Face Value

Hi people. I finished cutting, sanding, & polishing about eighty bajillion bike gear pendants and a couple more turtles this week and that was enough to make me really sick of doing production type work. I wanted to start something fresh. So, perhaps against my better judgement, I started working on the lady for the trail.

In case you don't remember, on top of all the shows etc I've committed to, I agreed to make a sculpture for the mountain bike trail I run and ride at. It's a public park in my hometown. I totally love it over there, and there is a hardworking loyal crew of supporters who volunteer tons of time and even materials to make it one of the premier mtb trails in the state. I was happy to be asked to contribute.

Like every major project I begin, I want this piece to be my best ever. I've been wanting to take my human figures to another level-- now I have a good excuse. First step, face- get a profile going. I've learned I can do bodies pretty easily, with some tweaking of course, but the face is the hardest part. I need to start there.

My idea for this sculpture is a sort of mythical character-- a protector of the woods who watches the antics of the bikers there with curious amusement. The trails guys gave me some antlers that tore off a deer statue they stuck over there for me to use if I want. So far I want.

It sounds weird to need to really look at a real life face to figure this out, but if you were going to make a 3D face out of thin air, think about all the stuff you'd have to map out. Are the chin and forehead on the same plane? How far does a noes stick out? What does a nose really look like?

Ridiculously, just getting the profile I wanted took a couple of hours.

Then I moved on to the outline of the head. When I got the basics framed in, I checked the mirror for reference. The head is a little bigger than mine, but I'm not concerned. It'll still be proportional once the whole thing is done. Had I been paying closer attention, or known what to look for, this shot would have alerted me to a real problem though, and saved me a lot of time.

But, oblivious, I proceeded. I was happy it looked human so far, and concentrated on getting the features placed correctly.

Just getting it to this point took over 5 hours. Unbelievable huh? And look-- the cheekbones are all wrong. She looks like she's blowing out birthday candles. Already she'd be undergoing her first reconstructive surgery.

I've been covering the framework of my faces with wire up until now. Some of you may remember Jez, my last person sculpture. On her I also added a mask and warpaint. For this one I want to put skin over the whole face. A major concern with this is avoiding a Frankenstein appearance. I'd have to really think about where I wanted seams, because they may look like wrinkles. Don't want a bunch of unattractive lines in the wrong places. I want her to be pretty, and for disbelief to be suspended, kind of like in writing-- where, when people look at her they get swept up in the character, and not the fabrication process or materials.

To be really honest I was not at all sure I could pull this off, but I got a pretty good start. No going back now. (or so I thought)

After three days of making the underlying framework, then cutting and placing the outer pieces, pounding them into shape where I had to, and TONS of tweaking and picky fitting, I was done. Tahdaaahh! I was contemplating whether to give her a cool super heroic mask when I noticed...

Um.... her??? This totally looks like a DUDE! Look at him smirking at me, like he's about to go charging off to perform some swashbuckely guy antics. "Look, I don't know how to tell you this-- whoever you are--sir-- but you are supposed to be a GIRL! A swashbuckely, daring, rather invincible girl maybe-- but a girl!"

I was so bummed, and had to figure out why this happened-- what about this face made it a guy face? I started covering different sections with a towel to help me focus on what I did right and wrong. I decided it was the jawline and chin. Jaw too square, chin too wide. Remember the mirror picture? If you go back and look that will be obvious, but I didn't see it then. Another surgery was in order.

I had to cut apart the lower part of the face, all my careful welds and meticulously sanded seams, but, after now 4 days of work-- SHE has appeared.

She's still a very strong figure, not willowy or elfin, but that's okay. I like her expression.

And if you can picture her with flowing wild hair and a crown of bike gears... I'm kind of seeing her now. Formidable, and kind of regal-- it's her woods, but she's letting us play in it-- as long as we don't wreck the place.

I'm hoping now that the hard part is done the body will go MUCH faster because I feel very crunched for time right now. I may have to set her aside to work on more things for the big open house in a couple of weeks.

Remember-- Sun Aug 2nd-- 10 to 5-- my place. (1433 Main St, Elk River- google map it) I'll do another post next week about it too and give better directions.

If you come you'll see how far I've gotten on her-- and get to maybe pick up a great deal on an odd or end, plus see all the art as yet undelivered to the Door County gallery and get an extra good deal on that stuff.

New Venue

Hi people. Here's what showed up yesterday at my little welding shop in the woods-- a turtle. His shell is made of remnants from the Polynesian Dancer's Dress. Pretty huh?

It's a bit of a trick getting all the pieces to match up once I begin pounding the curvature in. Hopefully I'll get it down and get faster so these guys are worth making. Right now I'd say $40. If I figure out the formula and get way faster- maybe less.

I've restocked the fish pond too. These are normally $45 in the gallery. $30 is good.

