Distinctly Montana Magazine
Issue link: https://digital.distinctlymontana.com/i/952842
W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA NA . C O M 35 "STEEL", "CONCRETE" AND "ART" ARE NOT WORDS THAT ONE WOULD CONNECT NATURALLY. WHAT DREW YOU TO THIS UNUSUAL FIELD OF ARTISTIC EXPRESSION? I've been a computer guy for my entire adult career. Everything from graphic design to networks and systems administration. About 15 years ago I grew tired of everything I created being printed on paper. It's not all that satisfying when you can't feel and touch your creations. At the same time, I'm pragmatic, so I wanted most of what I built to serve a function. While I enjoy working with wood, I recognize that I'm not all that proficient with the medium. Getting the shapes and strength I need requires a much more developed set of skills. at's when I decided to use steel and concrete. I still had to work on my welding, cutting, mixing, and forming skills; but I found the process and the end products immensely satisfying. Many artists who work in steel and concrete end up with pieces in a brutalist style. I'm not fond of that look, so I shoot for making more organic subjects with non-conventional materials. Still, I guess you'd have to call me an industrial artist. WHERE DO THE CREATIVE IDEAS FOR THE MC2 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNS COME FROM? Well, for me, I have to see something to get that spark of inspiration. My favorite part of the process is letting the concept evolve in my head, all the while figuring out how to design it in a digital world, being mindful that I'll eventually have to build it in the real world. I'll often spend hours just pushing shapes and materials around in various software applications before I land on something unique and pursue it to the end. In the end there's almost no resem- blance to whatever inspired me, but I feel good about the results. CAN YOU DESCRIBE FOR US THE PROCESS FROM DESIGN THROUGH COMPLETION? Going back to my computer roots, it's my number one tool for creation. In fact, I'd say that on most jobs more than half the time that goes into a piece is the computer design, layout, and build technique. Next I have to figure out which computer-controlled tools will help me achieve the best final product. Since its software, and computer- controlled equipment, I strive for a high degree of precision in my steel work, and consistent and repeatable patterns and designs in my concrete work. CONTINUED