Granite is really floating my boat...

2009-01-04

Granted, the photo doesn't really do justice to the base....Both were carved from local granite. I was looking for more quite zen-like shapes. I like the idea of having sculpture create a comfortable space, warm, and comfortable. I am becoming more dedicated to the idea that the base should be integral to the overall design of the sculpture. Not a static block of stone...boring., and rarely complimentary. Whether carved from it, or an element of the overall design...I am pursuing the rediscovery of decent bases on sculpture, and exploring the different options.

I'm thinking that there will be a lot more granite in 2009. Recent long stroke Trow & Holden air hammers have been acquired for granite, and other hard stone....I am seriously motivated. This might be the summer of really big granite.
I like

Keeping my eyes open...

2009-01-03

I think that it is easy to become quite introspective within ones own genre - maybe at the expense of seeing images, shapes, color, and beauty in the everyday. Stone cannot become everything.

I have returned to photography again after a couple years off. I'm impressed with the capabilities of digital equipment at a great price point. A far cry from the first digital camera's that I purchased eight years ago for thousands.

Ah, but I digress, the point of this was to keep myself open to influences. From any and all places....and more importantly have fun doing it.

Happy New Year!!!

2009-01-01

It is amazing where the inspiration for sculpture comes from. The forms here have captured my imagination for as long as the snow lasted on the wire deer.

Tacky Christmas lights are going to turn into a very cool abstraction in 2009.

As I plan, and my excitement builds about all the potential for new works in the new year...I'm dealing with some massive changes to the aesthetic that has driven my stone sculpture design.

Beauty will remain as my goal...I'm utterly confident in all aspects of my stone carving technique, but I am going in a new direction for my spring/summer sculpture show.

Santa's reindeer replacements...

2008-12-25

Merry Christmas to All,

Here's a peek at Molly Dawg wearing her antlers for Christmas...she's so damn cute.

Best of the Season to all.

quote from "The End of Art" by Donald Kuspit

2008-12-05

"Ugliness is always more seductive than beauty, because there is more ugliness in us and in the world than beauty - until art puts beauty in both. In art ugliness becomes the fuel that powers the illusion that life can be more beautiful than it is. Thus, art puts us in a radically different emotional place than we are in everyday life...The purpose of art is to dialectically transcend ugliness by revealing its immanence through beauty. It is the deepest sense that art can make."

Equal coverage for the woof.

2008-11-30

Once again, this has pretty much nothing to do with sculpture, marble, stone carving, or anything else.
She's just a wonderful dog that fits into our world.

Photo evidence of Bigfoot

2008-11-29

nuf said.

This has absolutely nothing to do with sculpture.

Changed my direction

2008-11-27

I continued to work on this with an overwhelming feeling that I was heading towards ground that had been covered with the footprints of others.
Not where I wanted to end up.
I am much happier now that I've rediscovered my form for this piece.

Portrait drawing class is over

2008-11-26

I decided to tackle the one thing that I have always considered to be the most difficult - drawing portraits.

Luckily I managed to find an excellent artist/instructor to handle the task of teaching me.

My last class was this Wednesday. I will miss the intense concentration required. Very enjoyable.

Red Marble from Australia is stunning!!

2008-11-25

This is what 1/2 ton of beautiful looks like for a stone sculptor!

I am thrilled with the endless potential of marble, raw...waiting to be transformed.

This red piece was acquired from Neolithic, and rings like a bell indicating that the stone is solid, predictable, and fault free.

Turkish marble on the new stand

2008-11-24

This is revolutionary...and it revolves.

This stand is absolutely mandatory for sculptors. If you need to know where to get one just let me know.

Its amazing.

The trouble with contemplation

2008-11-23

Well, there really isn't any issue with contemplating the final form of a sculpture for any artist.

The interesting change in this piece was the fact that I felt there was a chance that I was repeating forms that had been endlessly pounded to death by other sculptors - and subsequently made some radical changes to it...and now love it.

A good cigar facilitates contemplation.

Luna is close to done...

2008-11-22

I have fallen in love with great Turkish marble..."Luna" was my abstract interpretation of the many phases of the moon. It is nearing the finishing stages and will be heading for final sanding and polishing in December.

Carrera marble abstract

2008-11-02

She's still rough, but man you cannot deny how really stunning this white stone is.

Its quite inspiring to work Italian marble that has dominated and inspired classical statuary work for centuries. There is an undeniable connection to a long line of stone work when you're covered in the pure white dust of Carrera marble.

My only complaint is the cost. I will reiterate that sculptors need to be able to use stone without regard to cost. Marble is the currency that we need to spend without hesitation. If we as artists find ourselves calculating how much money we spend with each piece that hits the ground; or feel the slightest bit daunted by the investment in raw stone before one cut or chisel blow - we may have erred. I see no way that some part of the creative process won't be impacted by this fiscal reality.

