large scale sculpture

paint booth

Stephen Fitz-Gerald — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:22:53 -0500

The sculpture in the paintbooth with the first few base coats applied...

Moving the work

Stephen Fitz-Gerald — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:03:14 -0500

Fortunately the paint shop was well equipped...

"Industrial Tropic"sculpture installed.

Stephen Fitz-Gerald — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:38:15 -0600

This work finally got installed today after it's 10K paint job.The colors change as you walk around the piece and as the light changes. It forms the focal point for Palm Square shopping center on the North side of Santa Rosa,(where I live).At the outset the client told me the piece would be painted and I also was restricted to the banana leaf motif,both aspects took me far outside my "comfort zone". However I was not required to install the piece nor oversee the paint aspect,and all permits,fees,and ordinance applications were taken care of by the client.For these reasons I took the job. I was also encouraged the more research I did on the paint.The only time I ever grow is when I'm taken out of my comfort zone so I rolled with it.Under these circumstances it's definitely not the most creative work I've ever done but I'm reasonably happy with the outcome ,as is the client,and in this particular case,I DO think the colors add more interest to the form...

"Industrial Tropic"sculpture installed.

Stephen Fitz-Gerald — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:37:43 -0600

"Industrial Tropic"sculpture installed.

Stephen Fitz-Gerald — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:36:49 -0600

Solstice continued

topps35 — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:41:17 -0600

Planning have given us a date of 22nd of April, which is a good thing as it gives us an extra month! Never thought we'd be grateful to beurocracy. Going well, have had the face compared to Easter Island, the Maoris and ancient egypt which says to me that he is suitably ancient. Planning to change the name to 'the ancestor' The druid refers to him as this and we think it broadens him to being everyones ancestor. Possibly considering a big sun staff the ensure balance. There is a 2 tonne base to go on yet, so might not need it. Speaking to the engineer today. Michelle is already eyeing up telegraph poles. We think we are on target, have been criticised for paying too much attention to detail(grin) delighted to be proved right. the details thats shown in the picture are brilliant we thought they might disappear but stand out really well. The face and collar bones in particular. Meeting with The Holiday Inn next week to start planning grand opening. General consensus seems to be small 'civic' ceremony with local councillors, business,press and local galleries etc and to use this to publicise the Druid blessing open to all. We wioll be making him a summer garland with local community to celebrate the solstice and hope to have the blessing on solstice eve this year.

Together again

topps35 — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:29:59 -0600

Really pleased so far.

Moving big stuff

topps35 — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:28:18 -0600

So pleased weve got a good forklift driver, its a feat to move it about.

solstice

topps35 — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 01:38:12 -0600

Just found out we cannot install on 20th due to planning, not sure of revised date yet. No bad thing as due to high winds recently, a poor aerodynamic design, and much concern we got a structural engineer to go over it. Bit of triangulation needed in the legs. Andy looks hilarious keep popping up through his waist. Working off a platform to shape head and neck took about 3 times longer, working at height is so frustrating. Really exciting news, I have been put in contact with the Stonehende druid order, who really like the sculpture. He calls him the ancestor and will be blessing him in full ceremony. Working hard but exciting times.

Its so big!!

topps35 — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 01:31:11 -0600

The size of this still shocks me! I'm 5'6'' and look tiny. Allowed myself 2 weeks for the head. Thats now up still have head to clad.