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Marine Life into Metal: The Art of Roland St. John

From Ocean Depths to Detailed Sculptures – How a Passion for Marine Life Became Metal Masterpieces

The Artist Behind Big Blue

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.

Big Blue - Aquatic Gifts

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.

From Dive to Design: Creating Marine Life in Metal

Scuba diving with a camera opens up a new world of inspiration. Planning trips becomes an intentional search for iconic marine animals—like hammerhead sharks in the Galapagos or Cocos Islands. Roland typically focuses on one subject per dive, carefully observing and filming it from every angle. This extensive footage is critical for sculpting accurate, dynamic models—capturing not just the form, but the movement and spirit of the animal. He begins each piece with flat tin stock, sketching a top-view outline of the subject and adhering it to the metal. With a jeweler’s saw, hammers, and custom tools, he shapes the form, then uses a soldering iron and torch to build up layers. Fine details—like gills, fins, and eyes—are carved using burrs and files. The sculpture is sanded smooth, then a rubber mold is created for casting.

The Lost Wax Casting Process

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.

Art with Purpose: Conservation Through Creativity

Roland St. John is more than an artist—he’s an active conservationist. He supports the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, donating original works to aid in the protection of Canadian seals, dolphins, whales, sharks, turtles, and other marine wildlife. He also serves on the Board of Directors for SOLO (Save Our Leatherbacks Operation), founded by Larry McKenna to help save the critically endangered Pacific Leatherback sea turtles. Roland collaborates with Shark Angels, working closely with founder Julie Andersen and Director of Operations Jamie Pollack to educate the public and advocate for a global ban on shark fin products. In 2009, Roland was inducted into the Ocean Artists Society, an esteemed collective founded by Wyland, Guy Harvey, and Bob Talbot, which unites artists with the shared mission of inspiring ocean preservation.

"We need to educate and connect people with nature so they can truly appreciate it. Only then will they begin to help protect it."

– Roland St. John

A Life of Passion and Purpose

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.