Studio Journal
Notes from the forge
Stories, process, and reflections from decades of metal sculpting — from first sparks to finished masterpieces.
Why Every Piece Is an Original
The Wooden Anvil does not produce copies. Each commission is a Richard Van Heuvelen original, built for one client and one place.
Life at the Port Perry Studio
A day at The Wooden Anvil mixes sparks at the bench, lake air, and the conversations that keep creativity flowing.
Welding as Drawn Line
In my hands, the welder is as much a drawing tool as a joining device — each bead a deliberate mark.
The Anatomy of Animal Sculpture
Giraffes, cranes, and creatures of all kinds require obsessive attention to how bodies move and hold weight.
Small Sculptures, Big Impact
Not every masterpiece needs to fill a room. Some of my most cherished works fit in the palm of your hand.
Building a Sustainable Studio
My home and workshop near Lake Scugog reflect the same values I bring to commissioned work: craft, efficiency, and respect for place.
Metal Work for Film and Exhibits
Movies, museums, and public installations each demand a different rhythm — and a sculptor who can adapt.
Custom Commissions From Idea to Installation
Every commission at The Wooden Anvil begins with a conversation and ends with a piece that could exist nowhere else.
Forging Expression in Steel
Metal is inanimate by nature, yet the best sculptures seem to breathe. Here is how I chase that illusion.
The Challenges of Life-Sized Sculpture
From giraffes to icebergs, scaling metal work to life size introduces engineering puzzles as demanding as the art itself.
What Ghost Sculpting Taught Me
Working behind the scenes for other artists sharpened my craft and clarified my own creative voice.
Learning From Bill Lishman
In 1978, an apprenticeship with renowned artist Bill Lishman set the course for a lifetime of metal sculpting.
Commissions
Have a vision? Let's bring it to life.
If you have a grand idea that you want to come to life, I want to work with you. Through my metal work, I will make your dreams become a reality.