Picture day

Well, I finished the Bottle Monster this weekend. I was hoping to place it out in the garden for a photo session yesterday or today. But, it has been stormy and rainy for several days now. Today, dawned with a steady shower, so I rigged up a backdrop in the shop. I am really pleased with how this piece turned out. I can't wait to mount it in the tallgrass prairie garden and watch the coneflower and bluestem tickle its belly.

The tail of the Monster is long and curvy. It quivers at the slightest touch, which makes for a colorful dance of light from the bottles.

Lizard on the loose

Thanks to my friend Toni for sending along a pic of a Fossil Forge gecko sculpture in her garden. Large glass eyes help this piece watch over the landscape. Also, this reptile is mounted on a post that allows it to turn or shift while soaking up the sun.

 

Shapely body

The body of the Bottle Monster is almost finished. It is bristling with spikes that will hold colorful bottles. I have been begging my friends and neighbors to drink more wine or whatever so there will be enough bottles to cover the sculpture. The sheet steel is given a good once-over with the grinder to create some cool texture.

Here are a few of the bottles and some early sketches of the sculpture. My shop is getting pretty messy during this project.

I was dragging a 20-foot section of steel bar into place and I sorta forgot about the windows that are along one wall of the shop. Smash! Now I have some fresh air flowing into the shop. Oh well.

Elvis returns

I created this metal Elvis wall sculpture a couple years ago. It ran with newspaper story on Elvis turning 70. Today, it hangs on the wall in my shop. The big 'E' is from an old gas pump. Parts of his arms and nose are vintage handmade nails. The microphone is from a antique faucet. It is all put together with welds and bolts.

 

Monster coming to life

Well, a couple of days in the shop has produced the beginnings of a Bottle Monster sculpture. This metal creature will someday reside in the garden here at Fossil Forge to graze away on the multiplying Bottle Flowers. When finished, it should stand approx. 10 feet tall and 12 feet long. Check back for more updates.

The return of the Hands

Just completed another version of a Hand sculpture. I'm pleased with how this one turned out. I used larger glass spheres on the corners for more color. A little time in the garden and a beautiful coat of rust will transform this art. Take a look at the finished piece in the gallery.

Busy week

Lots of projects coming out of the shop this week. I finished another Moon Comet sculpture - this sticks in the ground, sorta like a garden stake. Another sculpture called 'Bug Eyes" found a new home, too. Here's a look at both of them.

Colorful fish

Spring is a great time to see color wash over the garden here at Fossil Forge. I added some glass chunks to this Fish Hook to create some added sparkle to the new season.

Gate on the way

The last couple of days I have been putting the finishing touches on this garden gate. The gate is part of a larger project, which includes an artistic fence. I'll post pics of the fence soon. This gate is about four feet tall.

Face it

This Sunburst sculpture has a new home now. It was sold in a silent auction last evening at a function here in town. I hope it brings a smile to its new owner.

Hope

Some words just look better than others, especially in this format. This 'Hope' Window Word has a handy descender on the 'p', that is perfect for hanging a chunk of pretty glass.

Words to remember

Today was spent making lots of Window Words. I really enjoy creating these simple sculptures. I made one depicting the Chinese word for 'courage'. But after a litte more research it just doesn't look right. Oh well, the shape is still interesting and I'll put it in my found items bin in case I find another use for it.

Moon Comet in progress

I have made a few of these weathervane-like sculptures lately. This one will be attached to a stake so it can reside in the garden. I finished one the other day that has a base so you can secure it to a deck railing or fence post. The best part of these sculptures is when they rust. The beautiful warm brown really sets off the clear moon face.

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Items for a rainy day

One corner of the shop is where I have lots of junk and stuff for future sculptures. Chunks of glass share space with old gauges, farm tools and parts of a bulldozer. I also use this spot to store marbles and steel balls that I use in different pieces.

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Warm, now cold

 

After a nice run of days in the 50s and 60s, its back to chilly times ahead. I decided to post this picture of a Window Word I completed a couple of weeks ago. The green glass sure looks like a spark of Spring against the snowy backdrop.

Ready to go

 

What's in store for the weekend? Well, I'll be working on some new Window Words and starting on some larger garden ornaments. Valentine's Day is near so, I need to finish some projects. The photo above is a detail of the latest Firestick completed.

Looking for inspiration

Folk art and funky roadside sculpture are some of my favorite creative expressions. I love spotting a yard brimming with sculptures and other decorations. Although I have never visited, the wonderland of Luna Parc is amazing to see. Located in New Jersey, this over-the-top art environment it way cool. Check out the website here: http://www.lunaparc.com/

Sunday in the shop

 

 

Finished up a Firestick this afternoon. This one is about three feet long and made out of 3/8 inch steel. This particular piece will be garnished with a fire red marble. A couple coats of protective polyacryclic spray will finish it off.

Bucket of ice

A problem with having no heat in my shop is dealing with a frozen quenching bucket. I use this container to cool steel. Today, I am making some Firesticks, which are fire tools made for outdoor fire pits and chimeneas. The tools have lots of twists and bends. Water helps to control where the twists happen. The good news is that the bucket is next to the forge, which takes only a short time to warm up the shop and thaw the ice. Back to work.

Sun’s are ready to shine

 

Well, here they are. Three Sunburst sculptures heading out the door. I love making this piece, because each one is a little different in shape and detail. The sculptures are about 15 inches across. They do look sweet with the light shining from behind.