Two ton sculpture stand for carvers !!!

2008-10-30

I'd become weary of using a floor crane everytime I wished to move large stone sculpture. It was a time consuming laborious task that always involved a risk of damaging pieces of your work whenever you use a crane to lift and reposition a one ton piece of sculpture.

Well!! NO MORE! I've had a brilliant fabricator make me a sculpture stand that holds 2 tons of stone; spins when you want, and locks down when you don't want it to spin. It adjusts in height from 19" to about 25" and comes apart in 2 pieces that are easy enought to move. Price is around $1200.00 Delivery is around 2 weeks. Let me know if you're interested.

I'm in love with mine.

Another view of Turkish marble abstract

2008-10-26

I started roughing this abstract out at this years symposium. I feel it is easy to overthink an abstract piece and lose the original idea that drove it.
My original idea for this one was the moon.

Back to Turkish vs Carrera marble. I can get the Turkish for $.95/lb and the carrera is going to be costing $3.00/lb in 2009. Pretty easy to see where this is going.

Turkish marble abstract

2008-10-25

I've really enjoyed working with the Turkish marble. It has a slight cream color to it but actually outperforms carrera when you work it.
I'm starting to become convinced that there is a great mountain of opinion that drives sculptors to make declarations on what marble is the best...but I don't have dozens of carrera or turkish marble pieces under my belt. I'm simply working both stones simultaneously and the Turkish is nicer.

Gloves vs. Marble

2008-10-21

I cannot even guess how many pairs of gloves I destroy while carving.

I think that next symposium I will ask an informal question on who has discovered the best type of gloves for carving.

Gel pads are great for lots of air hammer work, but they are definately pricey. Moving the roughed out stone simply destroys a good pair of gloves.

Maybe I should make my own. Hmmm.

sculpture isn't always stone

2008-10-15

I began piling driftwood into a large sculptural piece while attending the 2007 symposium at camp Zajac.

I think that being at Zajac convinced me to participate in our association. I'm thrilled to be president for 2008. I look forward to making sure our symposium in 2009 is absolutely fantastic.

Return from WCSA symposium

2008-09-15

Well, the West Coast Sculpture Association annual symposium ended this past Saturday. It was truly a wonderful time up at Cowichan Lake, the original home for the symposium. Great weather, great food, good friends and some superb carving made for an unbelievable time.

The cat decided to check out the truck as soon as I got home.

I'm already excited for next year!

New Garden series

2008-07-23

I figured a change of pace is good.
This is the fourth of a series of garden pieces that I've done this summer. The granite gives it timeless, all weather outdoor service,...and the price point makes them worth a look.

Another look at the granite garden piece...

2008-07-23

I've really enjoyed working with granite. It seems to be a perfect compliment for garden sculpture. Impervious to snow, ice and rain, it stands up about as good as you can hope.
Granite is amazingly nice to work with in that you can really control tools. No soft spots. Totally predictable fracture with chisels. Works nice with diamond blades.

Thank you Mr. Pratt. George taught me the pleasure and methods of carving granite. Thanks for sharing. It really made a difference.

Sharing the road with trains...

2008-07-22

Its pretty cool when you are up island cruising around in the truck for stone and you end up at a bridge. Not your normal everyday bridge, but one that you share with trains.
I figured, how many trains can possibly go past here, in the middle of nowhere on Vancouver Island.
Boy was I wrong!
Not 2 minutes after I crossed this bridge a freight train roared over it.

This bridge was easy to traverse but I found one that was missing most of the timbers to support vehicle tires and I had to stradle my rear dualies on the track. I figured had I slipped off I'd still be there picking up the pieces of my crane truck.

"Every little thing... is gonna be alright..."

2008-07-21

One day you wake up older...and its alright because...
"every little thing..is gonna be alright"

I love my life.
I love sculpting stone.
and I still love Reggae.

Thanks for the card Brian....

I still love photoshop too.

perfect picture of a sundog...

2008-07-14

She's still nuts but getting better...

My new favorite granite quarry

2008-07-07

This last stone safari was superb. Excellent fine grained marble. The quality of the marble was almost surpassed by the quality of the granite that I found.

The rest of the year I will be very busy carving. O.K., well, maybe one more trip. You can never really have too much stone.

Marble, marble, everywhere!

2008-07-04

There is so much marble and limestone in B.C., they built the railgrade out of it.

Amazing.

Beats the hell out of an office with a view eh?

2008-07-03

Who else gets to enjoy a great view like this while out "working"???

Being out in the stunning beauty of nature inspires me as a sculptor. To feel insignificant while surrounded by the mass of raw materials that I work in. Immersed in beauty that I can only hope to approach during my career - and a reminder to never stop trying.

