From agupdate.com:
Ever wish you could freeze time? We each have a moment that is branded in our minds for eternity. If only we could capture that memory and share it with others.
Jared Schlipf is replicating these special memories for people in the livestock industry with hand-carved livestock replicas. A third-generation livestock showman and producer himself, this native of rural Illinois is gaining attention from livestock show families, breeders, ranchers and show sponsors nationwide.
Jared Schlipf Design memorializes a specific animal or a point in time through tangible artwork. The tagline “we’re replicating memories” says it all.
His models are perfect miniatures of the real animal. A Hampshire hog seemingly struts with the white and gray band encircling his black torso, ears erect as if he were commanding the show ring. The muscular definition of a market wether goat is precisely etched, with even the direction of the hair on his legs evident. Every detail of a Hereford steer is intricately carved, from the swirl in his red and white coat to the split in his ear just left of the lime green ear tag.
Realism and perfectionism are trademarks of Schlipf’s work.
“Everything is done by hand, shaping to fit the structure and contour lines of that specific animal,” he said.
Typically measuring 7 inches tall, the replicas begin as a single block of wood. Schlipf follows a photograph of the animal to duplicate the profile onto the block before he begins cutting and carving.
Schlipf has raised, showed and judged multiple animal species. All of his experiences in the livestock industry contribute to his thorough knowledge of breed and structure, allowing him to accurately execute every detail of an animal while carving.