The painting is now complete inside the fish submersible which means I could begin work on sealing up the front. I welded the framework for inside the mouth and the lower jaw and then tied on the metal lath. While I was doing that job Grant was working hard at getting the sculpting epoxy mixed up. He would have to sweat a little to keep ahead of my efforts in applying the rough coat. He did awesome! By quitting time today the portions under the lower jaw were complete leaving only the lips, teeth and inside of the mouth undone. The debate now is the style of teeth our little fish will sport. There are diverging opinions and a fierce debate has ensued. Becke and Peter are of one opinion, with me on the other side. Matt is trying to keep his head down and is saying little. Since I’m doing the sculpting on this fish I may just win out. Tune in tomorrow to see how it turns out….
Shopping spree
Shopping sprees at the beginning of a new project are always a great deal of fun. I wandered the isles of Princess Auto this afternoon, searching for parts for the 1960’s car themed features we are building. The store wasn’t overly busy and I was asked numerous times by friendly and helpful staff if I needed help. They always started by looking in my shopping cart at the items I had already gathered with puzzlement and then asking what I was building. Judging from the varied and random parts in the buggy I certainly understand their query. It’s never an easy answer. I first have to explain what it is we do which is in itself a hard thing to explain. Then I whip out my phone and show them a concept drawing - much easier than a verbal explanation. Today the parts shopping quest was for the gas pumps, the Volkswagen bug and the tow truck. I still have a few more stops to make to finish my collecting of parts but we are well on our way. This is going to be fun!
Truck cab sculpted
After a fun morning bike ride and mowing a half acre of yard I still had an hour before supper… just enough time to sculpt the cab of the little truck for the Sign Invitational. I mixed up the sculpting epoxy and pushed on a quick prime coat. Then it was on to the details. The truck, as defined by the soundtracks, needed to be plenty worn and beat with lots of loose bits that would rattle when it drives. Two small bulb horns hang off the driver’s door. A small third horn will be mounted to the roof edge over the driver’s door when I am done. I purposely left in lots of tool marks as I sculpted for it added to the worn and tired look I was seeking. Much more age will be added during the paint and glazing process. While I was sculpting I mounted the board for the back deck as well. Things certainly shaped up in a hurry and the truck looks a whole lot more finished with today’s work.
