I have made it to the Mendocino Art Center and am ready to start my Residency. Honestly, that was no small feat. The Strep Throat hit me Hard. But I am doing a million times better thanks to time, sleep, and good ole' Penicillin. Does the trick when you need it to, that is for sure.

We made it up here in good time – two and a half hours. And that was in constant rain. But traffic was light, so that helped. It’s so pretty here, even in the rain. I just love the coast, I love the water. I plan to go to the shore every day – if I can. The rain can be quite a deterrent. Eric and Jasmine and I were lucky this afternoon, we got in some good walking (around town and at the Headlands State Park) during breaks in the rain. But then later it didn’t go so well for me.

Eric left around 4:30pm and I unpacked and organized my room. I got everything in its place, which makes me feel comfortable. But then it wasn’t even dark yet so I thought: I am not going to just sit here in my room while there is light out and I can walk to see the ocean. I got across the street from the Art Center and then it just torrentially down poured. I was forced back. Bummer.

The first night was hard because no one seemed to be around and I was totally alone in this new situation. There doesn’t seem to be any kind of common area for artists to hang out here so I am not sure how much socializing goes on or if everyone just kind of does their own thing. I have a roommate but really it’s just this girl with whom I share a small bathroom and kitchen. Otherwise we have our own spaces. There are other apartments, mostly singles. I hope people don’t just retreat into their holes at night. I would definitely like to get to know the other artists here.

When I am completely better, I plan to walk to places at night in town where there are other people. No way am I going to just sit in my room all night long. Sure, I will definitely spend time alone: catching up on my reading, practicing my guitar, writing in my blog. But I am not going to be some isolated artist in an isolated community. I would go crazy if I did that.

But at least, for right now, this alone time is forcing me to take it easy so I can get better. I am not completely out of the woods but I am almost there.

Can’t wait to get started on my Art. Hopefully, that will be soon.

Two days here and I have yet to start doing any work. I realize I have lots of time to make my art but I’m still anxious. Mostly because I don’t know what to do with myself. New surroundings and all. I totally took advantage of a rare sunny day on Wednesday and spent quite a bit of time at the beach and exploring the area. I’m glad I had the opportunity to do that while I had the time. But there is only so much of that before I feel the need to do other things. I’m feeling a bit too isolated here and I need my work to focus on. Something that I can give my total attention to.

Eric and Jasmine are driving up tomorrow to spend the weekend with me and I cannot wait. Mostly because I am missing their company. I am slowly meeting the artists here, but since there is no real common area to hang out in then it’s hard to spend much time getting to know anyone. I’m sure I’ll get to know people better the longer I am here. I have also already met a few local folks. So, that’s cool. But it’s not like I know anyone here. I guess I’m just a little lonely.

I am hoping that by Monday, at the latest, I am down in the sculpture studio working. I’ve got materials and ideas and I am ready to go. I just don’t know where the equipment and stuff is or where to keep my tools and materials. I guess I’m just feeling a little out of my element. Once I am in a groove then things will go a lot better, I am sure.

Here’s to working on not letting this unexpected Down Time get me Down.

Being alone and feeling alone - interesting experiences. For the first time in my life I am feeling very alone. Though there are plenty of people here at the Art Center, it doesn't seem like it. I have a roommate, but the way that the apartment is set up we are pretty separated. For all intents and purposes I am living by myself. And I have never done that before. I am having new sensations here and they are not all pleasant.

I never realized until now that I have never truly spent time on my own, by myself. I want to grow from this experience, really feel what it is like to be totally independent. But right now it's hard. Choosing to be an artist, you have to face the reality that you will spend a lot of time alone, working in the studio. But I've never really done that much. There's been school, and then I worked at Franconia (where you were never alone) and even at my studio at home there is usually one other person working as well. Even in my artmaking I have never been totally alone.

Yes, it's not like I am the only one working in the sculpture studio. Other folks are in and out. I am not living like a monk on a hilltop where I don't speak to another human for days on end. But there is something about this place that just feels very isolating to me. I don't know how to explain it.