Loading marble into the truck...

2008-07-02

I think I picked the hottest day of the year to load stone off the hottest mountain in B.C.

Granted, its a lot of work to load beautiful marble into the truck. But man, its really spectacular to have slabs of beautiful marble waiting for whatever I can think of.

This work is definately a labor of love.

How did I ever manage before I had a crane truck?!!! Impossible to imagine now.

Happy Canada Day!!!

2008-07-01

This is cold Mexican Beer with lime slices sitting by a perfect campfire surrounded by snow capped peaks...with 1200#'s of marble in the truck.

A very happy Canada day indeed...

2008-06-14

Not only does this show off our new pooch...it also proves that I wasn't lying about building a new fence, and patio. Although the fence is in the previous entry.

Granted, its back to stone carving on Monday. This housework stuff is starting to get to me. I'm itching to carve.

I also sense a stone gathering adventure up island is on the horizon.

This is the "Molly dawg"

2008-06-13

The fixated stare of the pointer takes a little getting used to. She is starting to come out of her shell a little. She's cheering up a bit. Digby is the role model for calm confidence. He supplies her with love anytime she comes within range.

The newest addition to our family

2008-06-12

Karen and I have another rescue. This time a dogger. "Molly" is a four year old female pointer. She isn't quite balanced...but neither am I, so she is helping me work through it.... We're teaching Molly not to be as aggressive to other dogs, and she is giving us a Phd in patience.

Win/Win anyway you look at it.

My Garden shed is done,...and now the patio

2008-06-05

I'm not on a psycho-sabatical. I'm just finishing off my home projects and awaiting the shipment of Moroccan black marble.
A sculptor requires patio space for BBQ and contemplation of life.

"Sulis, Goddess of the waters" is DONE!

2008-05-04

Granted, I haven't had it photographed for the website yet, but it is finished.

There is an interesting combination of feelings. I find I'm very excited to move on to another piece, yet there is a tangible feeling of satisfaction and contentment.

The more I work, the more I begin to feel that time is becoming less and less relevant to me as a sculptor. Time to complete a sculpture is becoming less relevant. Time drives our dollar driven world, and I'm obviously as bound by that reality as much as anyone but it is being diminished by staying focused on my work. And that, is a good feeling.

Leaf detail on 'Sulis'

2008-04-30

It took quite awhile to create the detailed pattern on the kelp-like leaves, but I feel it was well worth the effort. You can see the orientation with the thumb and forefinger on top.

Some of the smudges on the piece are some slight burns from the sanding. They sand out easily with the next grit.

The end is in sight. Its a bit of an anti-climax after spending a great deal of time focused on one particular piece. I love this part, the letting go, and the potential of the next piece.

I wish my next shipment of stone had arrived already.

Backside of 'Sulis' is just about done!

2008-04-27

Its starting to speak for itself.

Almost complete.

Progress on Sulis

2008-04-08

I love seeing this ungainly heavy piece of marble, become transformed by each sculpting process, into exactly what I wanted.

She is going to have that magical fusion between an abstract interpretation and realism. The idea that a 'goddess' can be, and do, whatever she wants. Adopt any shape. Morphing between any organic shape from the water to a human form.

My sandpaper shipment to complete 'Sulis' arrived on Friday. I've got to go pick it up.

We might need to throw a 'shin-dig' when "Sulis" is complete, and before I ship her away.

Wind Sculpture

2008-04-04

Photo compliments of the Cotter's in New Zealand.

Is this fantastic or what?

Manipulated by years and years of wind. Sculptural forms that are stunning, powerful, and still display the invisible hand of nature.

A perfect example of what I strive for in stone.
Implication of wondrous strength, power, emotion; but with an unseen hand.

I need to live to be 700 years old.

My cat just isn't what I thought a cat would be.

2008-04-03

This cat is defective.

It does nothing 'cat-like' There isn't a mean bone in his little stodgy body. He travels miles around Brentwood.

This year the fence gets finished, and Digby gets a bowser buddy.

A few tools to check out.

2008-04-02

The hole drill is pictured on the bottom. I have them in 36 and 50 grit. They are a diamond brazed product and work remarkably well for the price.

The yellow blade is a 4.5" sintered V-style tuck blade. Unbelievable material removal in marble. Not inexpensive but really great value for the dollar.

Both are available from Randy and Neolithic. See my links page for website directions.

View from my shop

2008-03-31

When I find myself bent over carving for a few too many hours its nice to pour a cup of tea out of my thermos and sit and have a look at the Malahat.