Also, I got an opportunity to try out a new venue. There are a couple of mountain bike races at the trail I frequent, and I'm going to set up my old show tent and sell some of my bike gear pendants. If you are looking for something different to check out, the first race is this Sat at Hillside Park in Elk River. The race starts at 9:00 a.m.

Mountain bikers tend to be a little out there, so I get to let my wacky side out with my display at this thing. Truthfully, it's way more effort to rein it in most of the time. Here is one of the tamer pretend testimonials for my booth.

So, the truth is now out. A lot of this art gig is about amusing myself, and, you know, you-- hopefully. ;)

Edit to add: Okay, a number of you don't get this picture, so I apologise for the poor quality and possibly lame humor. It's hard to see but the guy is "wearing" one of the pendants (pinned to the picture). It's changed his whole life-- even his sandwich tastes better now! Just go with it. Kind of funny right? (humor me people)

New Plan

Hi people. So, here's how my Polynesian Dancer came out.

I'm much happier with her.

I did a lot more work on her face too. Now she shows the thoughtful confidence I always knew she had. In the past my human figures have sold for $3000- $5000. I'd like to get at least $1500 for her. I have no idea what a gallery would put on her but it would be higher.

As for other stuff:

Okay-- I know what I said last week but I'm already changing it a bit. (As one of those flaky art types I do get a way with rather a lot of this kind of thing. Nice gig.) For one thing, as far as getting stuff over to Door County for the summer season- let's face it- I've already missed that boat. Another week or two won't make any difference. Also, my sister and her kids are coming into town for a visit right when I was planning on being gone. SO..... (and I think you'll like this even better anyway)

I decided to extend this "get an extra good deal/summer blowout" period until the end of the month and have an open house
Sun Aug 2nd!

This won't be one of those fancy wine and cheese deals (this is a welding shop people). It'll be more like me sitting in a lawn chair reading, working on my novel, possibly applying toenail polish, and visiting with whoever wants to hang out.

This way you can check out where I work (fair warning, welding shops, even arty ones = dirty, with sharp, rusty stuff laying around), and possibly pick-up a really sweet deal like --
A stained glass sun. These have usually sold for about $300- $325, but hey, at Casa Sue-- yours for $250.

Heck, take your pick. I just want one for me, and naturally like them both. :)

(Edit to add: The sun on the right has been claimed, but I guess I would part with both if anyone wants the other one.)

I have three of these guys left. The gallery will mark them up to $250.
Yours for $200.

I also have lots of mysterious odds and ends laying around that I'd be willing to part with. This is an old favorite of mine that resonates with some people, but so far no one with a lot of cash. I'd part with it for $150. It took a ton of time. If you're interested, I can tell you about its bizarre literary inspiration-- or not. Whatever.

This is a base for what I used to use for a light table for doing stained glass. It's bar height, and could be a cool addition to a kitchen, like an island maybe?? Anyway, I'd be happy if someone would give me like, $50 for it. (make offer)

This is actually pretty cool, as long as you don't have little kids or big dogs running around. It's a table base for a console table. A glass top would go on it and it is fine in a spot where it won't get bumped, but, unfortunately, wobbles if you do bump it. (Doesn't fall apart, but moves a bit.) It's really pretty though. (sighs) I'd let her go for, I don't know, $150?

Don't ask me what this thing is, but it's kind of cool looking right? Sort of Asian influence? It could be a cool plant stand, or maybe a really tall table base. I could cut it shorter if you're into that idea. Someone suggested it would look cool with a light inside it. Whatever on this. Make me an offer.

This is a pedestal that I've always liked. It's pretty modern, but wobbles if you knock into it. Come on, don't you need some thrilling adventure in your life? Make an offer.

I also have stuff around that is mine, but I might be talked into selling if someone really fell in love with...

And some stuff that's mine and not for sale, but may give you an idea of something you may want to commission (order).

Basically-- I'll have all the stuff I intend to bring over to Door County, plus odds and ends, plus, you know, me, and my cool shop. So you should definitely check this out. I only live about 40 minutes from downtown Minneapolis (in Elk River).

I'll post up more stuff as I get it made (I have lots of smaller stuff that's "in process"), and more details as we get closer to the end of the month.

As always, if something interests you, email me, because-- like last week (the heron gate) , some things go right away. First come first served.

Naked Ambition

Hi people. Here's what's been going on in my shop this week. This sketch led to...

This gate design. It's 99% done- the screen just has to be attached to the metal frame.
EDIT TO ADD: Sorry folks, the Heron Gate is no longer available. :) Sold.

The whispy little feathers took forever to deburr, but I like how it came out. If this was a sculpture I probably wouldn't have been as thorough about that, but since it's a gate/door people will be touching it. It even has a "security system".

Well, kind of. :)

Yesterday something unexpected and wonderful happened.

The tree by our driveway that spends most of the year looking like it should be outside a haunted house bloomed, dropping exotic frilly orchid-like flowers all over the lawn. It's called a Catalpa tree, and it always catches me off guard, like suddenly a little patch of my yard has been transported to Hawaii.