I am really trying my best to make the most of this situation. Because I think a lot of good can come of it. First of all, without much else to do around here I should be able to devote a lot of time to working on my art. The studio is very conveniently located, it's the building next to my apartment. And I don't have any other responsibilities to keep me from being there as much as possible. Also, with free time just to myself I can do things that I always say I wish I had more time for. Like reading. I just started this book called the Nature of Order. I am reading the first book in a series of four. It's kind of ambitious - complex theories about architecture, order, and the universe - and it's pretty long at 470 pages. But I have to read it in the next three weeks because it's due back at the library and I can't renew it because there is a hold on the book.

I should be grateful that I have the time to devote to reading this book. And then there is all the hiking and biking I can do (when it's not raining). And when it is raining I can always practice my guitar. So, these are all good things. This is a great opportunity for me to accomplish a lot. Then why do I feel so uncomfortable here? Why does being on my own make me squeamish? Must just be that I need to give myself time to get used to this new situation, this new experience. I have not even been here a full week. I know I just need to give myself more time. But then I am a pretty impatient person, so that can be quite a challenge. Ah, challenges, it's what makes us grow, right?

I am currently reading a book called The Phenomenon of Life. It is the first in a series of four books called The Nature of Order by Christopher Alexander. He was an architecture professor at Cal Berkeley. These books are a series of essays exploring "the properties of life itself, highlighting a set of well-defined structures present in all order - and in all life - from micro-organisms and mountain ranges to good houses and vibrant communities. Taken as a whole the four books create a sweeping new conception of the nature of things which is both objective and structural (hence part of science) - and also personal (in that is shows how and why things have the power to touch the human heart)". Anyway, so says the dust jacket. I am just getting into it and trying to understand the theories.

I was reading last night and one thing the author said really struck me. He was talking about the Japanese concept of "wabi-to-sabi", which roughly translates as "rusty beauty". Alexander writes, " Life itself is damaged, and nothing which is perfect can be truly alive." That really made me think. Because one aspect of my self is that I am constantly striving for perfection. In my art, in my life, in my person, everything. It is my comfort zone. It is where I feel there is Control and Order. If nothing goes wrong than everything must be right. But if what he says is true, that nothing perfect is alive, maybe I am missing something that could be interesting. For instance, in my art I am very critical of minor imperfections. Whether it is small bruises or an imperfect finish in a marble carving. Or if the toothpicks aren't lined up exactly in some of my mixed-media wall art. These little details make me crazy. This drive seems to be what makes my art look, as someone once said, "so precise". When I heard that my first feeling was pride. But when I think back on it now, maybe it wasn't a compliment.

Perhaps it's the little imperfections that give my art life. And I should accept it, embrace it, understand that it is just a part of the Living Structure that I have created. The last thing I want is for my art to feel static and un-alive. My whole concept is about bringing to life shapes and forms from the Underlying System. Perhaps the Underlying System is not as perfect as I desire it to be. My quest for Order makes me desire the idea that there is something absolutely Perfect beneath the surface. But is it alive if it is so perfect? Perhaps my quest for Order isn't finding the Perfection in the Underlying System but trying to feel comfortable existing within the Chaos.

I am finally making progress on my first sculpture. I have my work area all set up and it's working well for me. I have a lot of space and it's indoors so I am not affected by the weather. I do love working outside but it's not so good to be welding in the rain. I started welding the piece together on Wednesday and today it is now halfway complete. Here are a couple of images of my work in progress.

So, I am feeling good and getting into a nice work groove. Actually, I'm pretty beat right now - it was a full week. That's always a nice feeling.

I am looking forward to a couple of days off. Eric and Jasmine come up tomorrow for the weekend. It'll be cool to hang out with them. Hopefully it won't rain too much and we can do some outdoor exploring. Sometimes we get a small bit of really nice weather here. And I try to take advantage of that when I can. Here are a couple of pictures I took yesterday, early evening, at the Mendocino Headlands State Park.

This spot is just a quick five minute walk from the Art Center. Moments like that and I really feel lucky to be here.