Interesting quote on art critics:
"The art critic...cannot explain the finished art piece from looking at the artist, and he cannot explain the artist by viewing the finished art piece. And so art is treated like some foreign object, analyzed from afar for its relationship to politics and culture and history and (incestuously)-authors italics- to other art movements. Or more drudgerously catalogued into successive styles, periods, and 'masterworks'.
David Bayles & Ted Orland
"Art & Fear"

Different look at

2008-03-26

I like the drama of the portfolio picture. But sometimes you just cannot beat natural light.
Sculpture needs to be viewed in person but some of these pieces of stone are just getting too big to pass around.

I've been asked numerous times which of my sculptures is my favorite. I tend to always answer the same way; that the last one I've completed is always my favorite.
This is definately true with 'dominion'.

moving a finished piece

2008-03-25

I finished "Dominion" today. I am really, really excited about this piece. I find it has fulfilled all of my intention and the marble has really surprised me with its beauty.

As a stone sculptor, the desire to gravitate towards larger and larger pieces seems like an inevitability. Yet the restraints that working with pieces that are in the hundreds of pounds are quite shocking. So I thought I would share a glimpse of what is required just to lift a 250lb marble sculpture off of my banker onto a dolly. Later it is picked up by my crane to move for photo's.

Now that I am working in the 'tons' vs the 'kilograms' size, it is amazing how simple moves for photo's become a major task.

Often, a customer will ask why the prices climb dramatically as the piece grows in size. What isn't realized is the fact that transport, number of hours, handling, and crating are all additional costs to the artist that we cannot affort to absorb.

So, that's today's little blurb. Check out 'dominion' on my portfolio. I hope you like it.

Nature as sculptor

2008-02-27

Nature chose to create this form in basalt, washed in salt during storm tides. (small front)

I chose to create Digamma in Vancouver Island white marble. The form reflects the power of the waves. Sometimes abstract representation in sculpture is more visceral when it more closely mirrors nature.

I invite everyone to make the comparisons between my work and organic/nature forms whenever possible.

I've even read that the primary step in a human mind understanding abstraction is to reference what they are seeing with readily identifiable froms in nature.

So skip back to my portfolio page and check out Digamma after seeing this photo.

Interesting...

2008-02-26

As you can see in the photo, I have pretty much isolated myself into the landscape to begin capturing what I feel and see into my sketchbook. For some unknown reason this view must be a curious sight; some dude felt compelled to walk all the way over to stick his nose into my sketchbook, and I mean right into my sketchbook to see what I was doing. Didn't even ask, or mention an obligatory, "hello" A violator of personal space.

How's this for a suggestion. Approach normally, don't storm at me. Ask in a pleasant tone, "Hello, I was wondering if you would mind if I look at what you are working on?" or some such sundry. It isn't hard.

From now on I intend to reserve a well executed drawing of an expletive for quick reference in my sketchbook. History will record this drawing as simple madness I presume.

It is true....

2008-02-26

I am 40...and this was at my party today.
It didn't get too blurry.

And no, that's not a spliff. There's a cigar in there. Thanks Brian.

Not drawing isn't an option...

2008-02-25

When beauty overwhelms you to the point that you have to find some way to capture it - suddenly my sketchbook becomes a defense against the possibility of missing that power, of failing to translate the landscape in a way that is meaninful to me. If I fail to capture it, I'm not sure I could handle the anguish. It is like the anguish of driving past a beautiful scene with your camera and not stopping to take a picture. It gnaws on your being for awhile. For an artist I find the sketchbook as both the mechanism that facilitates an interpretation of the landscape, and the means to avoid that anguish.

Physically cannot get enough of this place.

2008-02-24

It doesn't matter where I am on the left coast. Everything starts to infuse into the very fiber of my being.

It drives my vision. It drives my work. I return with that magical quality - inspiration.
I awoke with a surprise. I didn't know I was heading back up to Tofino for a break. Ah...the utter bliss of having a brilliant woman in your life that completely and utterly understands me...and surprises me with a couple days in this place.

I am now Zen again...

2008-02-23

Sitting with a sketchbook. Inhaling salt air from crashing surf, feeling the power of wave's and wind. Trying to translate the strongest language of nature into a few strokes of charcoal and pencil. A task that I suspect will keep me occupied for as long as I inhabit this rock.

I am the driftwood.

Hide your eyes. Get sunglasses

2008-02-22

O.K., the cat isn't Digby. Its actually Littlefoot, and it was part of the rental cabin along with a toaster.

What a magical place. Banana's, guava's, and mango's that you can just pick and eat. Beauty that literally smacks you in the face around every turn.

I really love the idea of Kapu "forbidden" stone. I've always felt that there is a bit of "spirit" in beautiful stone.

Inspiration and Direction

2008-02-21

Need I say more.

