Mud 101

One of the many things we teach at our workshops is how we mix our special formulas of fiberglass reinforced concrete. It is designed and proven to trowel on easily and be super strong. It also carves easily - or at least much easier than regular concrete. Each student is allowed to try their hand at this task.

Then the fun begins. We start with the easy task... troweling concrete on a flat board. All did well at this task and their confidence grew immediately. These concrete covered boards were carved (when they had cured enough) to practicethe various styles and techniques.

Then it was time for a more advanced challenge. The students worked in teams of two, first welding up a sturdy armature, then applying the glavanized wire using specialized tools. 

The concrete coating was the next step. I did a quick demonstration to show how it was done... and then the real fun began.

The vertical areas were easy. As our students worked downward it quickly became evident that it would take more than a little practice to master this part of the job. For a first time effort they did remarkably well.

The upside down parts proved to be a little trickier.

The concrete was allowed to cure until it was perfect to carve. We'll show the delightful result and a lot more creativity in the next post.

-grampa dan

Sculpture MAGIC Workshop report - PART ONE.

Our first Sculpture Magic Workshop was a resounding success. The students came from British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Arizona, Colorado, California and Washington. Our guests arrived Thursday afternoon for the most part, eager to get started. Four had attended previous workshops. Six had not. The range of experience was wide ranging as was the type of work they did. The questions started right off the bat as they were eager to learn all they possibly could. This would be a great workshop! Since everyone was so eager to start we did just that. While we waited for the last guests to arrive the ones that were there started preparing their panels which would be cemented and carved on Friday.

Friday morning I presented the first lecture, then we headed out for our first field trip. We visited the MultiCam office first, then headed over to the Fox and Hounds Pub to look at our current project. We enjoyed a delicious lunch while we were there. Then we headed back to the shop to officially start in on the hands-on part of the workshop. The student's first task was to mix up some fiberglass-reinforced-concrete and pply it to their panels. We did the carving a few hours later when it had cured perfectly for the task. Although the sample projects were small they employed the very same techniques we use in our shop every day.

While we waited for the concrete to cure it was time to start in on the primary sculpting project. The assignment was to design and sculpt a dinosaur head. While we had plenty of reference material at hand each student was encouraged to use their imagination to make something truly original.

As we would find out, in the next couple of days, this class had plenty of imagination! Stay tuned for more...

-grampa dan

Balance

Balance in our lives between work and everything else important is something we all try to achieve. At times it is difficult. One way we manage to keep family in focus is to have our workshop and studio on the same property as our house. It has become a lifestyle rather than a job. And it works well for us. Our kids grew up in my studio. Now, it is Phoebe, my grand daughter, who is often around and 'helping' on a regular basis.

At our workshops we host I talk of that balance and how it works here. Through the four days our guests interact with us they see how woven together everything is. Janis and other family members are hard at work in the house preparing the meals we enjoy together. They play a huge role in our workshop. Becky, my daughter, helps with the organizing and teaching in the workshop. And Phoebe, my six year old grand daughter, is here in the workshop during mealtimes and in our workshop times. She mingles with the guests and builds projects along side them, adding her charm to the mix. While my prime focus has to be the students I also have time to tend to her needs. 

This past weekend I was giving one of my lectures as she was just up the stairs in my upper studio playing quietly on a computer. Suddenly she cried out excitedly "GRAMPA!'  I had to stop and look for it was obviously important. "A real live squirrel is on the window sill - right by my computer!" Everyone had a look and a good laugh for it was true. Once the excitement had died down I went back to the lessons at hand.

Today Jeff Hartman sent me a picture he had taken during the workshop. It beautifully captures a moment Phoebe and I shared during the workshop - one of many. And it demonstrates the balance we enjoy - even in the busiest of times in our shop.

All this reminds me of just how lucky I am on a daily basis. I get to do the exact type of work I love. Best of all I get to do this while those I love surround and support me. It does not get better than that!

-grampa dan