It's kind of tough, keeping to myself. But I am slowly starting to get used to it. It's just so jarring knowing that there are other artists around me, but I almost never see them. I guess I am just used to my experiences at Franconia and Marble. There, you work hard during the day and then socialize at night. That is just what I am used to. But then, no one here is doing the kind of art I am. Maybe it's just a sculpture thing.

I think it's really important for artists to spend time together, outside of the studio. It's too easy to get wrapped up in your own little art-making world. It's nice to be able to hang out with other people who can relate to how you just spent your day. You can talk about art, or not. That doesn't matter so much. It's just a good feeling to come out of the enclosure of the studio and relate to people again.

This place is definitely different. And that's Okay. I'm just going to make the most of my time here and try to be as productive as possible. The cool thing is that, so far, I am happy with the work I am doing. Can you believe that? I think part of that is because these sculptures have been in the works for quite some time; I made the models almost a year and a half ago.

Now it's just a matter of following my plans and seeing it through to the end result. That's pretty exciting. The steel for my next sculpture will be delivered on Monday. So, I've got that to start working on next week. Plenty to do.

Today is by far the nicest day, weather-wise, since I've been here. I am sitting on the beach, soaking up the rays while I write this. No, not on my laptop; by hand, of course. What do you take me for? I'm trying to Blend here.

There are lots of people on the beach today. The kids are out of school for Spring Break. That's part of it. I called a half-day at "work" today so I could be out here right now. It's awesome. Seriously, no way am I going to miss hanging outside with all of this clear skies and sunshine going on. Besides, my welds were really crappy this morning. I did a lot of grinding! So, it's just as well that I bailed early.

Actually, I am getting quite anxious to finish up this sculpture now that the steel for my next piece has arrived. This current sculpture has sure been a pain in the ass to weld. But it's been fun watching it come to life. It's been a good warm-up. I will definitely be finished with it by the end of this week.

It's so amazing how much of a bend the form has due to gravity. I am trying to get used to it, to love it. It's not easy given my nature to gravitate towards Precision.

Man, it's so warm right now. I could be comfortable in a bathing suit out here. Oh, Sorry.

I am really trying to get to the place in my artmaking where I can accept my creations for what they are, what they are meant to be. It's important, though, to find that fine line between acceptance of a lack of perfection and just plain old crappy craftsmanship.

I work very hard to do the very best work I can when I am making my art. I try to accept my limitations. I am a person, not a machine. I want my work to look like it is made by my hands.

Results! Today I finished welding together my first sculpture created here at the Mendocino Art Center. It's called Progression Structure #7. I am really happy with how it turned out. The most exciting thing is its final form. It is infinitely more interesting than my original design.

This is a great example of what I feel always happens to my sculptures. In the end, the form is always going to pull, to gravitate towards its true nature, whether I like it or not. This form just kept leaning and leaning until the moment when the final layer was in place and then it tipped to the side completely. And now has settled to a place of complete comfort and harmony with itself.

I am pleased, to say the least. This is a big step for me. The final outcome was not perfectly as I expected it to be and I am accepting of that and even happier with the end result.

Here's a bunch of photos I took this afternoon of different angles. The cool thing about this piece is that you can view it in many ways. It's not completely finished because I still have to do the patina. But this is the final form, and that's the important part.

Good news. I just recently found out that I will be receiving a $1,500 Career Grant from the Marin Arts Council. I have so far, this year, applied for three grants (with two more to complete by June). This is my second notification and my first acceptance. Woo Hoo! I am pleased. This money will come in handy in lots of ways.

It's also a nice feeling of validation. These simple accolades that I have received recently (first place in a juried show, this grant award) have helped me to see that I am getting somewhere with this artmaking business. Slow steps, but steps forward none-the-less. There is hope. It just needs to be accompanied by a lot of patience, perseverance, and hard work. Just keep taking it one day at a time. Oh, listen to me sounding like some kind of expert. This is something I need to tell myself on a pretty regular basis.

