Well... the fella that was teach'n that class got pissed the classmembers were grumbling about not learning anything (and literally they were'nt) and he up and quit in a huff and stormed out. LOL..... So, they called to see if I'd come over and chat with the class and I did. Within the first 30 minutes I made it clear that each one of them were attempting artwork that's waaaaay over their heads in complexity. Not a one of them knew diddly about how to make oil based clay, modeling wax, or pull a plaster mold off something they make. None of them had a clue how to carve or sculpt anything and they literally thought that an instructor would teach them how to do master work within a few months. Their attempts at art was about what you'd expect from a bunch of kids mess'n about with play-doh. So... I told them "here's the deal... stop what you're doing (put it on the shelf in wraps) and from here on out you begin to learn from the ground up starting with how to create your own materials. Second, you learn to carve shallow reliefs and draw a one piece mold off that. Third you learn to carve a two sided work of higher relief and draw a two piece mold off that. Then you'll do a SMALL 3-d object, ie., a small bust, apple, or whatever, but make it small and then learn to pull a multiple piece mold off that and then cast all your molds in wax to see what effects you get from the mold process. LEARN BY DOING!!" But, learn by getting familiar with the PROCESSES first, then and only then will you understand how to prepare what you want to do with the mediums you have to work with, and the equipment to transfer your work into another material."
So, they got the hint and damned if they didn't all smile and say THANK YOU!! Yes, they're jazzed now and are on assignment to acquire the list of materials I gave them to bring to class next Wednesday to begin makeing their own materials. I'll also talk to them about making their own sculpture tools if they don't have any and can't afford store bought tools. I also told them that I'd participate "WITH" them and do the same assignments as they do so they can see and learn if anything's confusing to them. Once they get the first two carved relief projects done I'll have them cast that in wax and finish it's details then rub them with graphite so's to use them as patterns to duplicate them in aluminum at my studio this summer in a group sand casting session. That got their nipples hard!!
(they're all women, btw, hahaha)
Those who show promise by the time they do their 3-D project I'll give them opportunity to participate in helping me finish my 9-1/2 ft. brown bear sculpture. They'll also get to assist in pulling plaster molds off it and casting those molds in wax, plus participating in the burn out and casting in metal. Anyone interested in learning nto TIG weld they can watch under a hood while I assemble the bear in metal, eventually allowing them to practice on scrap and ultimately letting them weld a section onto the bear once they're confident and I know they won't fuck up. The idea is to get them to learn to do for THEMSELVES and dare to tackle all tasks involved with conviction to learn and master.
The relief work I'll do while I participate with them will be a derby case cover for a friend of mine's Harley. He's from Manchester, England and a hopless "CITY" fan (soccer). He asked if I'd make him a cover for his Harley with the Manchester FC emblem. It'll be a prime opportunity for the class to see how something simple like this can become profit. Anyway, my friend sent me a shiny new smooth chrome derby cover (19 bucks through Amazon) I'll overlay with wax and carve out his team's logo insignia. It'll be used to instruct them on the requirement of 3 to 5 degree bevels necessary to achieve a good sand mold impression and to make ease of pull'n plaster molds from as well.
One of the class members is the owner and operator of the local gallery here in town. She used to live in Alaska and has an established reputation in painting and ceramic tile mosiac public art works. She's been wanting me to join her gallery but frankly, that's just not my thang. I do believe, however, with her appreciation of the education she's about to get from me she'll be talk'n about me and my work to all her art contacts in this region which ought to draw some interest from other bronze artists to come see me for quotes to produce their bronze casts. Also, another gal that's in this class is the wife of that rich dude I've mentioned earlier that wants to build an art foundry/studio/gallery and has been wanting to meet with me to discuss the idea of having me join him and run the foundry end of it. So... last night, the last hour of the class, I gave them all a look-see at my Corbet Monument FB page and a slide show of all the public artworks and private art pieces I've done over the decades. That rich dude's wife's eyes were the size of silver dollars and her mouth was agap on the grand pieces I showed the class. She caught me as the class was leaving and insisted my wife and I come meet with her and her husband at their home next week when he's back in town.
So all day today I decided it's time... time I get off my ass and start work'n out to prep for get'n this foundry fired up and runn'n again. I spent the entire day move'n tether ball to beach ball size rocks about on the property to finish landscaping work i've been meaning to finish. Tomorrow (after my morning exercise warmups) I'll move more rocks to begin building retaining walls for flower beds, etc. By week's end I'll be fall'n back to my old routine of 1/hr military exercises they taught us in Basic Training. I did that every day when I ran my foundry before. I could dead lift (from the floor) and hoist 180 lbs over my head with either arm and press three repetitions of that weight and not break sweat. I'd be lucky to grunt fifty today, but by summer's end I'll be back in shape or DEAD for try'n!! HAHAHA.
Yes sir... I think this year is gonna be the year for wonderful new opportunities.