Blake McFarland
For Blake McFarland, the opportunity to create art is an opportunity for a new life. A retired MLB player turned full-time sculptor and artist, Blake channeled his heart and soul into his art after suffering a career-ending injury. For him, the studio was an escape from pain and despair, and today it is a blank canvas for rebirth, restoration, and transformation.
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Season 1 · Sculptor
Blake McFarland
“I am a retired professional baseball player who now creates unique sculptures full time using a variety of materials including recycled tires, wood, epoxy, metal and more. I love working with new materials and always challenging myself to learn something new.”
"I am inspired to challenge myself to make new things. I never want to recreate the same thing or use the same material over and over. By challenging myself to do something new I not only learn how to use that new material, but I may also be able to relate that knowledge to something else I make in the future. It is all about learning and growing to become the best maker and artist I can be. I also get bored very easily so I like to keep it fresh with new things!"
Blake McFarland
Rhino Sculpture
One of his greatest challenges led to one of his most inspiring pieces, available only on Ronin. Blake’s Black Rhino piece – the sole one he will ever create – is a true gem. Fashioned from rare Black Walnut Burl and 8.5 gallons of epoxy resin, the Black Rhino took a month of dreaming, planning, creating, and sculpting. This special piece is a testament to Blake’s uncanny ability and laser-focus, a trait that he transferred from the baseball diamond to the art studio.
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“I carved it down with various power tools and sanded all the way up to 5,000 grit,” said McFarland on creating his artwork using wood and resin.
“I’m not a guy that likes a lot of downtime, and I always think that if I’m watching TV I could be doing something else more productive, so that’s when I do the majority of my artwork.”
Like Blake’s Black Rhino piece, his largest hardship led to a newfound calling, and a new life. But his journey is far from over. For Blake, each day and each piece means a new space to create art that embodies his love for the living things around him.
UNIQUE STORY BEHIND EACH ARTISTWhy Ronin
Ronin brings you World-Class Creators and Collectors from around the world and their unique and valuable creations all under one roof. Ronin features some of the world's best creators and collectors, detailing their life stories and showcasing their art creation and collection journeys, with the mission to inspire a new generation of creators and collectors.Ronin uses a highly-secured, waterproof and bulletproof facility in the Singapore freeport via partnership with SGPMX to store all high-value collectibles we feature.
Appraised and authenticated
physical art coupled with
blockchain securityIn partnership with Singapore Precious Metal Exchange
(SGPMX)
physical art coupled with
blockchain securityIn partnership with Singapore Precious Metal Exchange
(SGPMX)
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