Stand in the very presence of Magnificent Echo and you will feel His uneasiness
while at the same time, see a trust in the one who is leading him from real and/or
perceived danger.
Magnificent Echo is unsure of what is behind him and displays this reaction by the
giddiness and hunkering down of his hind quarters.
All the while the front portion of his body language shows trust in the one who is
leading him forward.
His noble stride is established and his hooves stay close, yet not over-stepping his
leaders pace.
Thus, the Substance of His Strength…
The Young Prince dreams, as he toils in the field, of the day he will be selected to pull a beautiful prestigious carriage.
He was meticulously created to show powerful strength by the careful selection of metal tools. Huffman welded the finishing touches in August of 2016, just in time for display at one of the nations largest State Fairs, The Iowa State Fair. The Young Prince was an attraction in himself. He was honored by being displayed in the Agriculture Building where he was viewed and admired by thousands.
This breath taking sculpture resonates with tremendous strength.
"The Young Prince", (Approximately 18-19 hands high x 21'0" length from his nose to the plow handles).
Although my sculptures are a patchwork of scrap metal, the essence of the "eye" is the window to it's soul.
Commissioned by the Polk County Conservation Board in the year 2018, “Prairie Reflections” was designed and created with various details of what one might see as they visit Jester Park Nature Center.
You will see birds, a campfire, boulders, pine trees, a turkey fan, coyote tracks, butterflies, a bird watcher, mushrooms, oak leaves, and many more items.
Weighing in at approximately 1 ton with dimensions of 4’ x 10’ x 7’.
Photography by Scot Howe.
The great Native American would often camouflage himself within the landscapes of boulders and trees in order to seize his food or retain protection for his family/tribe.
He skillfully maneuvers his bow and arrow as though it is an extension of his sacred heart.
"taking aim", (6' H x 5' W x 4'-6" D)
Keeping safe by day and watch by night "Freedom" is mounted on a concrete rock formation which was also constructed by Steven Huffman.
The majestic eagle's perch is secure in the crag of the mountainside enabling him to observe a panoramic view.
The knives artistically designed his wings to portray the swift accuracy of "Freedom's" every move.
(approximately, (10'-6" H x 7'-0" W x 4'-0" D)
Living in a community in Iowa steeped with Native American Heritage, Steven Huffman was commissioned by a small town east of where he lives, named "Agency," to honor a Great Chief named Wapello.
It was upon this reflection that it was decided to create a "Welcome Sign" at the entry to their community to commemorate the life and location of Chief Wapello and his ancestor's.
The 3/8" thick mild steel silhouette of Chief Wapello is embedded in a rock formation constructed from a formable concrete product in Steve's studio and shipped to the site. Steve and team member Denis set the rock formation with the company track hoe.
The signage was created out of a stainless steel sheet. Notice a 3/4" rebar was installed within the town's name horizontally showing direction and providing stabilization to the letters. Aesthetically this allows a patina of rust and texture to drape down over portions of the lower section of the letters.
The "Texas Oiler" is one of Steve's many one of a kind MetalScape Sculptures that he creates from recycled scrap metal.
He enjoys introducing various types of rocks and glass chunks to increase the elements of color and texture. This creates a becoming center of focus specific to each piece of art
Steve strives to place various metal pieces within the sculptures to show movement, balance and proportion.
Each sculpture has an identifying number providiing authenticity of ownership.
The Local Ottumwa Arts and Trails Council members commissioned Steven Huffman to create and construct 6 monumental sculptures on the bike and hiking trail system which is along the Des Moines River front.
Each one was constructed from 1/4" mild steel and is allowed to naturally create a rust patina in itself. Steve says, "my favorite color is rust".
Knowing the area has a historical background revolving around the river and Native American heritage, Steve set in metal the tone of the area.
The base consists of 1/2" steel in the shape of an arrowhead. The edges have been ground down to resemble an actual arrowhead's surface texture.
The sculpture's overall "shape" recognizes the new ventures of the community as "bursting forth".
The gentle arch on the top blends with the architecture of the newly constructed convention center.
The same gentle arch is crowned with feathers representing a covering of protection.
The center has been cut out to resemble the flow and curve of the river itself, all the while using the cut-outs themselves to be applied to resemble boulders along the banks of the river.
A platform table was designed for the purpose of the installation of different plaques containing information of the area and trail itself.
"Sailing Past Gibraltar" was one of Steven Huffman's one-of-a kind, unique, abstract MetalScape Sculptures.
"I envisioned," says Steven, "a sail boat quietly gliding near the cliffs of the rocks along the oceans shoreline, either during the brilliant sunlight of the noonday or beneath the glistening light of a full moon."
The rock formation introduced into this sculpture allows a viewer to sense the stature of the magnificent Rock of Gibraltar.
