Avid outdoorsman and Charleston native Bob Thames, like many coastal artists, finds inspiration in the waterways and surrounding natural environment of the low country. A passion for boating and fishing has influenced much of his work over the years. Growing up in a family of artists has encouraged his experimentation in many mediums and been key in providing a source of feedback and a supportive atmosphere in his artistic journey. Thames has found the value of daily practice in his studio to be immeasurable in fostering creativity, refining his skills, exploring new techniques and to bring evolution to his chosen medium. Thames works in a variety of mediums, including watercolors, oils, acrylics, and most recently has focused on producing a series of coastal bird sculptures in paper clay. He approaches these sculptural works systematically, beginning with an armature of aluminum foil and wire to develop the basic shape. The armature is then covered with a clay like pulp, or paper clay, composed of wood cellulose fibers, shredded fine tissue papers, flour, and glue. While the clay is still soft, the details are molded by hand using traditional clay sculpting tools such as sculpting knives, loops and other various shape and mark making instruments. Carefully selected wood elements are sometimes used to create wings in the sculpture as the softened wood pulled from the knot of a branch has the same natural curve as a birds wing. Once this sculpted body is hardened, a meticulously applied acrylic patina is brushed onto the sculpture along with a varnish to seal the piece. Inspired by masters like John J. Audubon, Roger Tory Peterson and renowned Charleston artist Anne Worsham Richardson, Thames is currently focused on creating both realistic and whimsical sculptures of our feathered friends that are commonly observed in coastal areas. Thames has studied with noted Charleston artists Chevis Clark, Carol McDaniel, Corrie McCallum, Charles Parnell and William Halsey. He has illustrated a series of popular children's books, “Hermey the Hermit Crab” and has created paintings and the artwork for the MUSC Fishing for Miracles tournament for several years. His work has been juried into regional art exhibits and has been awarded prizes at venues such as the North Charleston Arts Festival, the Charleston Artists Guild Annual Exhibition and the Coastal Carolina Fair. His work is held in private collections throughout the United States.