Things have been going well for me lately. I have come to understand enough about how things work around here at the Mendocino Art Center and it's helping me to get into a good routine of work, outdoor activity and private time. I have started to get used to spending a lot of time on my own. Now that I have a generally structured way of spending my time it doesn't feel so lonely.

I have also been able to get to know some people in the community. Not like serious friendships, we don't talk on the phone or make plans to do things together. I don't even have a phone here, which makes it kind of hard to contact me. It's more like people I might have a conversation with at Patterson's or Moody's Coffee and then see again and talk to some more. That kind of thing. It's just nice being friendly and meeting all sorts of different folks. It would be pretty easy to be a recluse here.

I am looking forward to tomorrow. I will begin welding my second steel sculpture. I've got the materials all cut up and ready to go. I am estimating three weeks to completion. That will give me some time at the end of my residency to do some other work. I have five small wax sculptures that I'd like to cast into bronze. And I wouldn't mind learning how to forge and brushing-up on my oxy-acetylene welding. Take advantage of as much as I can while I am here.

I know I was really feeling out-of-place and disappointed at the beginning of my stay here. But this is turning out to be a good experience for me. And over-all I am glad I am here.

I had a temporary set-back this afternoon in my ability to work. Things should be back on track tomorrow, I hope. Instead I did a couple of things, ate some food. Then I noticed that the sun was out. Not the rainy afternoon forecast that I had expected. So I decided to head up to Fort Bragg and check out Glass Beach.

Let me tell you, this place is totally cool. It was originally a dump, well into the 1960's. There was this idea that if you put the dump at the shore than the salt water and tide would purify and just carry away the garage. Apparently this was common in coastal towns. Well, in the last 30+ years, in a way, that's what the ocean has done.

When you walk onto the beach you think it's a pebbly shore. But if you look down you realize that the "pebbles" are actually bits of sea glass, pottery and other miscellany, all ground up and mixed within the rocks and shells. It's amazing. I could kick myself I didn't have my camera.

This is a really pretty beach and the light was just right this afternoon. Truly a great example of the beauty of the Mendocino Coast. But I tell you for once I wasn't enraptured with the ocean. I barely lifted my head at all as I wondered around. I just stared at the ground fascinated by all the little things I saw.

I explored for nearly an hour, cramming my pockets with "treasures". You would probably consider it junk but there was some pretty neat stuff. I could have stayed longer and will definitely go back with Eric and Jasmine for more exploring.

I happened to be there while the tide was out and that made the exploring all the more interesting. I walked along the rocky tide pools, marveling at all the bits of human artifact that were deeply embedded in the rocks. This place is an amazing combination of man and nature.

p.s. Nature won.

Well, here it is...Progression Structure #7. Finished! That feels good. This is an image of it installed in my house, where it will live for now. I am definitely happy with it and will most certainly feature it in my show at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts in November.

I have been spending a few days at home, taking a break from the North Coast Life. Heading back up tomorrow morning. It's been nice, being back in the Bay Area. I've really enjoyed Mendocino but this is definitely my home.

I will be back to work on the next sculpture tomorrow, hopefully feeling refreshed and ready to roll. I have certainly been enjoying the nice spring/summer-like weather right now. Got some friends coming over for a BBQ so I must sign off now.

Until next time.

To pay the bills? Hmm, not sure about that one as I have yet to sell any of my art. But I am slowly coming to see that I Can Do Stuff. For instance, welding. It's been almost three years since I last welded, at Franconia. And even though I took that brush-up class at the Crucible, I've never thought I was terribly talented with the welder. I can stick two pieces of metal together, sure. But I've always known that I have a long way before I'd consider myself a Really Good Welder. Yet, I have improved since I first learned at CCAC. I know that my welds look fairly nice and for the most part they are strong. I have been getting some compliments regarding my welding skills here at the Art Center. Someone will say, "you're a pretty good welder" and I'll say "thanks." But in my head I am more likely to think, "eh, yeah, I'm okay, I guess."

