Lucas was born from my son’s love of lizards and my own admiration for Jurassic era reptiles. It was only a matter of time before I created one myself. Choosing the iguana as the foundation for my inspiration, I knew from the outset that this would not be a small piece. I wanted a true showstopper, something monumental in scale that would compel people to stop, look twice, and take in the size, presence, and stance of the sculpture.

Versatility was also an important consideration. I wanted the eventual purchaser to have the option to add their own signage or wording, allowing the piece to work just as well in a commercial setting as it would in a private collection.

The process began with scale, and a length of around six feet felt right. Weeks were spent studying the anatomy, posture, and overall character of the iguana, no easy task, as I quickly realised just how challenging it would be to recreate such an organic form in steel.

From there, it was pen to paper and countless drawings. I experimented with textured stainless steel sheets to achieve the correct size, shape, and rhythm of the scales. While realism was important, I also wanted the sculpture to retain my mechanical signature. Recycled exhaust blanks and offcuts were used throughout the build. The claws, head, tail, and feet proved particularly challenging. The sculpture began with a stainless steel bar cage to establish its initial size and structure, before gradually layering and shaping the contours that would bring the lizard to life.

I always envisioned Lucas sitting atop a shipping box, with the wooden base acting as a canvas for signage or branding, perhaps for a Mexican restaurant or similar venue. Wheels were added to the box for ease of transportation.

I am extremely pleased with the final outcome, and Lucas has already attracted a great deal of interest.