I am pleased to feature our third subscriber. In this post, Mark T. sent over an excellent picture of a mirror he engraved of a wolf. The detail in this engraving is amazing. Just click on the picture to see a close up view of the detail. Mark provided the following details about his work. Very interesting!
I’ve developed a technique that is a combination of glass engraving and lighted sign production. I’ve been an artist / sign painter / craftsman my entire career. ( 36 years ) I really enjoy the glass engraving. It may actually shock you to know that the wolf mirror is my very first attempt at this new technique. Based on the outcome, I’d say it works just fine. I’ve applied for a utility patent on this process, whether or not I am granted this patent remains up to the patent office. I am also applying for a Trademark. Also note that this process can be done in full color images also. I’m going to engrave a TIGER in the jungle next. I will also be including a new trick that will actually make it seem 3-D ! I can’t wait to show you the results. I need to get a video camera or a web camera to film the process, I will send you a copy of the video when completed.
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Oh Mark, the wolf is absolutely beautiful! You did a marvelous job. I wish you much success on the Trademark
Really looking forward to seeing your new process. Marvelous work!
Thus wolf is just beautiful! Nice job!
Hard to believe that this is your first try. Very much detail and great work of art. Looking forward to your next featured work.
Great , your artistic skills really shine! Thanks for sharing!
Hi mark, I was wondering if it would be possible to email me? I have a few questions about your wolf mirror etching. Email is- gofast900@gmail.com, hope to hear from you soon thanks.
Beautiful work! Some of the best I’ve seen.
How much time to do the delightful Wolf piece?? very excellent piece !!
Thank you all very much for your kind compliments !! I’m very happy to get such a good response from other artists in the community. Your nice comments really made my day !! I’m currently working on my next project and I’m very excited about it. Stay tuned !! more to come. Thank you all again, God bless ! Kind regards, Mark T. Akron Oh.
Oh yeah, It took about 50-60 hours to engrave. ( seemed like forever ) But the next one will go a lot faster now that I’ve figured out the process. Happy creating everyone !!
Lovely piece I tried for hours with a white tiger but couldn’t get the right look the nose always uses to beat me 🙂
Ran across this. I was looking for works done by person centered around the 70s, engraved backs of mirrors with back light. Western scenes. Used small hand tools.
In the early 1970’s I lived in Barstow Ca and use to go to Calico Ghost Town. There was an artist there by the name of James L. Bruce, who died in 1986.. He did similar hand mirror engravings as yours , only of Western scenes. They were framed in a light box.. I and another person who worked for NASA out there are trying to find pictures of his work, or any of his pieces for sale, mainly for nostalgic reasons. I have searched and searched and can find nothing. Do you have any knowledge of James L. Bruce and/or know of any images where we can find pictures of his work, or his work for sale? Thanks
@Paul, I don’t have any knowledge on Mr. Bruce, but maybe someone on here does. It sounds interesting though- if you find some, I would be delighted if you contacted me to share pictures of his work. Thanks
Thank you for your response Eric.. You would love his work.. From my memory he had some desert scenes, one with coyote next to a joshua tree or cactus, looking upward with a bright full moon. The other one I remember was a rodeo scene with cowboys on horse back. It had incredible detail.. Your picture is very similar to his work, and I have always wondered whether he did a photographic etching or hand scribed. I recently found out they were hand scribed. Yes if anyone has heard of or has pictures of James L. Bruce’s work, we would love to see them..
I live in Newberry Springs, CA, which is near Calico Ghost Town. I have the largest collection of James L. Bruce’ “Living Mirrors”, that I know of. I was a personal friend of the artist. My collection is going up for sale, it would be nice to keep it together but that may not be possible.
Kristine Watson: Wow! Could you send me some pics of a few of them and let me know when you get ready to sell them? I would be so pleased if I just had some pictures to remember them by. I remember at least two scenes in his store. One was a lone coyote next to a cactus howling at a full moon, and the other was this detailed drawing of a rodeo scene of cowboys on their horses rounding up cattle.. In a fenced area I think. I will also forward the info to a friend of mine who is also looking for information on them…. cablesweep@yahoo.com… My number is 502 368-3807.. I live in Kentucky now. There are many things I miss about CA and the desert..That was the healthiest I had ever been as well. My youngest son was born at the Victorville hospital, 1973. Thank you so much for your comments
@Kristine Watson, could you send me pictures and be willing to feature his work on the blog too? Maybe I could help you sell them. Thanks
I would love to have one of his works. I lived next door to James L. Bruce before leaving Barstow. Got to know him personaly. If nothing more, some of his drawings should be on the internet for people to enjoy and appreciate the craft of engraving, and his unique style and display.
