Blog Featuring Boone's Hooks

Here is a link to a very nice jewelery blog that is currently featuring Boone's Hooks.

http://sassyglassdesigns.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-07-18T10%3A28%3A00-05%3A00&max-results=3

Cheers,
Smyth

Prototypes

I am in the habit of forging a prototype for most architectural commissions that I create. Not only does the prototype help me to figure out the pricing of a project, it also allows me to learn if the ideas and drawings are to scale and the right choices. The prototype comes after the drawings and the design concepts are realized.

Here is a close-up photo of a 3 foot prototype section for a balcony that I learned a lot about the joinery, sizes and textures...


For example... if I am commissioned to forge a railing...

First is the drawings and concepts for the piece. Then once the drawings are accepted by the builder/owner, I will build a measured section(usually 3 feet long) full scale. Railings are generally priced by the linear foot, therefore, I make a measured section( 3' for this example) and the amount of time it takes to create the prototype divided by 3 for this sample multiplied by my hourly shop rate gives me the price per foot to share with the builder/owner.

I also learn if I selected the right material sizes and techniques to see the project to its completion and on schedule. If there are things that need to be changed to make the project smoother or easier, the prototype is a great way to learn the project from the inside out. It also removes any mis-guided or unrealistic design concepts. This is also the time to make adjustments and corrections to make the project as quickly, professionally and efficiently.

While I create the prototype, I also figure out ways to make jigs and other helpful tools to hopefully speed up production once the design/prototype is accepted by the client. This means that hopefully the actual project will go faster than the prototype which can equal profit or simply allow for unforeseen delays in construction that can sometimes make one loose money on a project.

Cheers,
Smyth Boone

Design Topic 3: Center Element Off-set (optical illusion)

When creating a stair railing that has a center element on the upright balusters, it is critical to have the center element raised slightly above the center-line of the baluster.

Here is an example... the collars in the center of each elongated 'O'(oval-the upright balusters), are the center elements off-set higher than mathematical middle of the 'O'.


When one views a stair rail, on a rise(staircase) or on the flat(balcony), the center element will look low if the element is mathematically centered exactly. The reason is due to the viewer's position regardless if it is from above or below the railing.

I believe we are dealing an optical illusion that is created due to the relationships involved. The perspective of the viewer, the top and bottom rails, and the element in the center create specific relationships with each other.

My general rule of thumb is to raise the center element 1" above the center of the baluster. So... if my bottom horizontal rail and my upper horizontal rail are 30" apart, then I would put the center of the center element at 16" high from the bottom bar.

I hope this design tip helps. I believe that optical illusions are very powerful in art and I think that we need to accommodate and work with them them in our designs. More on optical illusions in the future.

Cheers,
Smyth

Interview on ETSY

Here is a very nice interview on me and Boone's Hooks that is being featured on ETSY.com.

ETSY is a huge website/network/store featuring exclusively hand made products. It is like the size of "google" for artists. Please check it out, leave a comment etc...

Here is the link http://www.etsy.com/storque/section/spotlight/article/fresh-shops-booneshooks/2615/

Cheers,
Smyth

Creating Motion...

As a 3-dimensional artist, the artist/blacksmith has the ability to easily create movement and motion with their forgings.
For example...

This sculpture a Smyth Boone original from 2005 is called "Surfing..." (15" x 9" by 18" tall) Owned by the Mueller Collection.

The title, "Surfing..." is a verb because the sculpture shows suggested motion and movement. In the next photo, the viewer can see the balance, visual stress, strength of the medium, and some fun. The waves are forged steel scrolls which give the impression of waves and moving water. The blacksmith is an impressionist(more on this topic in a later discussion). Here is a closer view of the action...In the photo above, check out how far out the surfer is from the base waves. He is joined by two small rivets that go through the surf board and a wave. I extended the surf board as far out as I could to really highlight the strength of the steel; although, it grabs the viewers' attention because it is so far out there that it would appear to be unstable or actually moving. This is referred to as stress or tension in a design. Stress and tension is a very common and strong device to use as an artist because it attracts the viewer.
Notice the body movement of the Surfer. He is twisted in a very natural and possible position. This is very important when using the human form. The human form needs to be in a possible and conceivable position for the viewer to believe the sculpture.
The extension of the arms is another way to direct the viewers eye and create a larger form for the sculpture, once again creating motion and direction. Balance is the double entendre' here. The sculpture is balanced and the surfer is balancing!
Also in the above photo... check out the waves. They are all separate and have a unique flow. This suggests movement to the viewer because each one is a different position which creates action. The waves are not static, they are visually moving. The scrolls forming the waves are compound curves(curves going in more than one direction simultaneously) which is one of the unique properties gained by forging steel.


The photo above demonstrates the "riders" hair flowing, his arms and hands keeping balance while they convince the viewer that he is moving. Also check out how far the surf board is extended beyond the waves.

Now see the details of the riveted connection, the wave details, and the position of the surfer. His back foot is naturally leaning forward and his toes are on the board while his heel is raised.

The final view, below, shows the motion from a side angle. Check out the suggested movement of the waves, the surfer, and the entire piece together.

One of my favorite things about using steel as a medium is it's physical strength. Not only is it the perfect material for railings, fire pokers and building structures, it also lends itself to beautiful sculpture.

Cheers,
Smyth Boone