Then a strange thing happened yesterday. I was working down in the sculpture studio when a woman came in to "look around." Turns out she was thinking about taking a sculpture workshop this summer. She hung out for a bit and then one of the sculpture coordinators came by and he started to talk to her about the class she was interested in taking. She said she wanted to try welding and next thing you know he's telling her about Tuesday night open studio and then I'm offering to show her how to use the MIG.

Then suddenly, "D'oh!" What was I thinking? I've never taught anyone how to weld. In fact, I've never taught anyone anything. Which is why I work at a gallery as a way to support my art, instead of going to grad school and becoming an instructor. Not really my thing. You know, she probably won't even show up and then I'll be off the hook.

Come that night, there she is. So, okay, I get out the MIG and show her how to use it. I start by giving her the usual spiel, rattling off all the things others have taught me. Then, it's occurring to me that, hey, I actually know quite a lot about this welder. I give her a quick demo and then let her loose. Her welds were awful, just terrible. But they are no worse than anyone else's first time, myself included. She messed around with the welder for about an hour while I did other work. Then she left.

And I'll tell ya. I felt kind of proud of myself. You know what? I'm a Pretty Good Welder.

On another, related, note: I finished welding the top half of my big sculpture today. Tomorrow I will complete the bottom half. I decided to make two separate pieces that are bolted together to make it easier to move and install.

Here's what the top half looks like. It's at an angle, on it's side because I welded it upside down but then was unable to put it right side up because there was no one around to help. It's 32 inches tall.

It's so satisfying to see this come to life. I can't wait to put it all together and see the final result. It's very strong and solid and I really hope it stands on it's own. The model did. After this I plan to bronze cast five wax sculptures that I made earlier this year. I've already started gating and spruing. It's complicated to say the least. (What a surprise!) I am wondering whether they will successfully cast. But it will be fun, not to mention cheap, to try while I am here.

And that should pretty much get me to the end of the month. I may work here and there welding some scrap pieces. But two steel sculptures and five bronze castings should be a sufficient showing of work. I'd love to do another large metal sculpture but I'm concerned about the cost and, more importantly, what I will do with it. I already have one large sculpture to contend with.

I finished welding the bottom half of the sculpture this afternoon. It went very well. I was able to turn it right side up and that inspired me to try again to turn the piece from yesterday. Go Muscles! I got it. Who needs other artists around? Okay, I totally do. To all of you out there who have worked on art with me before: thanks. It's great to have other artists around. Not just to add an extra pair of hands and some muscle. But for the moral and artistic support.

However, Yeah Me! I managed anyway. Here's some shots. The top picture is the top of the sculpture, the middle picture is the bottom of the sculpture, and the bottom photo is both with me to give some size perspective. Those first two pictures make the pieces look way bigger then they are. They are only 32 inches tall.

Can't wait to stacked 'em up. Heading down tomorrow to pick up my engine hoist.

Hola Amigos! I know it's been a long time since I rapped at ya. Okay, I cribbed that from Jim Anchower's column in the Onion. But it has been a while. Positive things have been happening here, chief of which is that the sun has been out in it's full glory for more than a week. It's been most excellent.

Anyway, think I'll give an update on some of my happenings. First up: Progression Structure #8 is complete. Unfortunately the battery in my digital camera died so I can't post any images until I go home this weekend. I left my spare battery and charger there. I am really happy with the end result. The method I came up with to bolt the two pieces together works and the sculpture is able to stand on it's own.

And when it's broken down it fits in the back of my truck. So, aside from the artistic aspect of it, all of the important things are taken care of - structure, transport, and installation. The only regret I have is that some of the bolts holding the top and bottom together are visible. If I had thought it through better I could have welded one of the brackets in a less noticeable spot. But now I know and can learn for the next one. I'd really love to make more of these if I can. I just felt really satisfied and proud yesterday morning as I sat in the sculpture yard looking at it. I began designing this piece a year and a half ago and now here it is, sitting before me. I Made It Happen! The last month has really been about the construction of this piece and a lot less about the creative side of it but I really love Process so it's been a lot of fun to make.

