About Blake
I am a retired professional baseball player who now creates unique sculptures full time using a variety of materials including recycled tires, wood, epoxy, metal and more. I love working with new materials and always challenging myself to learn something new. I have created sculptures for companies and venues like The Golden State Warriors, Goodyear tires, Lululemon, the Milwaukee Bucks and over 8 NCAA colleges. I was also recently a contestant on season 3 of NBC’s “Making It” where I met some amazing makers and friends. I am excited for what the future holds and looking forward to learning new things along the way.
I was born and raised in San Jose, CA and I am proud to have my art showcased in local and national settings. Sculptures are currently showcased at prestigious locations like the Fiserv Forum arena for the Milwaukee Bucks, Quicken Loans Arena for the Cleveland Cavalier and Chase Center of the Golden State Warriors.
My Past - "Baseball Life"
I excelled in athletics during high school. I received a scholarship to San Jose State University for baseball where I was named Rookie of the Year and First Team all WAC conference pitcher. I graduated from college in 2011 with a degree in Psychology and a desire to play professional baseball. In June of 2011 I began my professional baseball career with the Toronto Blue Jays as a pitcher. In 2013 I was named a Mid-Season All-Star in the High A affiliate for the Blue Jays in Dunedin Florida and in 2014 I posted a 2.89 ERA between High A and Double A in New Hampshire. During the Fall of 2014 I did not allow a single run in the highly competitive Arizona Fall League. I was added to the Blue Jays 40 man roster following my outstanding 2015 season. In 2016 I suffered a shoulder injury out of spring training which I rehabbed for two full years before retiring in 2018. I ended up playing 8 seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays organization and loved every second of it. I now devote 100% of my time to new artwork and I am extremely excited for what the future holds.
News & Accolades
NY Times (Article)
The art of leaving baseball behind. Path of minor league pitcher to professional artist- The New York Times.
Making It (TV Series)
I am a contestant on NBC's "Making It" Season 3. Episodes start June 24th at 8:00 PM and every Thursday after that. Also streaming on HULU and Peacock TV.
Makerviews (Article)
Makerviews exists to share the stories of and advice from a variety of talented makers, designers, and artists.
GV Wire (Article)
“Clovis Man is ‘Making It’ on National TV After Baseball Career”
KTVU Fox (Video)
“Artist and professional baseball player Blake McFarland is interviewed by KTVU fox 2 news San Fransisco.”
Nisha Designs (Article)
“Blake McFarland: Artist Turns Recycled Tyres into marvellous, life-sized animal sculptures - Life & Soul magazine”
Goodyear (Video)
“Acclaimed tire artist Blake McFarland discusses the determination and hard work that went into transforming tires into incredible pieces of art for the 83rd Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.”