"Observational Solitude" - Detail
Steel, Cast-Iron, Brass
80"H x 14"W x 4"D
2017
In order to complete the requirements for my 2017 Regional Artist Project Grant, I had to use the Oxygen/Acetylene torch set I purchased with the grant funds to create a large outdoor steel sculpture. This process was an intense learning experience as I had never done traditional torch-welding and have not worked on a large-scale outdoor piece such as this in many years, and then only within the well-equipped studio of an educational institution. The following documentation chronicles my process from practicing welding with the new torch setup to completing "Observational Solitude" a 7-ft tall steel, cast-iron, and brass sculpture.
Practice welds on 1/8" mild steel plate.
Layout of cut-up components from a previously fabricated steel
volume that was never utilized or completed.
Initial welding of the basic form complete.
Unintended consequences of the creative process.
Attaching the legs to the structure and closing off the volume
with expanded metal mesh.
Drill-bit casualties caused by drilling and prepping the 1/8" steel
base plate to accept the legs of the sculpture.
Welding jig clamped together to hold the sculpture upright and square
while welding the legs down to the base plate.
Almost complete.
Final welding to strengthen the attachment of the legs to the base plate.
The Completed Sculpture:
"Observational Solitude"
Steel, Cast-Iron, Brass
80"H x 14"W x 4"D
2017
"Observational Solitude" - Side View
Steel, Cast-Iron, Brass
80"H x 14"W x 4"D
2017
"Observational Solitude" - Detail
Steel, Cast-Iron, Brass
80"H x 14"W x 4"D
2017
This project was made possible by the N.C. Arts council, a division
of the Department of Cultural Resources, the Blumenthal Endowment and
the Union County Community Arts Council.
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