lovers and ice

It has remained below freezing for almost the entire week, so I've spent most of my time in the warm clay studio. Monday, I made this small model of 2 lovers.

I began work on a much larger 1/4 scale model, as the first model was on a 1/9 scale. I only had time this week to block in the basic shapes. This clay piece will need LOTS of work before it will become a working model.

It is intended to be carved into this piece of Indiana Limestone. The stone would have to be stood up on its flat end before carving this particular design.

The guys from JBB, inc. fought the freezing temperatures and ice-covered roads to return to the studio and finish installing the plumbing and hooking up a tub / shower. Meg caught on camera the only moment when I was actually helpful.

Tuesday morning, it was 1 degree below zero. So, Meg grabbed the camera and went outside to photograph the big ice crystals that had formed in the extreme cold. I think this looks like a fish (Carp) with ice crystal fins...

Then, we had a good, old-fashioned ice storm. It didn't involve a week of power outages, like last year, but still lots of fun. (photo Meg White)

Ice on Rose Hips. (photo Meg White)

Ice on Wild Grapes. (photo Meg White)
Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Neighbors and Dragons

It remained below the freezing point for most of the week. So, I stayed in the clay studio. I did a life-size clay head study of our neighbor, Alice Kimble. I had this picture of Alice to go by, but it's always better to work from life, if you get the chance.

The profile view shows that there is room for improvements. Using photoshop to compare, like this, is a great tool. you can click 'view' and check 'grid' - the grids will tell you exactly where you are off.

The rest of the week was spent on this clay model of a dragon.

There is a stone that measures 44" high by 24" x 16", into which I could carve this design. It's a real departure from my regular work, so I'm not sure if I'll actually make this piece. I had fun making the clay model, anyway.

A couple of important events this week: Sharon Receveur's book on Bernheim Arboretum is out in bookstores. It features 2 pictures of Meg's stone sculpture "Emerging". She'll post images and more on her blog (link in top right corner). Also, there are great pictures of Paul Fields working on his large "snail" that is at Bernheim. The other important event this week is that it looks like I've sold my Monk sculpture. It will find a new home near Cincinnati. I'll post more, as this progresses.

Monday, the guys from Jbb, inc. returned to "stub in" the plumbing of the new addition. Mike Mitcham showed me this Bible that he carved to commemorate the life of his recently deceased brother. It is made from a piece of Kentucky limestone that he found, and the cross is made from a piece of Alabama marble that I gave him. This is Mike's second stone project - I hope that we'll be seeing more pieces from him soon.

It's been snowing all day! Meg snapped this shot of a snow flake caught on a spider's web.

Gargoyle vs Grotesque

The temperatures dropped below the freezing mark by mid-week, so I retreated to the warmth of the clay studio. I wanted to make a Gargoyle, and I came up with this design. It reminds me of the flying monkeys from the Wizard of Oz.

Meg pointed out to me that this is a "Grotesque", which is a non-functional sculpture of a fantastic creature. A true Gargoyle spouts rain water, directed from the roof. (I learn something every day.)

This is the stone block that I want to carve the piece into. It measures approximately 3' x 2' x 1-1/2' and weighs about 1,200 lbs.

I made a little more progress on the granite hand bench, before the temperatures dropped. I flipped the piece upside down, to drill a mounting hole and refine the bottom.

The guys with Roof Master Builders 'zipped up' the new addition before the snow started flying. The next step is windows and doors and metal siding.

Saturday, we went to the open house and Christmas sale at Charlie Oldham's rock shop. This picture that Meg took points up the contrast between the cheery warmth inside vs the bleak wintery cold outside.

Charlie has a great place, that he built himself - one of the best looking rock shops that I've ever seen. He's retired from a long career as geologist for the state of Kentucky. If I have a rock question, Charlie has the answer.

While I looked for specimens to add to my collection, we listened to homemade music from dulcimers. A great way to spend a snowy afternoon!

We finished the day out by attending the opening of the new location for Studio Works (on the corner of Eastern Parkway and Bardstown Road). We have a friend, Al Goreman, who works there. In fact, these are 2 of his creations from found objects that he collects at the Falls of the Ohio. Check out his blog called Artist at Exit 0.