Monday 17 January 2011

LUFF LIGHTING.


I am working on a new lamp inspired by scissor lamps and luff cranes.
Made from bike cranks, Skate board trucks and engine parts this industrial beast has an adjustable height thing going on and would be a perfect desk or table lamp that attaches to the wall and would not be taking up valuable desk space.


It is secured in its 2 heights buy a piece of bike chain, i did try it with 2 chains that you could put at any height position but it became over complicated and i think you would only use the 2 heights.


Have hours of sanding and polishing to do but it should look pretty slick when all shiny.


The shade is made from a Francis Barnett motor cycle engine [that has not been damaged and could be put straight back on the bike, just like most of my vintage engine shades.] and an aircraft grimes light, i am hopping that light will shine into this as there will be 2 bulbs when finished......


I am hoping my friend will be opening her cafe/bar soon so i have somewhere to put all of my fabrications.

CUSTOM BIKE PARTS.

No i don't claim to be a bike builder but check these bad boys, my first ever custom stem commission for Matt Coppey and some dildo drops for Rolls Royce Henry. I first started welding to make bike frames, maybe i should be making more bespoke parts.



The franken stem was cannibalised from an old cromoly thing and a poor bmx frames seat tube. It features a tig than fillet braised bar grip and a pierced stainless tig wire welded





Some go faster g spot tickerles with super smooth domey bits.



I am sure you will both go really fast now!

Tuesday 4 January 2011

CAPTAINS CHAIR.



First commission of the year to be started, have been asked to make a pair of simple tractor seat\bar stools nothing to special, nice base, up and down, spin around -been done many times before. Anyhow got my hands on 4 vintage tractor seats job lot, what do do with the other 2?

First day in studio after chrimbo, sorting bits out, cleaning, started to play with the 2 bases for the lovely couple who need stools for a breakfast bar. Decided I needed to wait for some more instructions on the bases, crankshafts, or vintage rear half shafts and flywheels.

That's when I got carried away with this, not sure what to call it, the shocking electric chair, Giger alien captain's seat or demented amateur tattooist of east London's super comfortable labotimser safety seat. Dunno I am sure it will come to me? any ideas?

Have played with many solutions for arm rests, foot rests but ended up here, toying with the idea to brass plate or chrome the seat pan and controls? it features a minimal magnetic head rest so any size person can use it. It needs some more work but is very heavy and despite looks very comfortable to sit on.



Am going to make a second version with vintage sewing machine treadle parts and more cast iron [less futuristic] It could be made to be fully adjustable. Both will be for sale unless I can persuade my girlfriend to let me put them in the front of the van. I need to have a part made up for me [nice one Phig Linton Engineering] and the plating I will then put them on my web.


Early stages.

MORE NEWS.

Stokie MK2

Completed the second burner\chiminea i have made in time for Christmas which was part commission part gift [crap photo, more to come]He has a very long removable chimney, air intakes on his shoulders and when lit makes a great sound.
I have been asked many times if they are suitable to put into a home, yes they are but would need the correct flue parts and a professional to install as any other wood burning\pot belly stove would. My burners are virtually indestructible and would easily out last most other stoves\chimeneas on the market.
More to come and even a turbo charged version.


A quick look at a wandering stray for the herd, these are still available on a commission basis.


Finally getting sorted in my studio.



Did not get across that this lamps shade will drop below its base in an older post, therefore making it possible to be placed on a high shelf looking like some kind of Oriental windswept willow tree thing that illuminates any dark corner. Will definitely be making more of these watch tis space!

NEWS!


What a great year, have been so busy and am now part time at work so i have loads more studio time to get the non stop ideas out of my head.


Thank you to all at Sargent and co for hosting a splendid show, was great to be running 2 burners, even had to make another trophy head before Christmas for a commission as all had gone. Had plenty of interest in my lamps that will be available with fabric cables and brass identity tags very soon, get your orders in now!. I also received a commission for a burner to be finished for spring, and talk of commercialising Stokies for a posh garden center supply thing?.


Thanks to my parents who gave me a giant engineers vice that dwarfs my old one for Christmas nice one love you guys.


Have purchased a new company truck[1961 Bedford ca] which needs loads of work but will be great for lugging larger sculptures collecting scrap and taking the best girlfriend in the world away for long weekends scrap hunting [if we get of the driveway].


Got a short course in the art of blacksmithing curticey of my sis and lady friend, which was great and taught me a lot about what i can do with out a grinder and welding equipment. Will look into making me a forge!
2010 has flown buy [i never thought i would finish Bowser let alone the many other rusty lush things to fall out from the alchemists cauldron] Thank you to all who helped me with support and buying artwork from me, my family, friends, house mates and lady friend Lizzie i salute you.
Am sure the coming year will be even more adventurous.