This piece was dragged from the shop this morning with onky inches to spare (as usual) I had to cut the spear and then reweld after it cleared the doors.
This piece was commissioned by by a local Native fellow as a focal point for outside his gas station. The lettering at the bottom is Stolo for "Welcome to our land".
Phoenix did the bulk of the cement carving with Natalie helping some. The paint finishes will happen next week while I'm in Mazeppa and it installs on Monday morning the day after I get back.
Its a real different type job for us and was a challenge. After this we are pretty much ready for anything!
-grampa dan
[ June 30, 2005, 11:53 AM: Message edited by: Dan Sawatzky ]
Posted by Russ McMullin (Member # 5617) on :
As always, beautiful work Dan.
Posted by Jill Marie Welsh (Member # 1912) on :
Ooh I like this one a lot Dan. Love....Jill
Posted by Michael Latham (Member # 4477) on :
How is right! amazing work.
Posted by John Lennig (Member # 2455) on :
Dan, that is real fine! Again, you and your crew have "gone new places"
Now if only that raised left hand of his could "stop the gas price increases" But, How?
:)John
Posted by Barry Branscum (Member # 445) on :
AWESOME
Posted by Wayne Webb (Member # 1124) on :
Real nice!
Posted by Doug Phillips (Member # 5708) on :
And How! Nice job!
Posted by Sandy Baird (Member # 4773) on :
Dan, I see that your subject also has that "hour glass figure" that most of us Native Canadians have developed over a number of generations.
Monk
Posted by Karman Fairless (Member # 2330) on :
Thats cool, Thanks for sharing your work, Its always a joy.
Karman
Posted by Philip Steffen (Member # 2235) on :
It looks excellent. I hope we get to see it painted too.
What was the most challenging part Dan?
Posted by Amy Brown (Member # 1963) on :
Very cool Dan!
I was just thinking of you today as I drove into our little town. We have a family here that drives a homemade road ready train through town every Christmas to look at the lights. They charge around $2 to ride and they play Christmas music. It is a family tradition to take the ride. The train itself however leaves a lot to be desired. I sure wish you were here so we could approach them about doing it up right!!
Maybe next time you visit your family in Lake Mary! I'm only 15 miles away!
HOW!! Posted by Peter Koriath (Member # 5410) on :
Dan, what can we say! Awesome!
After meeting you in Nanaimo at the Spash Meet, I have not been able to forget your work. Allways reading your postings and telling everyone what you do. Love to come and see your shop sometime.
Wanna come out at take the kids to your golf course. Anything happening this Canada Day?
Mabey I'll take a little trip out this weekend.
Keep it up!
Posted by Pat Welter (Member # 785) on :
Do we get a HOW to on this one???...just kidding around...nice work Dan.
Posted by Sheila Ferrell (Member # 3741) on :
WOW!
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
Thanks for the kind words... I passed them on to our crew who did most of the work on this piece.
The hardest part of the project was to make the piece classy, respecting the local culture. Our acess to research material was almost nonexistent as I couldn't locate any old photos which were relevant. The owner of the piece acted as our modle and came to look at the piece as it progressed. He was happy and that's what counts the most.
In color it should be pretty classy, with bright colors (as requested) but muted with patinas to tie things together. I hear there will be a formal cerimony to install the piece... should be interesting.
To answer Peter's questions... Giggle Ridge is open daily through summer. I will be working at the shop on Canada Day (and through the weekend) trying to get all the loose ends tied up before I head over to the Island on Monday for a wedding and then off to Mazeppa very early Tuesday morning. If you want to drop by the shop and have a looksee that would be fine!
This project was definitely fun! Its now lifted onto the trailer ready for final finishes and delivery.
-grampa dan
Posted by Myra Grozinger (Member # 327) on :
Dan, it's fabulous.Please post a picture when it is painted. Isn't that "Howgh"- somebody help me spell it, I don't think this is right, but "How" is not right either.
There was a German writer, Karl May, who wrote about Indians, he'd know how to spell howgh but he's long gone.
Posted by Peter Schuttinga (Member # 2821) on :
Wow. Certainly can see Pheonix's influence/style on that piece. With having little to go on you have come up with a very respectfull piece of art. The Stolo people should be very happy. Great addition to your portfolio. Make sure you post a picture of the finished piece.
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