In our shop we don't spend a lot of time admiring completed projects. Often, as we finish off one another (or many others) are already underway. As Becke did the photoshoot of some finished pieces yesterday the rest of the crew was busy at the other end of the shop working on new projects. They don't look like much at this point. Bits and pieces of sub-assemblies are slowly coming together. But over the next week or two they will be completed. Eventually they will get their finishing touches, be photographed and sent on their way. Then, the process will begin anew. I am often asked which is my favourite project... and the answer is always the same... the next one.
Bucket, the robot
I love how our team works together. The resulting pieces are always much more than my original vision. Typically, I do the bulk of the concept work with some 'serious' input from Peter and Becke. The concept drawings are loose, leaving plenty of room for interpretation and improvements. Then the build begins, with only that first idea as inspiration. The realities of construction and structural integrity sometimes dictate small adjustments and further changes are done on the fly as the crew builds to a visual standard. It is one thing to design on a flat screen or piece of paper, quite another to build in the 3D physical world. When we get to the sculpting stage there is a lot of licence taken as we experiment with textures and form. Then the painting begins. Becke rules the day in this department and we have learned to trust her instincts. She and her talented crew layer the colours on and then the glazes, gradually building a masterpiece.
The result of our teamwork from start to finish is always a delightful surprise and much better than any of us could accomplish by ourselves. 'Bucket', the robot, is now finished. Becke did the 'official' photoshoot today and he is truly magical!
Final paint
Jenessa polished off the painting and glazing of the 'steam powered Ideamatic' today. True to the chosen theme, our MARVELLOUS MACHINE is the imagination Corporation entry in the Sign Invitational competition to be held at the International Sign Association EXPO in March. We'll be setting up a photo shoot tomorrow for the official pictures.