People wonder where textures or combinations of forms come from when carving stone. A creative process begins with open eyes; and for me, it ends up...well...anywhere.

Recharging my batteries

2008-02-20

Carving marble is deeply satisfying. Being in Hawaii is also very satisfying. There are times when I feel I can carve an indefinite period of time; and there are times when I start to get tired.

A little too much time rebreathing stale air through my respirator and I feel some of the spring removed from my step.

Recently a friend (the rabbit) mentioned some stone sculptures from the Hana coast on Maui. It reminded me of my last trip and how great it felt to be there with Karen immersed in the jungle. That sounds like Karen was lost in the Jungle...not so.

Pleasant Surprise

2008-02-18

One of the favorite moments for a sculptor is when the beauty of the stone far exceeds your expectation. Many times while prospecting for beautiful pieces of limestone and marble, I can suspect its really a pretty stone, but this kind of breccia pattern inside the Limestone is a true marvel.

I carved this geometric piece to highlight the yellows at the peaks of the design, and to have it become absolutely gorgeous while sanding is the cherry on top.

Canadian Tire you say???

2008-02-17

This crappy little stand becomes an amazing shaping tool for small pieces of stone with the addition of a brazed diamond 4.5" blade.

It costs a blistering $55 and includes the grinder.
Hilarious.

Plus its warrantied for 3 years. If you've got room on the bench I highly recommend it.

More Sulis....

2008-02-15

The backside of Sulis. You can see that I've finished roughing out the hair. Representing hair in marble has been a bit of a curse for as long as sculptors have been carving.

I've got a great feeling of how this piece will conclude. I had a moment last week where I was ready to deep six it, but luckily the boat is on the hard...and the feeling passed.

I think I'm pleased because "Sulis" satisfies my sense of homage and abstraction.

Nothing to look at,.....move along

2008-01-31

In an attempt to allow more of myself to be understood as an artist I decided to post some portraits.

Ha! Not likely. Happy New Year to all!!!

"Sulis" update.

2008-01-30

I am quite tickled that all of the design elements are complete. There is still a fair bit of marble removal occurring; and I haven't been carving any new faces onto her recently.

Honestly. Its been bloody cold, and I've had a bloody cold. Ideally I would like to work in a heated shop. But, it is kind of pointless when you work in a shop with the garage door wide open, to try and heat it. On the plus side, marble dust makes interesting patterns in the top of my hot tea.

Geometric vs Organic is almost done

2008-01-20

Now that the organic elements that rise from the base of the sculpture are finished; I am quite pleased with the balance that is struck.

I am debating the level of detail that is required in the leaf pattern. I am also debating whether or not additional detail on the vine-like elements will contribute anything to the feel of the piece.

All of these decisions will have to be sorted out prior to the next order of abrasives arriving or the decision might be made for me. It is always exciting to get a new shipment of abrasives. Overwhelming desire to sand. Seriously though, I suspect that I will sand and then place the detail (if that is what I decide to do) to insure that the edges stay sharp. I will now officially stop blathering on about it.

Is this normal for a cat?

2008-01-05

I am starting to believe that our cat is defective. This is supposedly abnormal behaviour.

Those pink bits are actually ears in case you were wondering.

"Sulis" is a difficult goddess

2007-12-09

When I realized that this piece was becoming too traditional I decided to make the design a little more interpretive, and less realistic, by tying the front and rear elements together by drilling a hole through the piece.

Granted it definately ties the piece together but unfortunately it looks a little lude. Sort of like...a giant you know what...

It will not remain like this.

New Geometry in stone

2007-12-09

This piece is all about nature vs. man made. The struggle of organic female versus construct male.
It is being carved from a local piece of dark grey marble with fantastic white veining and large areas of a yellowish brucite. (At least I believe it to be brucite at this time - I'll alter that when I have a better chance to examine some samples of it)

Rear view of the new work

2007-12-09

Here's the backside at this point.

It is a very different style of piece for me. I have enjoyed working with the scale. Small design elements on a larger piece are quite difficult to work with and still insure that they are interesting.

I'm excited about how the final piece will look.

A touch of "Brazil" from Gilliam.

OOPS! I Broke it!!!

2007-12-09

I know, it sort of looks familiar. It represents a little bit of cutting and careful work...until the whole damn thing slides off.

A few ensuing curses....and then. I kind of realize that it may have done me a favor.

I quickly filled the space with another element of the sculpture and the void in the marble that I was cursing about became the new opportunity to emphasize the elements that needed a little help.

Lemons = Lemonade = mmmm.

Ha Ha Ha!

2007-12-09

It appears that Australia has decided that it is not politically correct for Santa to go HO! HO! Ho! because it might offend a Ho.

Digby doesn't really care. He is full of holiday cheer. Can't you tell? Who ever said that cat's don't like to wear hats?

