The Cutting and Pounding You Hear Is a Brachiosaurus in the Making

Inland Empire sculpture artist Larry Williams is stuck in the past -- the prehistoric past.

Captivated by dinosaurs since age 4, Williams, 54, has turned his childhood fascination into full-scale metal sculptures of such Mesozoic favorites as the Tyrannosaurus rex, velociraptors and his new creation, a 70-foot-long brachiosaurus.

The long-necked brachiosaurus’ front legs were longer than its hind legs, giving it a giraffe-like stance and a height up to 50 feet.

Williams’ five full-size dinosaur sculptures are on display in the United States, Great Britain, Italy and Japan. He is building the brachiosaurus at the Jurupa Cultural Center in Riverside County.

“We are looking for Larry’s work to be a real focal point for the young students,” said Mary Burns, director of the center, which specializes in Earth sciences. The brachiosaurus will be mounted inside the center at the entrance of Charles Hill Pine Grove so that children can walk beneath it as they enter, Burns said.

Williams expects to complete the sculpture by early fall.

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-- Marc Martin, Times Staff Writer