A week or so has passed since my last posting and I think that’s the way it’s going to go for the rest of my time here. Studio time is more precious now that I understand the processes better and can now realize finished work more swiftly.
I finished my backstaff patterns and molds and they are ready for a Monday brass pour.
I’ve started a new project based on a sixteenth century celestial navigational device called a nocturnal. This device uses the North Star and several constellations to determine time and therefore latitude. I’m still laying out the design this week and hope to make a finished pattern and mold by the end of next week.
M.J. is in her last week and she has gotten an incredible amount of work done. She makes me look like a slacker compared to all that she has produced. I’m very impressed with her work ethic and I’ll miss her when she’s gone. (She may have reason to come to the Chicago area and is welcome to stay with us.)
Most of my saw handles are poured. I have four more to pour on Monday and then that should be it. Bruce, from Service Machine stopped by the artist’s studios and asked us if we needed anything done. Of course, I need my handles to be drilled out for bolt holes and slotted for installation. I dropped them off and Bruce started on them that evening. I didn’t think this would happen for few more days, so I’m thrilled that the process is now underway.
Gregory and I are still trying to get a bead on a suitable outlet to have my saw pattern cut. As soon as we decide on a strategy, I can schedule my activities around getting them finished up.
