Thank you to all who came to ArtCraft!! It was lovely to see both new friends and old. Truly — I’ve never had so many “blast from the past” encounters as I did last weekend. When you try to pinpoint the number of years by saying “was my daughter even born then?” (she’s 16 now), you know it’s been a while. And what a great show — I am pleased that the ornaments sold out, much to the dismay of a few of my online customers!
Since then, my life has been dedicated to commissions! I have two large beauties to share with you — both maps, though very different. Today’s is very realistic, and next week (once it is nearer to completion) I will share a lovely conceptual piece.
“South America” has the honor of being the most difficult piece I’ve ever cut, barely edging out “Luna”. (It was a toss-up, to be sure… but that Chilean coastline killed me.) The difficulty was mostly in the size — because this piece is a striking 16×20″, the metal is 16 gauge, much thicker than I normally use for maps. 16 gauge is kinda like cutting through your dining room silverware — with a blade that is a glorified thread with teeth. The trick is to keep the plate flat and not let it vibrate, which is fine when it’s smaller. When the whole plate is more than two feet, it gets much trickier. Once I got most of the outer coast cut, it was easier to create the cut rivers and country borders. All told, it was three hours of straight cutting before it saw the light of day. I’m fairly certain I’d be able to write off a massage as a business expense :P
Blocking out the design:
after the major cuts:
chillin’ after heatin’ on my counter: (check out that sweet patina!)
Golden beauty:
Thanks for letting me share!! And before I go, for the locals — my last show of the season is quickly approaching! Please join me for Last Minute Market at the Screw Factory (13000 Athens Ave, Lakewood OH, 44107) on Saturday Dec. 18th from 10am – 6pm!
take care,
…………………….Chris