Michael Porter

Michael Porter is a talented sculpture artist based out of Tahuya, WA. He specializes in welding and shaping metal into amazing likenesses of animals and people, as well as crafting intricate ornamental iron pieces for the home or landscape. His work won "Best in Show" four times at state fairs, and he has been referenced in several favorable newspaper articles.

Michael's interest was kindled at a young age. His father was a welder, and Michael was learning about the tools of his trade early on. He was been welding professionally for more than 13 years, and sculpting out of metal for over 12 of those years.

In 2008, Wally Hersom commissioned Michael to sculpt a life-sized bigfoot statue for his home in Southern California. After more than 400 hours of work, the result is awe-inspiring.

Michael started with 22 gauge sheet steel and a bunch of steel rods. Hours were spent plasma cutting, mig welding, grinding and hammering it into shape with his partners, Bill Porter (Mike's brother) and Derek Randles. When the basic shape had been established, he colored it using rust and heat. A little brown and black paint was also used.

Through consulting with long-time bigfoot investigator Derek Randles, and by referencing many books on the subject, Michael has produced a work that is both imposing in it's size, and anatomically correct to the best of our knowledge. This hulking statue is over eight and a half feet tall, and weighs 500 pounds. The statue's feet display the long toes observed in the footprint casts and explained by Dr. Jeff Meldrum, and Its hands have the unopposed thumb visible in the hand casts on record.

(click for larger image)

In regards to the biological reality of the sasquatch, Michael proudly proclaims, "I believe!". He has gone squatching with Derek a number of times.

To contact Michael about his work, or to commission a work yourself, please see his web site.

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Michael Porter