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From Ocean Depths to Detailed Sculptures – How a Passion for Marine Life Became Metal Masterpieces
Born in Massachusetts in 1965, Roland St. John has been passionate about nature since childhood. As an experienced diver and underwater videographer for over 25 years, he has captured some of the ocean’s most spectacular creatures on film—from sea turtles and dolphins to majestic sharks.
Roland uses his original underwater footage as reference when sculpting, allowing him to create highly detailed, life-like, and expressive works of art. This unique approach enables him to portray marine animals in motion, infusing both realism and fluidity into his metal sculptures. His deep love for the ocean drives his mission to raise awareness and advocate for marine conservation through art.
Founded in 1997, Big Blue Aquatic Gifts offers over 200 unique designs, including handcrafted jewelry, bronze sculptures, and ocean-inspired home decor. Every piece is proudly Made in the USA, reflecting Roland’s dedication to quality and authenticity.
Once the mold is cured, wax is injected into it to produce replicas of the original model. These wax models are attached to a central wax sprue, forming a tree-like structure. The wax tree is encased in a cylinder filled with investment (a plaster-like material), then placed in a high-temperature kiln where the wax melts away, leaving behind a detailed cavity.
Molten bronze or sterling silver is poured into the cavity via centrifugal casting. Once cooled, the investment is broken away to reveal the metal versions of the sculpture. Each piece is then cut from the tree and finished by hand, ensuring every item retains the integrity and detail of the original model.
– Roland St. John
From the first dive to the final polish, Roland St. John channels his passion for marine life into every piece he creates. Sculpting sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, and rays allows him to share the ocean’s beauty—and its vulnerability—with the world.
Through his art and conservation efforts, Roland has found his purpose: connecting people to nature, inspiring awe, and driving action to protect our planet’s blue heart.