Now that this piece is finished I am focusing my energy on the bronze castings. Last week I gated and sprued one of the five sculptures and poured the bronze last night. Because of the complexity of the piece I cut it in half and poured each one separately in its own investment mold. Unfortunately, one of the molds blew out in the pour. So I only got one half. But the important thing is that I know that the waxes will cast successfully. I can now get all the rest gated and sprued up and cast ASAP. I am not upset that I only have half a sculpture because I can work with that. I do not consider it a loss. In fact, maybe I'll find I like them better in halves and end up with nine sculptures instead of four and a half. Who knows.

But I do know I have a lot of chasing and finishing work ahead of me. No slacking during the next two weeks. And that's gonna be hard if this nice weather keeps up. Who wants to go to the Beach? Man, it's been so nice soaking up the rays. I've got color on my face!! Woo Hoo!!

I have continued to explore Glass Beach, definitely my fave beach to visit. I've been collecting more little metal pieces/sculptures. They are becoming an inspiration. I have been making some clay models of forms based on them. I'd love to carve these forms in marble. I'm looking forward to doing that in July in Colorado. It would be a whole new body of work for me. Though I do not consider it to be very far from my current artistic concepts. While these forms are not derived from my number systems and interest in Chaos Theory, I do believe that they come from the Underlying System and the Universe. Again, I am not the Creator as much as a Facilitator bringing these forms into our Visual Space. They already exist, I just allow them to take form.

Wow, the ideas just keep on coming. But then that's never been a problem for me in my art practice. I am usually plagued more with issues relating to construction, adequate work space, lack of tools and equipment, time, and money. To tell the truth I am actually looking forward to taking some time off next month from artmaking. Even though I will be working on the mundane tasks of documentation and applying for various art opportunities. Being narrowly focused on artmaking and little else, like I am doing here and when I go to Marble, CO, can be physically and even mentally exhausting. But it's awesome and exhilarating so I am definitely not complaining.

Well, I suppose that concludes the updating for now. Gonna hit the sack soon. I want to be up and at them early tomorrow. Art Awaits.

Let me just begin this post by saying: Never Take Your Digestive System for Granted. When it's working right, that is. Oh man, I got the worst case of Stomach Flu sometime around 1am Monday and have not been well since. When I went to bed Sunday night all was right in the world, then suddenly I was awakened by the worst stomach pain. I have definitely seen better days.

Monday was ruined. Spent all day in bed. Yesterday I got a lot of work done but by shear force of will only. I wanted to make sure I got my waxes sprued and investment molds made to be ready for pouring bronze this weekend. Took a twelve hour work-day and big-time help from Tommy, one of the Sculpture Department Coordinators here, but the molds are now ready to be loaded into the kiln. Then I will have all of next week for chasing and finishing before I pack up and head out of this town.

Honestly, I am not usually sick this much. Strep throat, stomach flu - all in less than a two month period. Not the norm. I am hoping that's it for a long time. I am not very good at being ill. I become a big, whiny baby. And I don't really slow down, unless I am incapacitated, so I don't give myself a chance to heal well.

Ok, enough complaining. I am just looking forward to being able to eat a full meal again. Oh man, is that gonna taste good.

Time is flying people. I feel like I just got here and now I am starting to think about cleaning up my work area and packing up my personal things. I am outta here on Monday.

Today I finished up my last sculptures. That's it. I am done. Here's what's occurred since my last post. First of all the stomach thing passed. Had to deal with a sore throat and stuffy nose for a few days after. But I made it to a wedding in Santa Rosa last Saturday. And I poured bronze here Sunday night.

That was a blast. Now, I've poured bronze before but always as Deadman, not the actual Pourer. I tell ya, it's a lot more exciting when you have such a personal investment in the pour. Of the seven molds poured, six were mine. The other was this gal Diane's, a Tuesday night open studio regular. We pretty much did everything besides turn on the furnace for the crucible, Diane and me. When time came she was Deadman, I poured. It was a great feeling, pouring my own bronze.