The goddess is progressing

2007-12-08

Ah yes, a slow process.

I have no desire to rush this piece. That is why my marble goddess is currently looking like she has a neck brace and a homely face.

Working the face is a rather subjective area. I have met folks who have a terrible time with carving faces, and I seem to have a very enjoyable time working the features to completion. The marble may not be forgiving but the process is fantastic, slow analysis, proceed with a few changes, live with the result for a few days and decide what the next face will look like.

I have drastically changed her look a few times. My theory is that once I have attained a face that I cannot imagine erasing I'll stop.

In the meantime..we definately will proceed.

Sketch book glimpse that will be the next charcoal

2007-12-07

I am pretty sure the image on the left will become the basis for my next large charcoal and ink work.

There is just something about the pattern that cry's for a little more.

We'll see. If it never shows up on my website you'll know I was wrong.

Sketch themes keep returning

2007-12-05

This style seems to pop up in my sketch book like a reoccuring dream.

I think this is a sign that I will have to carve this shape once and for all.

Current work

2007-10-02

Karen thought I'd named this "cured pork" when she read 'current work'.

Hmm. The name is kinda catchy in a non-vegetarian way.

Sulis is progressing nicely!

2007-10-01

The upper torso is taking shape. The face of Sulis has been roughed in, but is as yet, undecided. I've left a great deal of room to move her facial features into final place.
I'm pleased with the direction.

From this point, I will have to resolve the remaining details that tie the female figure, into the theme of the piece.

Tar Steps Exmoor, England

2007-09-15

Fantastic stone construction, I believe it was constructed in the 9th century. The wear patterns from feet over the centuries is amazing. If nature dissassembles it, people just reassembled it.
With modern fabrication we tend to own, purchase, and build things that are disposable. Maybe we could turn back time a bit and draw some inspiration from ancient construction. It seems to hold up better than a great deal of things we construct today.

Not to mention the fact that it is quite beautiful.

There's a good pub at the tar steps too.

Cape Scott Sunset

2007-09-09

Ahh, another horrid day on the left coast.

Fishing net hammock...

2007-09-08

Too bad beer is too heavy to carry.

Not to shabby eh?

Picture of our campsite

2007-09-07

The lost orange float was our tide indicator. The crashing surf tossing logs on the high tide was worth keeping an eye on.

Nature's sculptural forms

2007-09-06

I can't say I have ever understood those artists, sculptors in particular, that have said that they cannot find inspiration, or don't know what to carve next. I can think of a million compositions that I would need hundreds of lifetimes to carve.

Granted, most of the ideas are probably garbage, but it would be fun to try them all out.

It usually takes me about 10 minutes in nature to clear my thoughts and start to examine form. Cape Scott is truly special. If you can handle 20km of hiking with all your food on your back, I highly recommend it. Pain does hurt though. Contrary to what the movies claim.

Cape Scott, Vancouver Island

2007-09-05

Possibly one of the most wonderful, wet, beautiful place on this earth. I thought I would share a spot where this sculptor goes for inspiration.

Sand Patterns

2007-09-03

Inspiration for sculpture can come from anywhere. Cape Scott in this case.

I saw these patterns in the sand as the tide receded. Tree like, beautiful, symmetry as only water can create.

My intention is to explore the patterns as part of a series of charcoal works on watercolor paper.

This pattern will also be incorporated into a marble sculpture. The marble came from Texada Island. I am looking for an organic composition and this pattern should make a perfect texture to compliment several forms I intent to carve into the marble.

Dolomitic marble

2007-09-02

The fortunate sculptor who lives amidst endless mountains of beautiful white marble from here on Vancouver Island. O.K., well not quite mountains of it. But, If you know where to look there are seams of almost pure white. My largest block to date is the 1000lb+ and I have a one ton block located that requires a seperate trip with the crane truck.

Isn't the similarity amazing between the shells in the previous entry and this piece of white dolomitic marble?

Ahh there is a certain joy of discovery in going out and retrieving your own pieces of marble to carve.

2000 year old shells?

2007-09-01

I dug down through about four feet of overburden only to hit a line of shells. This shell came from about three feet down into the layers of shells. Natives have been harvesting sea food and disposing of the shells on this beach for thousands of years.

For stone sculptors, I think it is important to see the makings of the marble we search for. Calcium just waiting for millenia and pressure, and heat.

Draft Sketches for Sulis

2007-08-17

Granted, its only one of the zillion of sketches that I will do for this piece but I think it gives an indication of where the inspiration starts to evolve from.

Close up of fretted marble

2007-08-16

Currently in the process of fretting a lot of material off of this piece of marble.

