Phase 1

May 14, 1997

This project is turning out to be a lot of fun. I am learning much about the architecture of the skull and wonder over its passages, supporting structures and design. It is a perfect piece of art as it stands and I need to be careful what I add so that I doesn't spoil its natural grace and beauty.

So far, I've used a large Foredom grinder with a round bit on a 1/4" shaft and a smaller cone bit with the SMC Moto Tool, for those hard to reach places. The focus has been to clean up the skull and simplify the shapes. I have removed much extraneous material. I'll probably spend another day or so refining the basic shape of the skull, before proceeding to lay out the detailed pattern of overlapping planes.

One thing I've discovered about the teeth, is that they are quite fragile and tend to flake quite easily. I will reinforce them with glue, but wonder about their carving potential.

Spring keeps trying to make inroads here, and there are certainly signs it is succeeding. The leaves are beginning to bud, the furry crocus is in bloom on the south facing slopes, and the Town's street sweeper machine is removing remnants of rock spread over the streets for traction in winter.

Metal prices are climbing and it shouldn't be long now before the local lead-zinc mine, Anvil Range, gets back into operation. People in this single industry town are crossing their fingers that this will be so ... however, many have rented U-Haul trucks and trailers and plan to move away when school finishes for the year.

Until next time,

Shane

Copyright © 1997 - 2005 Shane Wilson