Giant Elon Musk head sculpted by B.C. artist part of crypto stunt making international headlines
When a B.C. metal artist was asked to create a giant sculpture with Elon Musk's head on the body of a goat riding a rocket he had no idea who would want to create such a thing or why.
Kevin Stone, who is from Chilliwack, says he was first approached by a designer from California about the massive project last year.
"I thought it was a pretty strange request," he tells CTV News.
"At the time, I didn't know who I was doing the project for. And initially, I actually thought it was Elon."
Stone and his wife estimated sculpting the 50-foot-long chimera would take more than a year. That timeline didn't work for the mystery client, so after some negotiations, Stone committed to making the billionaire's head.
The finished product is about six feet tall by four feet wide, made out of eight-inch thick aluminum and weighing in at over 200 pounds. It took six months to complete.
"I thought it was such a crazy project. I mean, who builds a giant Elon goat riding a rocket. But it was actually a really good learning experience. And a fun project to build. We had a great time building it," Stone says.
And the client? Stone says when it came time to sign the contract he learned it was destined to be part of a marketing stunt for a cryptocurrency company called Elon GOAT.
"They asked me initially if I was interested in crypto, and to be honest with you, I didn't even know what crypto was," Stone recalls.
"And I said, 'No, I only accept cash.'"
The finished head was shipped to the U.S. and the finished sculpture – which was mounted to a trailer hooked up to hydraulics, and equipped with a fuel system that allows the rocket to shoot fire – was dropped off at Tesla’s Giga factory in Austin last weekend. The company says the total cost was $600,000.
Since then, it has made international headlines.
The initial plan was for the stunt to take place over the summer, but there were delays. Ultimately, Stone says the timing, which corresponds with Musk's controversial moves since taking over Twitter, has led to even more publicity.
"I'm thrilled. I mean for me, it was a good commission. It was a great challenge to try to create. And then on top of that, I've had nothing but positive publicity for it," Stone says.
"It's been thrilling for me. It brings more awareness to my artwork, so it's been fantastic."
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Spencer Harwood
Photo submitted by Kevin Stone.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Toronto Maple Leafs fire head coach Sheldon Keefe
The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that Sheldon Keefe has been relieved of his duties as head coach. The move comes in the wake of the Leafs being eliminated in the first round of the NHL playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
'We can and we must do better': First ever Air Accessibility Summit hits Ottawa
Federal ministers, airline executives and members of the disability community are gathering in Ottawa today for the first ever Air Accessibility Summit.