by email to acquire your sculpture by sharing your project details to get started. For a tailored discussion and creative exploration, book a Zoom call with Todd Stuart today.

Email enquiry Book an appoinment today
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Description

Are you at a stage in life when the words ‘less is more’ means carefully selecting what is meaningful to you?

Not all artwork contributes to a deeper sense of meaning, which is why it is important to choose works that you appreciate and that contribute to a sense of wholeness and connection.

Rather than more stuff, the focus is on selecting artworks that bring real value to your surroundings, while each selection will reflect your personality.

For Robert Costa this means a little humour in everything every day, which explains why a sense of humour runs through his collection.

Grounded patina finishes are also important. It must be natural and must work harmoniously with the landscape.

For Praying Mantis, which represents a surreal enlargement of nature, the process progressed from preliminary sketches to miniature sketch modelling in clay, and upscaling the exact design in its final approved dimension. Mold making, casting and fabrication at the foundry followed, before a multi-patina finish preceded shipping and final installation.

The beautifully crafted outsized sculpture is installed by the front door, and when visitors see it for the first time, it tends to give them a bit of a jolt.

Telling Your Story—Crafted Insect Sculpture with a Humorous and Surreal Twist

“Telling Your Story” is a masterfully crafted insect sculpture that blends humor, surrealism, and intricate craftsmanship to create a striking and memorable piece of art. This humorous oversized sculpture of a praying mantis transcends traditional nature representations, offering a whimsical yet profound commentary on the relationship between humanity and the natural world.

Real Value Resides in Meaning That Endures—Art with a Humorous Twist

In an era where the mantra “less is more” emphasizes the importance of meaningful selection over excess, “Telling Your Story” embodies the philosophy that true value in art lies in its ability to convey enduring meaning. This surreal nature bronze sculpture is not just a decorative piece; it’s a statement that invites viewers to engage with its deeper significance. By integrating humor into the depiction of a traditionally serious insect, the sculpture challenges perceptions and adds a layer of playfulness to its symbolic depth.

Nature, Magnified and Mystified—Craftsmanship Meeting Character

“Telling Your Story” represents a surreal enlargement of nature, specifically the praying mantis, an insect known for its grace and predatory prowess. The process began with preliminary sketches and miniature clay models, capturing the essence of the mantis’s form and movement. Once the design was approved, the sculpture was upscaled to its final dimension through meticulous mold making, casting, and fabrication at the foundry. The multi-patina finish adds depth and texture, enhancing the sculpture’s lifelike yet fantastical appearance.

The oversized bronze sculpture is installed prominently by the front door, making an immediate and impactful impression on visitors. The dramatic presence of the praying mantis, combined with its exaggerated features and humorous twist, creates a memorable first impression that embodies both artistry and personality. This praying mantis sculpture not only serves as a visual focal point but also as a conversation starter, reflecting the owner’s appreciation for nature, craftsmanship, and whimsical design.

Ultimately, “Telling Your Story” exemplifies how art can convey personal narratives and values through creative expression. This humorous oversized sculpture enriches spaces by blending surreal beauty with meticulous craftsmanship, creating an environment where nature is both magnified and mystified. Whether placed in a home, office, or public space, the sculpture invites viewers to appreciate the unique blend of humor and artistry that makes each story worth telling.

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Additional information

Weight110 kg
Dimensions204 × 156 × 190 cm
Sculpture size

Medium (freestanding interior), Large (courtyard)

Material

Bronze

Project Client Type

Collectors

Style

Animal, Contemporary, Realistic, Representational, Surreal

Weight (lbs)

242

Edition

Limited

Dimension (in)

H75 x W61 x D80

Location

Waurn Ponds / Victoria – Australia

AUD Price range

POA

USD Price range

POA