The ability of molds to capture sculpturally significant information from natural objects was a cause of particular fascination. Borrowing specimens from the paleontolgy, anthropology, and geology departments of the University, he made a series of molds, which became the nucleus of a mold library representing hundreds of natural objects. From these first molds, wax casts were made, then combined into composite creations which were cast in bronze and aluminum. Since receiving his design degree in 1974 he has continued to pursue further applications of this idea, producing sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, holograms, architectural hardware, computer graphics, and various art objects in this "juxtamorphic" style. An innovator in matters of technique as well as in esthetics, he developed the Sculpted Paint process to produce colorful and highly detailed but durable sculpture and jewelry.
Andrew Werby founded United Artworks in 1986, in an effort to fill a perceived need for an all-around custom sculpture service, able to offer a range of choices in material and technique, and solve real-world problems with style and grace. To this end, Mr Werby joined forces with Michael Bush, whose background in stagecraft and construction gave him a complementary set of skills. Together they set up a facility in Oakland, California, equipped with a metal foundry, ceramic kilns, woodshop, smithy, and general fabrication facilities. Their e-mail addresses are drewid@lmi.net and mbush@lmi.net
United Artworks also draws upon the abilities of various experienced sculptors, painters, designers, jewelers, and skilled craftspeople from the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond, if warranted by a particular job. We have made furniture, beaten copper sheet into sculptural reliefs, built decorative concrete walls, made garden statuary both figurative and abstract, and have done installations in private residences as well as public spaces. We are always looking for interesting jobs and chances to extend our range of skills by trying something that is new for us. We believe strongly that art should regain its historic link with architecture, and welcome opportunities to create functional as well as decorative work that is integral to a built environment.