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 37 WHAT IS "ORIGAMI" FABRICATION AND HOW IS IT USED? One client approached me with one of my big- gest challenges. He wanted pieces that were sculp- tural, beautiful, steel, and functional as landscaping pieces. Essentially functional outdoor art. Bending and rolling steel requires very costly equipment far beyond my budget; especially considering that the jobs that require it are rare. Ironically, around that time I was visiting Seattle's small China Town dis- trict and saw many examples of creating artwork out of small pieces of paper. is inspired the origami design of my boulder-shaped planters. WHEN YOU'RE NOT HARD AT WORK WHAT BRINGS YOU THE MOST ENJOYMENT? My wife, Beverly, and I are very involved in landscaping our property. Sometimes we'll work for several years designing "an area" before we begin the installation. With five acres, we generally work on one small piece at a time but try to make it impactful enough to make a difference in the overall appearance. is gives us a slightly eclectic look, but hopefully someday it'll all tie together. We also make time for camping and traveling of all kinds. We do a lot of reading, and even writing. Most recently we are throwing ourselves into cooking. Multi-course meals of Spanish Tapas and Chinese Dim Sum prepared for friends. It's a lot of fun. TELL US WHAT YOU HOPE YOUR CLIENTS UNDERSTAND ABOUT YOURSELF AND MC2. One of my favorite experiences is working with a client who is passionate about the end product. e synergistic effect of two invested parties often yields remarkable results. Sometimes the piece grows into something much more dynamic than either of us realize at the onset. It's a great feeling for me to be challenged, and the client to be happy. I make it clear right up front that steel and concrete are expensive and difficult to work with. If you're thinking of doing something pedestrian like planters, don't pick steel because you think it's less expensive. Steel and concrete achieve a look that's much more contemporary than wood, but that look comes at a premium. I still have a hard time considering myself an artist. For that reason, I don't put the "artist tax" on any of my pieces. I need to be covered for the materials I use, equipment I depreciate, and my time for design and construction.