That got me thinking about her-- the first person sculpture I ever did. We'd just come back from a trip to Hawaii and I loved some of the powerful movements of the dancers we saw there. One dance in particular stuck in my mind, and I tried to capture the proud, almost aggressive posture.

There was a lot I liked about her. I put her in one show and when she didn't sell I happily took that as a sign from the universe (excuse) to keep her for myself. As time went by I kept looking at her and finding things I didn't like anymore. I think when I made her she did represent the best of my abilities, but I've gotten better.

I didn't like her dress now, and she had sort of weird body positioning-- a bit off kilter. (Nice arms though right? and shoulders? Hmm... The nekkid parts look pretty okay.)

I'm supposed to be making gates, but am not big on doing what I'm supposed to anyway. Inspired by the flower storm in my backyard, I decided to give my girl a makeover. First step-- get her clothes off! That dress had to go!

When I was little and people would talk about how nudes were "art" because the human body is beautiful etc etc I'd think, "Whatever perv- hee hee hee", but thankfully now I'm (slightly) more mature and get it.

When I first made her I was thrilled at being able to make a person from thin air, but there was a lot I still didn't really get about bodies-- making them that is. I was focused on the dress (if you can believe it- that horrid dress!). Getting the body biomechnaically correct is key. Now I have to practically make a naked person and put clothes on them afterwards to ensure this.

First her wonky lower back had to be fixed, then her carriage. That led to a hip replacement, butt lift, torso realignment, and a boob job. I had to stop myself from totally redoing her legs because they will be covered by a full skirt, but I'm eyeing her calves. One is a whole inch bigger around.

It took all day, and I'm not finished, but she now at least has the head/shoulder/hip/knee/ankle alignment needed for good balance, and her body is a bit more rockin' than it was. She's very glad her boobs aren't riding so high she can't breath and growing half out of her armpits anymore.

Her new skirt will be made of giant leaves cut from this piece of steel. Gorgeous huh? It reminds me of planet Earth. Her top will be covered in form-fitting leaves and wavy pieces cut from her original dress-- the coloring of it is cool and can be reused.

I've got several more gate ideas in the bullpen. Trying not to take this "incident" personal, but a "revenge of the fallen" gate might be in order-- with birds dive-bombing an annoyed cat.

I think I'll also have to send my revamped dancer out into the world again. I'm planning to deliver all the gates, some garden sculptures, the dancer, and another female figure to Door county July 16th or 17th, and am ready to deal.

It's easier for me to sell things right from my shop than to drive them 8 hours away. I'm willing, because of the distance and my costs of delivery etc, to offer these pieces at a significant discount if you buy them directly from me before the 16th.

Early next week I'll post again showing what's up for grabs with some pricing info. You can scroll back through some recent posts to get some idea, but there will be more and more produced until I load up too. Feel free to pass this along, email, forward, share on facebook, etc.

Thanks!

New Garden Gate

Hi people. This is my cat Mike, once a mighty warrior, now a fifteen-year-old furry bag of bones who mostly naps. (Yes, as you can see he has it pretty rough.)

Now that he's in his retirement years he also spends long hours staring out the window contemplating the state of the world and reflecting on his life. --Okay, not really.

In truth, when not attempting to embark on some kind of killing spree, most of my cats spend their time like this-- My place is kind of a cat spa...

Back in the day though, Mike was a formidable predator. Much to my dismay, he waged an ugly and unrepentant war on the bird world. (Don't hassle me about this please. He started out as a barn cat. They don't live inside. Plus, I've spent untold hours rescuing his victims over the years, and feeling super guilty about the fallen.)

Thinking about the ways of cats and birds led me to this design...
(This is a garden gate, made from a reclaimed screen)

Here's how the finished product (almost, still have to paint on the lettering- "Mikey can't be trusted -- In the garden at night.") came out. I'm pretty happy with it. Welding in 85 degree super humid weather is not fun in and of itself, but I did have fun working out this design and assembling it.

I even made a fancy little gate latch for it. Cute huh?

If you would like to be kept abreast of goings on in my little welding shop in the woods please "Subscribe" by clicking one of the two options above (upper right). I'm going to being posting about once a week. Thanks for stopping by. :)

(Click to enlarge)

Come one come all to the Fri night opening party at Mudlake Furniture in Watertown MN. Food, drinks, music, and cool art-- what's not to like?

What are YOU doing the last weekend in May? What's that?-- You're not sure? Let me help you out-- You're heading west of Excelsior to Watertown and checking out this event:

(Click to enlarge)

Where is Watertown? What's Watertown? What's this "Muddlake Furniture" place?

I don't know either, but supposedly it's cool, and there are some good artists in this show. Besides, how fun does this guy Ken look?

I'll be premiering my fanciful garden gates here, so come check them out.