For Earth Day: Trashformations - "Sinister Fish" metal sculpture

My friend, Steve Moroukian, and I participated in an Earth Day tradition here in Bend, OR. We met up at a local second hand materials business called Pakit. We gathered some metal scraps and parts with no plan yet in mind. We knew we wanted to make something that looks alive out of the very sad looking metal refuse.

Hence "Sinister Fish" was born.  From the dead items of past lives, cobbled together with care and forethought.

This Fish turns toward the wind, thanks to its tail and wheel barrow hub underbelly, complete with wheel bearings. His jaw moves on a spring.

List of junk items used for this project: old school desk, expansion tank from hot water heater, two barbeque grills, metal cut from 50 gallon drums, a bar stool, metal button backings, foundation form ties, Dodge hubcaps and some metal of unknown origin.

We used a large skill saw of mine with no table or guards that was converted to cut metal. Steve used his wire fed welder, we both had grinders, along with drills, metal brushes, etc.

"Sinister" stands on a metal pole and base. Total height is maybe 7 plus feet tall.

This was a collaboration from start to finish. We worked hard and had fun. It was enjoyed by many at the Earth Day celebration.

Yes, it is looking for a forever home :-)

Bleu Turrell

Wood Spirit, Celtic Green Man - log carving

He is 4 feet, 2 inches tall. The top of his head and crown is hollowed out to hold a planting pot if one so desires. The entire core of the log is hollowed to cut the weight of the carving and stabilize the wood structure and internal pressures.

WHAT?    The “Green Man” is an ancient symbol representing a number of ideas and warnings to its viewers.  He can represent the coming of summer, the sun, rebirth, overindulgence, fertility; he was thought to have protective functions, often found above doors.  I have chosen a calm, wise rendition of this ancient symbol using oak leaves and acorns in the Celtic tradition.  This is, in the end, just art but I designed him to “protect” his owner’s home, garden and property. Enjoy.

WHERE?    His wide range of likeness has been spotted all over the world, in common society and in great architecture.  I’ve read he’s been found in cathederals, churches, Celtic sculpture, Roman sculpture, England, Whales, Scotland, Hindu temples in India, Nepal, Borneo, Malaysia… (Pesznecker, 2007)

HOW?    Wood, steel and fire (including blood and sweat- literally) went into the making of this sculpture. Everything from power tools to the finest hand tools had an opportunity to remove wood.  I tinted the frontal portion of this art with oil based art products, all with longevity in mind. The entire log absorbed an amazing amount of fine wood oil.