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Owl Weathervane
QuiQue -
Sunday, June 1, 2008 - 11:47pm
Blacksmithing Architectural Gallery | architectural | copper | gold leaf | Outdoor | patina 
This owl weathervane was commissioned for the UNC-Chapel Hill Humanities Department. The owl has a stainless steel strap skeletal structure with individually formed copper sections riveted to the stainless structure. The front half of the copper tree limb (pointer) was filled with molten lead to add a counterweight to balance out the weight distribution so the wind pointer could rotate properly. The compass rose was cnc plasma cut out or 1/4" thick naval brass. The letters were gold leafed. The central axis section was made of stainless steel. The eyes were hand blown glass by a local glassblower. Overall size of the owl weathervane is 4 feet 3 inches wide by 5 feet 10 inches tall.  Really superb piece,
Rich Waugh -
Tuesday, June 3, 2008 - 12:37am
Really superb piece, Enrique! An art deco owl - who'd have thought? I love it. » reply  Love that owl, particularly
Will Jones -
Wednesday, June 4, 2008 - 11:42am
Love that owl, particularly the finish. Will Jones, www.ironwill.org.uk » reply  The white ball is a 4 inch
QuiQue -
Wednesday, June 4, 2008 - 6:14pm
The white ball is a 4 inch hollow milk glass ball. It is a traditional ornament which is added to many weathervanes. I don't know if it has a function. I have a suspicion that it may have been used as a reflector for lightning strikes. Maybe someone else knows of its purpose. I used it for the "traditional" effects. » reply Yep, in bygone times those
Rich Waugh -
Wednesday, June 4, 2008 - 9:26pm
Yep, in bygone times those glass balls were used as insulators so the 'vane could be both a weathervane and a lightning rod. I read something about that in a book years ago, but I sure can't recall what book or just when. Too many years, way too many books - well, one can't really have too many books, but you know what I mean. :-) » reply  spectacular
carvinmom -
Saturday, September 6, 2008 - 1:33pm
what a work of art! my dream is to make a windchaser for myself someday. cant say enough how beautiful your owl is and hope to see more!! » reply  ;)
Paula -
Saturday, September 6, 2008 - 4:46pm
very pretty, love the color » reply  Who-underful
Frank Castiglione -
Saturday, September 6, 2008 - 7:05pm
Hi QuiQue, » reply Quique, what a beautiful
NELSON -
Sunday, September 7, 2008 - 6:57am
Quique, » reply |
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ArtMetal
Superb
Quique,
Fantastic job on this peice. I love Owls and you did a great job on this fellow. He looks very much at home on his perch. Chapel Hill should be delighted with your work. I personally have come to admire your work, since I have been on this sight. Maybe it's the Owl but this one has become one of my favorites.
Chuck