I'm thinking of doing an installation of metal sunflowers. I had a bit of free time this afternoon so I decided to make a rough prototype.
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| ©2014 Barry Smith - Sunflower prototype - copper centre and tarnished silver-plated EPNS leaves |
I searched for sunflowers on the web and found that they varied in the number of petals etc. I have decided to make mine with 36 petals. Because I will be making at least 21 flowers I need to be able to stream line the process.
The petals and leaves on the prototype are a bit rough and pointy; but this will be refined now that I know the process and the component parts. I still have to work out a secure way of attaching the leaves to the stem - I have a couple of ideas to try. At the moment they are attached by crimping the stems of the leaves to the stalk and glueing them in place.
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| ©2014 Barry Smith - Sunflower prototype |
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| ©2014 Barry Smith - Sunflower prototype |
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| ©2014 Barry Smith - Sunflower prototype |
The photos look good with the afternoon casting golden light and shadows. Lovely bits of rust of the rust bank in the background. All recycled materials; and no grinding or polishing.
Beautifully rude creation. It looks like a majestic sunflower. Karen at http://ruderecord.wordpress.com
ReplyDeleteYour sunflower prototype looks to me perfectly, Barry!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant! Love the patina.
ReplyDeleteLove this almost more than the fish, B! Such patina, and the roughness looks wonderful. However, I know that when you refine it all, I'll have to eat my words, because suddenly your sunflower will be glowing with new life.
ReplyDeleteDear Barry I just found your blog and I fell immediately in love with your beautiful art! I will calm my day a bit now by wandering around in your creative space and visit more of your posts... :-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sunflowers Barry. My parents grow the gigantic ones at the back of their garden. Will you be doing the same...sunflower sculptures and coffee beans or in your vegetable garden instead?
ReplyDeleteK, GB, JM, C, Y & J - it always brings a smile to one's face when a new prototype gets support from fellow artists - thanks gang. K - a rude creation indeed. GB & C - I think the setting sun and shadows took the rough edges off the flower - but I do think this might be one creation that I don't fuss with a lot - more naturalistic. JM - the patina certainly works on the leaves. Y - thanks for visiting and your positive comments. J - I think I will be doing smaller sunflowers about 125-150mm in diameter. And no we will not be growing them - way too much fiddling in the processing - we will stick with our nut trees. All - go well. B
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