Distinctly Montana Magazine
Issue link: https://digital.distinctlymontana.com/i/952842
D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • S P R I N G 2 0 1 8 36 Sometimes I'll have to throw out parts, or change entire designs because I simply don't possess the equipment or skills to build it. I'll keep the designs though, and more than once I've returned to a design years later and completed the vision. FABRICATING STEEL WITH AN ARTISTIC FLAIR MUST REQUIRE EXTRAORDI- NARY EFFORT. WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF THE PROCESS? Steel and concrete are heavy, dirty materials. I often walk into my house black from the carbon and oils on steel, or nearly white from mixing and pouring concrete all day. Add to that my pieces can weigh anywhere from hundreds to several thousands of pounds. Maneuver- ing massive pieces into place and keeping the accuracy and preci- sion I strive for can be a real challenge. My chosen medium requires cranes and lifts, tractors, welders and plasma cutters, and ultimately large trucks and trailers for delivery. Even my smallest piece, "Steed", weighs in at almost 70 pounds. I'm conscious about my health and taking care of my body, so I try to use the equipment to avoid hurting myself. TELL US ABOUT A FEW OF THE MORE UNUSUAL, OR AS YOU CALL THEM "UNCOMMON" PIECES YOU HAVE CREATED OVER THE YEARS. One of the strangest would have to be the concrete work. I got the inspiration for concrete cabinet doors because I was looking at building an outdoor kitchen area. Of course, everything had to be waterproof, so I began researching waterproof materials. is led me to the idea of building concrete doors to highlight the patio. I started researching different types of high-strength concrete and took classes in artistic concrete. Knowing that the doors would weigh as much as 40 pounds, I researched specialty hinges from around the world. e real challenge was getting the hinges to marry to the doors. ree years later, I had the world's first concrete cabinet door system. My first pieces had flowing patterns of inlaid river rock to represent the river next to my home and studio. Again, it's my desire to achieve organic and flowing pieces from hard and unforgiving materials.