The only recognizable point on her so far would be the elbow on the top left. I hope to place her arm over her head with her fingers intertwined into her hair. I want large abstract elements to create motion that tie her legs into her body and sweep around the back of the piece.

That's the theory anyhow. It sort of looks like an easter island mouth at this point...and, if it fails I can just delete this lofty entry.

"Sulis" Roman Goddess of the waters

2007-08-15

The inspiration for this new work came from our trip to England last winter. While snooping around Bath england we explored the roman baths and I saw imagery that worshiped Sulis or Sulis Minerva. Around 65 B.C. the Romans worshiped her for the healing properties of the waters. Turns out she was worshipped all the way to Germany.

Decided to start carving "Sulis" a roman goddess from a beautiful piece of white marble that I picked up with the crane truck. The piece was lying near a clear mountain creek and I thought it would be fitting to carve my version of "Sulis"

The idea is to do a 'venus' like combination of figurative and abstract interpretation to create a goddess who is both powerful, and feminine.

Not quite there yet.

Patterns

2007-08-13

I've been working on some rather large sized drawings exploring different visual textures through patterns.

I tend to work them out in my sketchbook prior to starting a large piece. I'll have to put some of them in my main portfolio. For now, they are hiding in the private galleries and you need a password and login from me to see them.

Dam the Peace

2007-08-12

Had to have a picture. Quite the saying on the plaque...in big letters it reads,

"DAM THE PEACE"

Dammit.

and here is her cub...

2007-08-09

This years little football sized cub. It was full of energy, wouldn't hold still for a photo and Karen wasn't going to get out of the truck to get a better one.

Sow Grizzly in Northern B.C.

2007-08-08

What a beauty. Defended her cub from birds that landed in the bushes nearby. I was glad we were in the FJ and not in our tent.

I suck at panning for gold

2007-08-07

Its harder than you think. Definately a skill. At one point Jerry, our miner who was teaching us to pan, asked me if, "I was making gravel in there?"
Cold Bud on a hot day in Dawson took the edge off my defeat.

Quiviat

2007-08-06

I have a hat made from the wool from this Musk Ox.

It was knitted by a local woman and blended with silk.

The sale of it from the Large Animal Research Center in Fairbanks went to the upkeep of this very fellow. I like to support any individual who works to pay his own keep, regardless of his hairdo.

Modern Alaskan Art

2007-08-05

The Inuit, Aleut, and Indian artists have embraced their past, respected it, and have embraced it to produce new work that is absolutely fantastic.

This picture shows a carved whale vertebrae, a traditional material, with a modern interpretation.

Other artists, have failed to embrace the past, and their work seems a little disembodied, hollow, and in a long term sense - empty.

I do appreciate being shown the full breadth of the work being done in Alaska. One never knows what really good 'art' is until confronted side by side by really bad art. I'll spare you any images of some of the works.

The touristy galleries are noxious. A verifiable barf fest of knock-off wannabe inuit copies. AVOID! Run for your life in fact.

Museum of the North, Fairbanks, AK., U.S.A.

2007-08-04

Absolutely magical.

A brilliant building that teaches you what an ancient place Alaska is. This museum is, without a doubt, the finest example of Aleut, Inuit, and Athabaskan Indian culture and art in the world.

We heard about this museum while in Haines Jct., and when we crossed into the U.S. I found out you could get a hat made out of Muskox wool, called Quiviat. O.K., it was the most expensive hat I've ever bought but a musk ox only produces about 60oz. of wool per year. Ah, but I digress. Back to the museum.

Inside and out, this museum is an endless inspiration for artists. There is no doubt at all that traditional art has thrived into a modern interpretation that will survive for generations more.

As always there are some artists work displayed that feels it has to ram some point down the viewers throat but for the most part, the exhibits and art are fabulous.

Alaskan holiday

2007-08-03

This summer's adventure was a four week trip to Alaska.

Scrambling up glaciers, poking through stones, and scrambling up mountains.

I would recommend all artists travel north. Being lost in the grandest of all landscapes is a humbling moment that just keeps going and going.
Scale and perspective take on a new meaning.

Karen wouldn't let me take the crane truck, but man 'o man I would have had some awesome stone.

The most beautiful sight in the world

2007-07-23

This beast replaces my snazzy dodge 1 ton. It does it with twice the capacity (2 ton chassis) and manages to get unbelievable mileage on its wonderful 4BE1 Isuzu engine. (25.5mpg empty) The best my Cummins ever did was 16mpg.

It has already carried a couple tons of marble, limestone, and granite out of the backwoods. I put some 10ply tires on it, and LOVE LOVE LOVE it.

I feel like a little kid while searching the island for stone.

