Steve Saunders is the Collectibles Sculpture Supervisor for the legendary Weta Workshop.
Originally from South Africa, Steve made a powerful entrance at the New Zealand workshop with his first Gandalf and Strider creations for the Lord of the Rings collection. Working closely with all collectibles at Weta, and as The Hobbit nears its world premiere release, Steve created his new Gandalf the Grey for The Hobbit line.
Legendarium Media connected with Steve in an exclusive interview to talk about his work in sculpt and with Weta Workshop.
Can you tell me about yourself and how you started in sculpting?
I was born in South Africa during the 80s. As a kid I lived very much in my own imaginary world. At a very early age, I decided to one day pursue a job in either film making or toy sculpting–today I do both! I started sculpting creatures and props for film and television in Cape Town without any real sculptural training; I just utilized a demand that existed in the industry at the time.
Do you find it difficult to make your own unique stamp on a character of Tolkien’s given the immense amount of art, including the films, that is devoted to his works?
Initially it is intimidating, but I am a respectful fan and try to trust my own judgment. Peter’s films have set a distinct style, this makes it a lot easier when planning new projects for this world.
If you hadn’t become a sculptor, what do you think you might have been?
Adventuring field paleontologist or rogue philanthropist.
Other than working with Weta, what would be your dream project?
I hope to fulfill most of my ambitions in collaboration with Weta. Would love to do more museum display work.
Out of all the sculptures you’ve created, which is your favorite?
Hobbit: Gandalf The Grey, I poured all of my love for middle earth into this one. Having said that, I hope to still do much more sculptures that are similarly inspired!
What other art mediums do you work in?
I am a sculptor through and through; I occasionally dabble in drawing and painting.
What do you think it is that attracts so many fans to the lore of Tolkien’s Middle-Earth?
It is a fantasy world that is still governed by rules; this makes the stories feel more real and sympathetic.
What artists inspire you?
Lucky for me I am surrounded by them every day!
Is there a particular project/piece you’d like to work on in the future?
There is an immense amount of things I would like to still do, I would be lucky if I get to a fraction of them.
What advice would you give a new artist starting out and what do you think is the most effective way you market yourself and your work?
Be persistent! Do your 10 000 hours, chances are good you will be a master after that. As an aspiring sculptor: for the love of all things good, do not sculpt Frankenstein for your portfolio!
See more of Steve’s work on his Facebook page.
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CONTEST TIME!
Weta Workshop and Legendarium Media have joined to create this amazing contest!
How to win:
Make a comment below in the comments section about the artist, his work, or both! Three random winners will be chosen for first, second, and third place prizes.
The Prizes from Weta Workshop!
FIRST PLACE:
Weta continues the legacy of producing finely crafted, highly detailed 1/6 scale collectible polystone statues from Middle-earth. The essence of each character expertly captured in every piece. Thorin Oakenshield was sculpted by Scott Spencer.
SECOND PLACE:
A Key to Erebor Sterling Silver Pendant
The Key to Erebor Pendant is a miniature of The Key to Erebor as designed by Concept Art Director John Howe. Made from Sterling Silver that has been oxidised to achieve an aged look, this piece is both a beautiful miniature prop replica and gorgeous piece of jewellery. The Key to Erebor Sterling Silver Pendant comes in a beautiful gift box made from natural Cherry timber.The inside bottom of the box is lined with burgundy velvet and has a pin for the pendant to hang off.
THIRD PLACE:
A Thorin’s Map Parchment Art Print
Every great adventure needs a treasure map and in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the map was created by Thror, grandfather of Thorin Oakenshield. It contains not only the lay of the land, but also detailed instructions. Some clear as day, some concealed. Designed and drawn by Daniel Reeve of the 3 Foot 7 art department who created the original prop for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
Contest Entry Ends: November 24th – ENTER NOW!
Wow, it’s amazing how realistic he makes all of his art; if I didn’t know better, I would say it was a freeze frame of the actor!
I’ve always been a fan of Steve’s LOTR work, & by the looks of it, his Hobbit sculptures are even better! I hope to see a lot more from you, sir.
Oh, to be lucky enough to get my hands on that AMAZING Thorin Oakenshield statue! I’d treat him ever so well as he’d stand proudly on my desk 🙂
These are stunning works of art, so thank you for creating them, even if most of us will only even get to look at them online. They are amazing!
