Runstadler Studios

Always a sculptor at heart, in 1987 Runstadler took a year to travel and study art and architecture in Greece, Turkey, Egypt, and East Africa. As a result of this year, the “Spirit Guides” came into being because he wanted to create sculptures that spoke of themes that were dear to his heart. Simply put, these are ideals of serenity, peace, human compassion, and love. It is Runstadlers hope that the “Spirit Guides” will enhance and uplift anyone’s home, garden or spirits.

The “Spirit Guides” are made of bronze and steel. Their heads, hands and other accessories are made of cast bronze and the bodies are made of hand fabricated steel. The bronze is produced by the ancient lost-wax process. To do this, Runstadler starts by forming the image that he is creating in clay. After the clay is fired, he makes a mold of it. He then pours melted wax into the mold which when cooled, maintains the intricate detail of the original clay piece. He gives this wax image to a local foundry which then casts these images in the highest quality silicone bronze. After the casting of the bronze pieces, he chases, brushes and polishes them to their final finish. A chemical solution called a patina is then applied to each of the pieces. This patina gives them their color and unique character. A final finish with several coats of wax is then applied to each piece to finish them. The metal bodies are hand fabricated of steel. He forms and cuts all the body parts, welds them together and grinds them smooth. The bronze parts are welded onto the bodies and the entire sculpture is then sandblasted, and painted with the highest grade Rust-O-leum paint. This high quality finish allows for the Spirit guides to be used both inside the home and outside in the garden.