Not to get all Spice Girl/Girl Power (I really hate that crap) but the Ladies Rocked the Sculpture House. Oh yeah! We did Good.

I spent Monday and Tuesday cutting and grinding and chasing. Today I welded the parts together and applied patina. I've got some pictures of one of the sculptures in process. So you can see some of the steps to completion. But not all of the images are on my laptop. Some are at home so you'll have to wait until next week to see them. Unfortunately I don't have any shots from Sunday night's pour. I'm sure if I did, though, they'd look great.

So, in the last two months I have completed: one medium-size welded steel sculpture, one large-scale welded steel sculpture, four small bronze sculptures, and one other welded steel piece, in-progress. And I only had to pay for new steel for the big sculpture, some miscellaneous hardware and tool accessories, and two months' apartment rent (less than my studio rent, which I sub-letted). A pretty good deal for what I am taking home.

The only bummer was no one was around this afternoon when I officially finished. No one to yell Boo-Ya with or some other exclamation that translates to: I Kick Ass. Instead, here I am, up in my room, drinking a nice glass of wine and writing this in my Blog. Alright, since you're all I've got.....

Heh heh. Okay, got that out of my system. This weekend is going to be great; it'll be a time to Celebrate, Relax, Revel in my accomplishments. Eric and Jasmine are coming up - tomorrow night, hopefully - and we are going to enjoy the holiday weekend. The forecast calls for no rain, maybe sun. I see lots of exploring, playing, eating and drinking as well.

So, what have I thought of my experience as a Resident Artist at the Mendocino Art Center? What have I learned? Well, right off I'd say that my confidence level as an artist has risen. By coming into a situation where I did not have a lot of on-site, daily support, I was forced to rely on my own skills and experience to get the job done. And I do have both, I know that now. Not that I could have done it all without Tommy Brown, sculpture department co-coordinator. He's got a full time job as a tile setter in addition to giving his time to the Art Center (for peanuts). If it weren't for him, I would not have four new bronze sculptures. He was Great.

I also learned, or at least reinforced my understanding, that I am not an "Isolates Myself In The Studio Please Leave Me Alone While I Do My Own Thing" kind of artist. I am definitely a "Likes To Be Around Other Artists Hey What Are You Working On Wanna Beer" kind of artist. I know that I need to look for artistic situations that give me that kind of experience. I met some great folks at the Tuesday night sculpture open studio. Someone even gave me a going away gift. And  I was worried I wouldn't make any friends.

I also realized how inspired I am by nature, especially the ocean. Of all the things that make me contemplate the Universe and What Does It All Mean it's the wonder, the beauty, the power, the emotion that comes from Water that is first in my mind. I just love it, so drawn to it, I don't even know why. This place, the North Coast, Mendocino, it's just magical. I'm still a City Girl at heart so I'm not ready to give up the fast life just yet, but I could live here. I definitely could.

The following are images that illustrate the process I went through in order to make the three bronze sculptures that I completed at the end of my residency in Mendocino. This is the traditional lost-wax casting technique.

This first image is one of the original wax sculptures that I fabricated earlier this year. Often in the lost-wax casting process a form is sculpted in some other material, like clay, and then a mold is made of the form. Then wax is pour into the mold to make the wax sculpture. Multiple bronze sculptures of the same form can be made this way. But in this case I made each piece out of wax by hand, so they are one-of-a-kind. This also means that if the bronze pour is unsuccessful for any reason then the sculpture is lost forever.

It was determined that the best way to cast the sculptures was to cut them in half. This is one half of a wax sculpture ready to invest, complete with all the complicated gating. It's laying on it's side. The big piece of red wax on the right is actually the cup, which will become the opening in the mold to pour metal into once the wax is melted out.

These next two images are from the first bronze pour I did. Unfortunately I don't have any images from the pour that Diane and did later. Here, Tommy and I are lifting the lid off the furnace in order to retrieve the red hot crucible.

Now, we are pouring bronze into my investment molds. The first mold blew out (it can happen), hence all the metal flowing out the bottom. The second mold was fine, so I ended up with a very nice half sculpture in the end.