Beautiful work . . . very realistic. I almost expect to see them move.
I am so impressed by Steve’s work, they look so life-like that they might get up off their bases and go off on an adventure. I wanted to be a paleontologist when I was younger, takes a lot of painstaking and fiddly work which could be right up the street of someone who has the patience and dexterity to produce these sculptures.
You can see the love he has for his work in each of the sculptures. Beautifully done.
Immensely talented artist! I wish I could express my thoughts as clearly as this artist.
Steve is fantastic at sculpting, and we are the lucky fans who get to appreciate and admire his work on our shelves.
I have all 3 of Steven’s sculpts (pictured in the article) and love them all. I hope he’s the one sculpting Radagast because he has a knack for wizards!
When you are persistent you always do a great work. That should be your motto and I see it is. Keep working as you do and we’ll see amazing art. I loved the details of your sculptures, and my favourite is Thorin’s. I’d be very glad to see it in my hands.
He is so talented! but the talent is not enough, he worked really hard to achieve his goals. And his works are fascinating: every little details, the colors…directly from the Middle-earth!
i love all his work because i love the lord of the rings and the hobbit because it is my life
This is really stunning work! I’m always impressed by people who can do this type of work! I can’t wait to see what else you create!!!
awesome work, very detailed.
Would love to win any of he three. They are all amazing and great looking pieces of art! Keep up the good work Steve!
I wish I were as talented! Wonderful work, the love for the subject can be seen in every stroke of the carving tool.
I am especially fond of his answer for the final question. Start clocking hours everyone, but make sure they’re productive hours… 😉
I’m really impressed by Steve’s works!! His love for the subjects can be seen in every single sculpture.His works are very detailed and they seems to be real directly from the Middle-earth.
He is really talented!!! It would be wonderful to be one of the winners!!!
Wow. Now I really want to try my hand at sculpting again. I used to do it in highschool for art class, and I wasn’t too bad. I wonder what medium he uses? It doesn’t look like clay.
Can’t wait to buy them all! I’ll have the whole cast sitting in my room!
I just finished looking through all the photos on Steven’s Facebook page. His work is amazing! I’m a fan.
Saunders is a true inspiration! Not only does he excell at his craft, but he encourages artists to put the time and passion into their own work in order to further their capabilities. Beautiful sculpting, I hope to one day own one of his pieces!
Now that’s what I call art! Such detail, such craftmanship!
Whoever wins these works of art… you are a lucky sod 😉
I love seeing great artists get acknowledged! As a previous poster said, for those of us not talented, we get to admire and show off such collectibles. Nothing I currently own even compares to these creations.
They are all wonderful pieces!
He did an awesome job at these pieces of work, especially the Strider one. I am a total LotR geek and would love to see any of these wonderful pieces of artwork in my room. Keep up the good work Steve!
if only I was so talented as to make anything that AMAZING to sell on my own crafts store, Im a fan of his work and pretty much anything having to do with LOTR, The Hobbit, or anything having to do with tolkien!
I’m a huge fan of anything having to do with J.R.R. Tolkien and Middle-Earth!
Steve is an outstanding artist and has made the characters from Tolkien’s stories come to life. I would love to add his work to my collection. Unfortunately, my collection lacks the amazing and talented work of this man. It would be an absolute honor to say that I own a piece of his work.
Keep up what you’re doing. You’re impressing LOTR and The Hobbit fans everywhere!
I love Weta Workshop. 🙂
Really nice work. Thank you for the interview folks. And thank you to Steve for providing some background and insight on how he came to craft such wonderful sculptures!
Wow, Steve does absolutely amazing work! Everything is so beautiful.
Steve inspires me so much, his work is absolutely phenomenal. I admire the way he portrays his art and his own love for Tolkien’s world. Just the thought that a fan like him is able to work on the set he loves, gives me hope that perhaps someday I can do the same.
such an enormous amount of skill – great understanding of the figure too.
I am so envious of someone with such talent. How great it must feel to look at the finished product and say “I made that”. Well done Steve we are priveliged to be able to gaze upon your incredible work.
It’s amazing what he’s done without much formal training, the opportunities he’s had are astounding, good sense of humour too 😛
Amazing! I’m so jealous, some seriously skilled fingers Fantastic way to express your love for Tolkien.