Heap Big stone saw

2007-06-25

This is the new 12" Angle cutter from Makita...thanks to Andrew at Pottier, it cuts through marble like butter with the new blade. By cutting sideways and bracing the saw on my legs, it uses its own weight effortlessly and makes rapid material removal on marble very fast. The 15amp motor doesn't bog either. It appears to have good dust shielding too. I would say for the money, it is worth a sculptor's consideration. Well, maybe not just sculptors, but anyone that has an overpowering need to cut stone.

Great for cutting bases too.

Desert forms

2007-06-05

As a sculptor I try to remain open to seeing forms in nature that I can incorporate into my work. Natural elements possess a balance that is difficult to recreate while carving in stone. Nature seems to effortlessly create beauty while we are forced to toil endlessly under the sun to accomplish something even marginally close.

I loved these elements when I saw them, I even spent about an hour sitting in one of these openings amazed at how it amplified sound, cooled my body, and cleared my mind.

A desperate life of beauty

2007-06-05

A stunning example of adaptation.

As a sculptor there are so many moments when you realize that to accomplish that level of symmetry in stone would possibly represent the pinnacle of ones entire career carving.

The desert is amazing. Especially within range of an air conditioned SUV.

Tortoise in the middle of the desert

2007-06-03

When you first hear that there is a tortoise that lives in the Nevada desert you kind of scratch your head and wonder...hmm. Is this for real?
Turns out we were lucky enough to see one and photograph him for posterity.
A human can die in 4 hours without water in these areas, and this tortoise plods right through the middle of it. Stunning adaptation. Finally, wildlife I can keep up with.

The other Vegas

2007-06-03

Stunning trip to Vegas. Aside from the expected entertainments, and gallery meetings, the desert holds some stunning surprises. Valley of Fire is only 45 min. from Las Vegas and for a sculptor, the sandstone and limestone shapes are utterly captivating and endlessly fascinating.

Anasazi Pictographs

2007-06-03

Where these people went remains a mystery. I looked for them, they weren't there.

Some people see evidence of aliens in the symbols. I see evidence of people that couldn't draw for shit.

Return to a different aesthetic

2007-06-01

Part of my desire, my passion for sculpture is bound to a love for beauty. This seems like a simple statement of the obvious; but in reality it is not. Viewers of art installations in many gallery settings are overwhelmed by art that seems 'unreachable'. A simple concept that art should appeal to the viewer is lost in a barrage of secret meanings that the viewer needs to decipher in order to grasp the deep, and sometimes impossibly deep meanings that the artist is portraying. In discussions with the majority of people...the result fails with only the secret society of artists, art professionals, and galleries having access to these meanings. For most, it extends beyond the idea of 'not getting it' to a very negative assessment of the piece itself.

My desire is quite simple. I am going to chase an old, admonished aesthetic. BEAUTY.

In discussions with most folks, I have discovered that most are of the opinion that at the end of a difficult day, dealing with work, attitude, traffic, taxes, fuel prices, pets, and who knows what else...that last thing they want to see is sculpture, or any art, for that matter, that challenges them to understand concepts through rubbermaid containers and power cords, and endless video loops.

My return to a pleasant, calming, and beautiful aesthetic might be archaic, but I prefer to combine an artistic message with simple beauty. To move more 'art' into offices, and homes.

Now if I could only achieve that lofty goal every time. Hmmm.

Meet Digby

2007-04-23

I am fundamentally a dog person. For some reason this cat chose me at the pound. He is my first cat. He managed to survive his probation, and there you have it. Apparently you have 30 days to return a rescue animal for any reason? Who does this? I figured that we were stuck with this critter for the next 13 - 15 years.
Lest you think I might fail in my new task... Fear not cat lovers!, Karen is a professional cat owner, having had as many as 3 felines at a time (yikes!) so Digby is in good hands 1/2 of the time.
He is honestly, the worst dog I've ever owned.

In case you missed the last installment...

2007-04-21

Hmm...the figure on the left looks male and aggressive, the middle one appeals to my sense of proportion but this doesn't necessarily mean that it can be represented in stone. I guess I could try and then clean up its remains on the floor...and that leads one to the image on the right. The restacked pieces.
Reminds me that I have to take out the recycle.

Trying to remain open minded

2007-04-10

The idea behind these drivel filled installments is to provide a bit more depth into how a person goes from a perfectly sane career to spending all their time dust choked wielding hammers and chisels and power tools until most everything aches.
Whether I ever achieve any insight for anyone else is highly dubious. But I have paid for this private soapbox...and thus...

I will try

On some days, by the time a person unwinds, sits down and try's to quiet the mind while drawing; endless amounts of everyday items and unfinished work sneaks in. Occasionally, I manage to stay 'quiet' and let my charcoal or my pencil float through pages of my journal. Is this insightful? I doubt it. But it does give you a glimpse into the process that concludes in stone.