There isn’t much information about Jim Bruce anywhere. It would be nice if we all could talk about what we know of him so his artwork could get the recognition that it deserves. Deelers are hesitant to have a showing of his work because of the delicate nature of the mirrors that it is on. They are concerned about the liability because of breakage. I am looking for a studio in Arizona or Texas that would agree to a private show. We would hand carry them to the studio.
I have a James L Bruce called listening in my house I bought it at Calico many many years ago have no idea what it may be worth
Mike: Could you please send a pic of the James L Bruce… I just want it for sentimental reasons. I was working at Apollo Goldstone in Barstow and would visit Calico.. I remember his work. If you intend to sell it let me know. Thanks
Same also Kristen.. Please send some pics.
Sorry I have’nt posted any pictures as promised. I am the director for the Miss Barstow Pageant and have been very busy. I am also trying to sell my house; needless to say, I just have’nt had the time. Sorry! When I am free in a couple of weeks, I will be able to post some of the mirrors that I have and also a photo of the artist, James L. Bruce. Keeping his legacy alive through his living mirrors and sharing his art is a great idea.
Thanks Kristine.
We have one of his mirrors. My grandmother owned the Rock and Gift shop in Calico for years, In the seventies. The mirror is about 2 and half feet tall. It is beautiful. I was looking on this sight because the light bulb burned out, but it is sealed inside… how do I change it?
If anyone knows ktjalsma@yahoo.com
Hopefully someone may know about changing bulb. Examine carefully. Hope we get to see his work. Worse case the mirror may have to slide out !
@Kerry, it might be better to ask folks here https://www.glassetchingsecrets.com/james-bruce-engravings-tribute
We did a tribute and posted pictures of his work that another visitor had.
Thank you Eric, I’ll check there. I’m sure there is a way – I just want it to be the right way.
Paul,
your story is a lot like mine. I have been searching for this artist for a long time.
Back in the early 70’s, I came to Barstow, Ca to teach a course at NASA’s tracking site
at Goldstone. While there, I went to the Calico ghost town and was amazed by his artistry.
Unfortunately, I regretted to this day not getting one of his pieces.
I returned to Calico ghost town many decades later, only to find out his shop was gone.
And I asked around who the artist was, but no one knew. I just learned today, it was James L. Bruce.
Mystery solved.
At least I can now goggle him, and see his artwork.
Tom MacNamara,
Paul and I were in USB tracking. What section did you teach and site ?
I want to go simple. Want to try printing image on clear mylar placed in light box.
My dad was doing this back in 1991 ,with led lighting .i still do it . so its ben around fer sometime kinda like shoots n ladders lol
Tom MacNamara
My collection of James L. Bruce’s is for sale, there is a link on this site to the pieces that I have.
See my comments made on February 3, 2017
Tom MacNamara:
My collection is now up for sale. See the following link that includes photos of the pieces available.
https://www.glassetchingsecrets.com/james-bruce-engravings-tribute
I remember “rodeo” from one ofthe links on here when I visited his shop in 1973. the link pics are appreciated but you would have to view them in person. RIP mr Bruce you left a beautiful legacy.
Yes, he was a fabulous artist. Rodeo has sold.
Kristine what is the price ranges and so you have the one of a coyote next to a cactus looking up at the moon? please repeat the link I don’t see any links in your 2.3 posting
Thanks for asking, here is the link:
https://www.glassetchingsecrets.com/james-bruce-engravings-tribute
Price range is $1,500 – $2,500
I do not have the one with a coyote.
Still available are: Through the Reef, The Hunter, Spring Fever, The Last Hunt, Night Trail, Diablo, and possibly The Man From Buena Vista.
The phone number listed is no longer a good number, if you need to reach me, please email to:
Imperialimage@earthlink.net
Subject: Bruce Art
Could you please give me a price to have a wolf’s head .please