Two kinds of frames

When we weld our frames for the sculptures we create there are two kinds of cages we build. One, for symmetrical features, like the balloon need to be symmetrical and neat. There's a certain latitude allowed to get the slightly off kilter items we build, but just enough to create our magic and no more. Today I was welding this kind of structure. The grid is evenly spaced and the bars are formed to be just like the ones beside. It actually takes longer than the second kind of structure. Looking at this piece, even in this state, it is easy to visualize the finished result.

Peter was working on the second type of cage we build. It was for a gnarly tree. This cage forms the twisted roots and branches and even an old ladies face in the tree. Unless you know what you are looking at the pencil rod frame looks pretty abstract. But have no fear for there is a definite plan in place. It will all come together as we apply the galvanized lath and then begin to apply the fiberglass reinforced concrete.

Just wait and see...

-grampa dan

Up, up, and away!

Back when we started in this crazy business I had no idea of the variety of fun things I would get to build through the years. The list seems endless. Cars, trucks, trains, planes, trees, rocks, horses, moose, dragons, submarines, castles, space ships and a whole bunch more. It also suprises me how we get to revisit a particular theme from time to time. The most prevelent themes have been trains, trees, trucks, boats of and submarines along with a host of giant rocks. There's been two castles and two giant dragons too. this week we begin our second hot air balloon. The first was for the adventure golf at West Edmonton Mall. It's still there more than fifteen years later and looking as good as the day we built it. It is an engineering marvel, held aloft by a single 4" x 4" steel post and four guy wires. That is an amazing feat, especially when you consider the balloon is made from concrete and steel!

The balloon we are starting this week will act as a photo op for the Cultus Lake Adventure Park at the east entrance, The basket will be large enough to hold a family or group of friends.

As always, we start out with a welded structural steel frame. This weeks balloon will also be held up by a single post, although it is a six inch thick pipe this go around (as required by the structural engineer. Tomorrow I'll weld up the pencil rod substructure around which we'll sculpt the skin of the balloon. The basket will be built as a separate piece.

Up, up and away!

-grampa dan

Playing with the mud

While I was at the worksite on Friday the crew was busy sculpting the next big piece in the studio. It's the mountain top piece that will sit on the roof of the three story building. This portion, along with the tree that bolts to the top will be prefabricated and painted in the shop and then lifted into position at the end of this month.

The crew spent the day applying the fiberglass reinforced concrete to the large form, then smoothing it out. I returned to the shop in the late aftenoon to spray on the texture coat. A masive cleanup finished off the task. The bottom of the piece is carfully shaped to conform to the roof that will eventually hold it up.

At the back of the piece we sculpted in a door so we could gain access to the inside to hook things up. The door will be mudded and carved on Monday.

Next week we'l begin the painting proces to finish it off. It won't be long until the BIG lift. I can hardly wait!

-grampa dan