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“Igniters of the Flame” start new customs, traditions, or discover/invent visionary new paradigms often necessary for survival

This part of the show of the Flame is an invitation for patrons to consider commissioning a unique new sculpture. Do you have a site that you would like to have considered, or a concept you would like to explore and see realized? Or do you simply enjoy my vision and want to see what I could create for you that would be wonderful and expand you experience of life on a daily basis. The process of commissioning a unique new piece is an adventure and collaboration. It is one that I have come to thoroughly enjoy since can be a truly a rewarding one for all involved. I get to make an exciting new design inspired by the people who often become my friends, and I use it to create a whole new edition which sells more sculptures for me. The patron gets to have an entirely custom-made artwork created for them, a special original- a unique new vision. And then they also get it at what I call a ‘portfolio’ discount-much less than what they would pay for once the design is developed into an edition- often just the cost of developing the prototype. And I treasure each one of these patrons and processes. They become an indelible part of my growth as an artist and human being. I hope to put these into a book form in the not too distant future.

In fact, the theme of Flame for this years studio show came from one such recent commission (which is in process). These patrons are developing a special retreat for themselves where they are incorporating the four elements. They were looking for a piece of art to represent the theme of fire/flame and happened upon my art and invited me to do it. This sketch and description describes the direction the sculpture will take:

Flame Sculpture-A description

I would like to explore the possibility of utilizing atypical mounts, including cast concrete. I would propose different alternatives as the overall design developed.

Also, I would like to explore the possibility of utilizing small elements incorporating titanium, for the lightness and quickness of motion and range of color. Exact colorations to be decided as the piece matures.

This is a description of kinetic sculpture to be created for the patrons Freeman-Vallerie, of Wellington Colorado. Two pieces have been proposed. In each case, the theme of Flame/fire is explored. Either pieces would be fabricated a stainless support structure, and possibly integrate copper/ brass for the colors of enamel. I would like to explore the possibility of utilizing titanium for further color and texture. They would utilize different forms of glass- diachroic, hand made high tempered colored glass.

Large flame shape elements would move more slowly, with the asymmetry of a dancing flame around internal more quickly moving elements. Diachronic elements used would be in the red spectrum, and other hints of color would bring out the complexity of a flame, including small quickly moving elements with dashes of light blue, and possibly hints of green and purple.

The difference between the two designs is essentially that one is a single upright rotational element with interdependent elements, while the second is a triad of independent vertical elements, with simpler but also small more quickly moving inside elements.

Solrise II

-commissioned by a patron in memory of a loved one.
It is powder coat on stainless and glass with hand formed base. Total height is 14' x 6' diameter. Copyright 2004 SPB

Skynetics I

FishDance II: Salmon Spawn

Created to go on a public walkway near the columbia river, corporate client wanted artwork to resonate them of surrounding nature. Powder coat on mixed metal.

12' x 5' x 5'.
Copyright 2004 SPB

And deepest thanks, as always, to those who have encouraged the spark and fanned the flames of my creative drives and inspirations.

Let there be Music, Art, and Light! And let us share these good things together.