I started my Sign Invitational entry piece just after we got back from last year's event down in Las Vegas. Back then I just knew how this year was going to happen and I knew I had no time to waste. The year happened at a much more frantic pace than I imagined with many trips to Trinidad, Salt Lake, Orlando, Atlantic City and more. We've been busy in the shop as well and much time has been spent at my design board dreaming up new projects. The truth is that for much of the last nine months the piece has been tucked into a corner of the shop gathering dust. Phoebe needing to work on her school project was just the motivation for me to dust off the piece and begin work once more. In the last two days I've made great progress. The bottom end is largely complete, save for paint. Much of the detail is completed in the middle section and I mounted the 'human interface device' this afternoon. An old, inoperable antique typewriter donated it's parts for the 'HID'. I know everyone is eager to ask it's purpose... but that's still highly classified... for now. Stay tuned... :)
A train!
It's no secret I've long loved steam trains. I drew many when I made my living doing pen and ink drawings. Later, steam trains were featured in numerous historical murals I painted across Canada and the USA. And through the last decades we've had the chance to build many replicas of these steam powered monsters for theme parks. This little beauty was built in our studio and then transported to Mall of America in Minnesota. The tricky part was lifting it up, inside the mall, three stories to the adventure golf. They erected a crane inside the mall for the task. We did the work after the stores had closed for the evening. It was a very interesting all nighter.
Third generation artist
I throughly enjoy working alongside family members. Peter and Becke have been by my side since they were tiny. Forty years later we still work together on a daily basis. Phoebe too is in the shop from time to time as her busy schedule allows. This past week Phoebe has been working on a school project in the shop. She's making great progress and her piece is looking great. The tough part is keeping her from borrowing all of my sculpting epoxy! I'm working on my Sign Challenge piece at the same time. It's good to spend time together!
