His bronzes are dynamic and exciting, a departure from the typically dark and static work of most sculptors today. He lives and works in the Florida Keys. His work, though universal, brings the Caribbean into sharp focus. Whether a child at the beach or angelfish in their complete reef environment, the resulting bronze becomes dynamic. Kendall usually works in cast bronze. He is one of a few artists capable of actually handling all aspects of sculpting in bronze. Kendall starts with the creative concept and original clay, which is where most artists stop. Kendall does all of his own mold work and ceramic shell work. He maintains control of his pieces throughout the casting process, doing his own bronze pours. He then chases and finishes each piece to prepare it for patination himself. His patinas are unusual and outstanding. Some artists re-enter the creative process here. "I do all my own work because I come upon creative crossroads all through the mechanical process. The foundry work itself is difficult; however, by doing all my own work, my sculpture evolves under my creative control and it's worth it," Kendall adds. VanSant was educated and degreed in the fine arts in the contemporary style, yet this work is on the cutting edge of realism. "I never attempt to copy nature. No matter how many scales a detail on a fish, render a feather or catch the wonder on a child's face, I will never duplicate the utter wonder of purposiveness in design our creator did! I distill the essence of life! I interpret my environment, not merely reflect a mirror image of it," Kendall claimed with intensity.
"The abstract design underlies the realistic in my work. The sweep of action and the articulated line become the vehicle to explore the moment in the environment around me. I shouldn't do any less and couldn't to any more. I'm drawn into my subject matter through no fault of my own," Kendall said yielding to reality. The bronze sculpture themselves don't need any statement of philosophy to accompany them. The bronzes are delightful and accomplish all VanSant claims and more. Completeness with the environment is evident in the limited edition bronzes. "To the Point and "Come to the Point" both depict blue herons in a to a environment Each mangrove root, leaf and bud is in place as well as the water of the Keys backcountry flats. These additional elements don't merely add detail or realism. The piece not only becomes delicate yet dynamic, it is fresh, different, something which hasn't been seen or done before! This continuity in design is carried through into the blue water billfish series as well as the Keys' backcountry series and reef series. The species are in their element. The flats, turtle grass, sea fans, coral and mangroves are included. The current is felt. The line is taut and the spray flies from the sailfish tail. Kendall's focus on the environment doesn't omit humanity from the equation. He captures the wonder of a child at the beach in life-sized bronzes. Sportsmen as well as art collectors acclaim the sculpture of Kendall VanSant. VanSant bronze sculpture was awarded in the America's Cup Yacht racing's Caratas Cup, their new perpetual trophy. Kendall's bronzes are prized at the most prestigious fishing tournaments! Kendall helps clients incorporate bronze artwork into their homes and buildings, by continuity of design, while working with the architect and interior designer. Kendall can design the front gate, outdoor sculpture, fountains, the complete front door, door pulls, tables and even chairs as well as stand-alone fine art, all cast in timeless bronze. This approach can focus on a theme, throughout an architectural environment. "I'm excited about this approach, as aesthetics transcend function," Kendall beams. Exciting new pieces compliment and further accent Kendall's focus on the environment. The worth of this artwork is evident and its value is consistently rising, according to discerning collectors.
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