Frogman in the news.

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Magazine Articles

"Western Art & Architecture" - Spring/Fall 2008
"Art World News" - January 2008
"Collect It!" - March 2008
Arts d'Elles et d'Ils - November 2008

Article in Western Art & Architecture - Spring/Fall 2008

Frogman in Art World News - January 2008

Text from Art World News Article:
Frogman Presents 12-Foot Sculpture in NYC
Sculptor Tim Cotterill, known as Frogman, spent two days at the Grand Hyatt New York hotel meeting with fans and signing posters for the installation in the hotel of his 12-foot monumental sculpture titled "Bamboo." Cotterill also spent time at Christi Sothers Gallery, New York, for an artist reception in which he met with collectors and engraved their purchases. For more details on the artist's work, telephone Frogman Publishing Inc., Park City, Utah, at (435) 658-4639 or visit: www.frogmanpublishing.com.

Tim "Frogman" Cotterill is pictured standing beside his 12-foot monumental sculpture titled "Bamboo" which was later installed at the Grand Hyatt New York.

Frogman in Collect It! Magazine - March 2008

 Article written by Val Baynton for Collect It! Magazine
A facination with frogs
Frogman bronzes
It's a love that's understood by bronze sculptor Tim Cotterill. He founded the company Frogman in the early 1990s to celebrate frogs in as many diverse ways as possible. Tim was inspired by frogs in their natural habitat as much as by their portrayal in popular culture, as he explains. "The shiny little frogs that my friends and I found in the grass were like hidden treasures and always fascinated me. They made us laugh when they jumped our way. We were curious about the strange way they felt, the odd way they moved and their simple contented look. Then, as an adult, I built a pond in my garden and I used to watch the frogs, noting how each one had its own colour markings, character and personality, and I gave them all names such as Big Bill and Sneaky Pete. I think frogs strike a cord in people and are representative of many kinds of good energy."

Initially he developed all kinds of merchandise from pencils to mugs but it was his frog bronzes that became outstandingly successful and for which he now has an international reputation.

Tim's bronze frogs are very special: it's not just that he can see the human element in the anatomy and stance of a frog but that his masterly metal working skills means he can capture the most extreme pose and amusing expressions in his work. He explains: "In pieces like Tag I've tried to create a more feminine piece, so I've included knees, calves and ankles - although these are body shapes a frog does not have."

Once Tim is happy with his original model it is reproduced using the lost wax casting process. First a mould is made from Tim's original sculpture and, using this, a replica is made in wax. A ceramic shell of several layers is built up over three or four days around the wax cast. This shell is then heated in the foundry, the wax melts and is poured away and real bronze is poured into its place. Collectors should note that only the highest quality bronze is used for a Frogman Bronze. Once the sculpture has cooled it's smoothed and polished by hand.

Another distinctive element of Tim's frogs is the brightly coloured patina used on each piece. The colours and shades have been developed over the years and a variety of metals, such as silver, are used to create the unique rich and lustrous effects. Tim adds: "I pioneered the use of bright coloured patinas on bronzes and I hope to continue to stretch the boundaries of what is possible decoratively over the years ahead."
Many of Tim's bronzes are tactile, and Tim explains: "Texture is very important. My bronzes are ideal to touch. Collectors should not be afraid to hold and to stroke them as they are almost completely indestructible."

The most recent releases testify to Tim's dynamic approach to sculpture. Spencer, with his long, exaggerated legs combined with the low stealth-like pose of the frog, expresses immense energy. It's been a favourite with collectors for a couple of seasons and is now available in a stunning silver nitrate blue with yellow and green hues.

Brand new are Ace, in a spirited design with a luminous silver nitrate patina, and an amazing wall sculpture called Blue Bayou. This little frog is poised to leap towards a ladybird - since 2002 all Frogman bronzes incorporating leaves also feature ladybirds. The sculpture has been designed to hang on a wall and is issued in a limited edition of 2,000.

Tim worked on Rendezvous for several months. He wanted to create a piece that could be used as a gathering place for several Frogman sculptures. This impressive limited edition includes two frogs while the trailing and intertwining water lilies, leaves and vines create lots of places for collectors to position other pieces in their collection. At 97cm (39 inches) long and 30cm (12 inches) wide it forms an impressive centrepiece. Tim says: "Because I work in metal, and not in wax or clay like many other sculptors, I can achieve delicate and fine poses that are just not possible in these other media."

More exciting pieces are due to be unveiled in 2008. Tim has been working on new ideas and some different small animals, such as snails, turtles and terrapins, that will complement frogs perfectly and add a fresh dimension to the sculptures. He's also been developing more designs of frogs with flowers to follow on from Tulip, which sold out very quickly. As Tim concludes: "I'm inspired by exotic species such as birds of paradise and water lilies. I love to recreate their elegance in bronze and now, with the variety of patinas and brilliant colours available to me, I can capture the magnificent jewel-like colours of nature. There are always many ideas in my head, and I'm really excited about bringing them to fruition."