Extraordinary & Beautiful work, I love the detail that goes into each piece, if it is the color of the cheeks or detailed craftsmanship on clothing you can tell the care he takes in each one. Mr. Saunders is a very talented person and can’t wait other characters he has done for the movie.
Steve captured two of my favorite characters (Gandalf and Strider) in incredible posses. The man has an incredible talent and I look forward to seeing what else we get from him from The Hobbit.
Steve Saunders you are my hero!
Love the detail,a great collection any LOTR fan would be proud to own.
Wonderful work. As much as I love paintings and photographs, I really enjoy sculptures for their true 3 dimensions.
Your works are good.
Awesome detail, and a talented artist. Love the earthy feel of his sculpts.
I’ve only just begun recently to get into painting miniatures, and that’s difficult enough; I can’t imagine how complicated and frustrating it must be to create something quite this detailed – but it must be an incredible feeling finally to look at the finished product and know you made it… wow.
(In other news, that map is delicious. Mental tastebuds are tingling….)
I’ve tried sculpting in the past, and I can’t begin to fathom how much talent and dedication this guy has. Awesome work.
That’s an awesome story and that’s some awesome sculpture! It takes a very creative craftsman to create sculptures from the mind of a very creative author -J.R.R.Tolkien! You have captured it very well, thank you!
The full size gandalf sculpted for the Hobbit line is probably the best gandalf done to date. Well done!
wish i had that kind of talent, the detail is amazing!
Love Steve’s attention to detail, Beautiful work!
What a talented man. We love that his favourite is Gandalf and that he poured his love into making this, as we’ve also been doing the same thing (pouring love into taking the very special Gandalf scarf). What a great artisan.
Woot!
Wow. These are absolutely phenomenal! The detail, effort and time is apparent in each sculpture. I’m envious of your skill!
“Gandalf the Grey” looks amazing!
Wow those are amazing! I wish I could do that!
Absolutely in love with Gandalf and Strider! Great work!
All of the work is amazing, I wish I could do something as good as that! Love Strider, he looks so mysterious 🙂
The Gandalf and Thorin sculptures are breathtaking! They beautifully convey the hearts and souls of these characters!
And the warrior king Thorin sculpture has such a feeling of movement to it–almost as if he could finish swinging his sword before my eyes!
I truly covet the Thorin statue. I would put him in my glass display case right next to my Royal Doulton figures. Sighhhh!
Amazing job! I wish I could make some too, but I’m too clumsy for such an art! They are so realistic, he must have put a lot of effort for these. Keep Middle-Earth alive!
Fantastic sculpture nice to have a bit of tolkien for the home
I’m sitting here right now behind my laptop in The Netherlands, and I just red the whole story of Steve Saunders. After I read it, I was so inspired, and started drawing inmediatly. I also want a job like that, but I always thought that something like that was impossible. But now I do believe that (almost) everybody could do a job like that, you just need to have the feeling and the motivation. And Steve definitely have both of them, because his work is just fantastic and I love it! I always say: “If you want something in this life, reach out and grab it.”
(and sorry for my bad english… 🙁 )
Steve made the best Gandalf statue to this day…Its the Grey Pilgrim as it should have been from day one…Well done once again Steve …. Can’t wait to see what more you have in store for us 🙂
I admire he is a respectful fan, and trusts his own judgement, and doesn’t simply copy how the characters are depicted in the movies!
Imagine having that Gandalf sculpture in one’s room!! Awesome! ^^ 🙂
Amazing work! I really wish I could be that good at something one day.
Truly amazing work. It’s not sculpture, it’s perfection! *runs off to clear a place on the mantle for my potential prize*
There are too many to chose from! I’m particular to the one of Strider sitting at the Inn in Bree and of Gandalf sitting with his pipe in hand, but they are all remarkable works of art. One day I will have collected them all! Steve Saunders is an amazing artist!
As a fellow artist, I can relate a little to the work and love that must have gone into each sculpture. They look absolutely amazing! Fantastic work, no doubt about it.
WOWIE! :O absolutely stunning work here, bravo!!! Love Strider one especially, really captured them well 🙂
I have always admired your work!!! I would purchase it all if I were allowed to!! =) Keep up the great work! I hope you are able to fulfill your goals!
Thanks to all that entered!
WINNERS have been chosen!
The Strider bust is awesome, but even more amazing is how the huge scale models – like the dark rider, or Gandalf sculpture attached to the Embassy for the premier are of the same level of detail. They are mind-blowing.