"Madera LXI" is an original handmade sculpture by American artist, Shane Snider. Each Madera (Spanish for 'wood') is its own unique, one-of-a-kind sculptures of female forms are made of various wood and white Portland cement. "Madera LXII" measures 43 x 10 x 8.5 inches and is made of Portland cement for the head and bust of this elegant woman whose gown is made of beech wood standing on a handmade cement base. The artist uses the natural imperfections to give a more dramatic feel to the gown. Shane Snider received his B.F.A in Illustration from the Columbus College of Art & Design in Ohio. Quickly his rigorous course of study led him to an interest in the figure, anatomy & design. It was here, after salvaging a bag of cement slated as debris, that he discovered a unique combination of mediums – white Portland cement and steel. This unique technique has been published in A. Williams, The Sculpture Reference Illustrated that serves as a guide to both students & professionals. Shane Snider has exhibited extensively in juried and invitational exhibitions and is currently represented by multiple galleries with works placed in numerous private collections. Since 2008, he has maintained a studio full time in Black Mountain, North Carolina after relocating from Columbus, Ohio where he formerly worked as a graphic designer. Drawing inspiration from his new surroundings, Snider currently incorporates reclaimed wood as a result of moving to Western North Carolina and being exposed to the Appalachian rural architecture culture."My sculptural work is a reflection of my interest in substructures within human anatomy and architecture and their ability to distribute and support weight. Working with a white Portland cement mixture that is then applied over a welded steel armature, I create original figurative sculpture that become a primary focus on balance, of both material and design." -- Shane Snider