"Ascension" Cavallino Debut
I am proud to announce the debut of my second major sculpture "Ascension" at the Cavallino Classic in Palm Beach, FL.  This half scale tribute of the legendary Ferrari 500 F2 was an extremely challenging piece for me to see to fruition. My intention was to capture the essence of the car and pay homage to the craftsmanship techniques of the great coachbuilders by using the same materials and processes. Much like my previous sculpture "Heritage of Speed", I focused on a deconstruction technique that would allow me to convey an abstract representation of the car at speed and illustrate it in a way that went from polished perfection to rough, hand shaped metal complete with visible gas welds and hammer marks.  The final pice weighs over 700 lbs. and stands just under eight feet tall. It's completion took nearly 1,000 hours of meticulous labor and is a unique "one off" that I will never duplicate or rerelease in any way. The oak buck and aluminum car "drives" on a real concrete base that is supported by a wood beam and plank structure representative of the old banking at Monza. There are several intricate details incorporated within such as twin carbs with velocity stacks, aluminum suspension, hand made Borrani wheels, gas welded exhaust, replica engine complete with gas welded headers, rear differential, and a hand crafted wood rimmed steering wheel mounted to an engine turned aluminum dash complete with gauges.
The 500 F2 chassis #5 is a significant part of the Ferrari mystique and is arguably the most winning chassis in all of Grand Prix Racing. Driven by the legendary Ascari, it led to Ferrari's first Grand Prix Racing Championship and began their dominance in Grand Prix Racing. It single handedly secures their place in the history of racing. I chose to have the piece symbolically rising from the ground to represent Ferrari's "Ascension" to the pinnacle of automotive perfection.
Check back soon for more detailed info and photos here and in my portfolio. Labels: Artwork, Cavallino, Ferrari
Cavallino Features "Heritage of Speed"
 I am proud to announce that my Ferrari 250 Testarossa sculpture "Heritage of Speed" is featured in this month's issue of Cavallino magazine on pages 72-74.
I'm a long time fan of the magazine and have been reading Cavallino since I was a senior in high school back in 1989. I am honored and humbled to be featured in such an esteemed publication. I can't thank John and Alicia Barnes enough for their generosity and gracious exposure. Hopefully I can repay them in kind at this year's Cavallino Classic by unveiling an even better sculpture for everyone's enjoyment.
Be sure to check it out for yourself if you are a subscriber or stop by Barnes and Noble and grab one of the rack. Better yet, give them a call and subscribe! I promise you'll be happy you did.
If you haven't yet seen my sculpture and don't have access to the magazine just check out my sculpture gallery for more images or head to the sculpture shop for pricing.
Labels: Artwork, Cavallino, Ferrari
Goodwood Audi Sculpture
 Anyone who appreciates automotive sculpture or classic cars in general would have to agree that one of the world's best venues is the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Held annually on the 12,000 acre Goodwood estate in West Sussex, the festival is marked with a different themed sculpture honoring a featured marque. These sculptures are always the most impressive pieces of art you've ever seen if not simply for their massive scale alone. Imagine standing in the presence of a 40 ton, 135 foot tall ribbon of steel and cars. I don't think there are any superlatives that could accurately convey the experience. Breathtaking would be an understatement. Click here for a gallery of some of the past displays or read below for this year's official press release: VAST 35-METRE AUDI 'MONUMENT' TAKES CENTRE STAGE AT GOODWOOD
Audi Celebrates its Centenary at 2009 Goodwood Festival Of Speed
Every year since 1997, Lord March has surprised us all with ever more vast and spectacular centrepieces for the Festival of Speed at his home, Goodwood House in West Sussex. For 2009 the latest sculptural 'monument' will be unveiled for the start of the three day Festival (3 to 5 July), which is likely to entertain a record number of 130,000 visitors for this year.
The Festival's work of art is the focus of Audi's global centenary celebrations - a truly breathtaking 35 metre high automotive 'monument'. The Audi 'central feature' art installation is one of the most ambitious and stunning sculptures ever constructed for Lord March's unique and world leading annual Festival, representing the unique style of one of the world's most progressive automotive brands.
The jaw-dropping 2009 Festival of Speed Central Feature actually marks the second occasion that Audi has chosen to celebrate a significant anniversary at Goodwood. In 1999, Audi was honoured with one of the most striking and memorable Goodwood central features to date for its 90th anniversary. The famous Avus race track banking was recalled in an astonishing installation that also included the iconic Auto Union Streamliner and a stunning Audi Avus quattro concept car perched high on the banking.
Designed by the award-winning Gerry Judah, Lord March's evergreen creative collaborator, the sculpture features two Audi cars – the legendary 1937 Auto Union streamliner as well as the just launched R8 V10 sports car suspended in the air, at either end of a dramatic 'swoosh' of tyre tracks, as if they are driving off into the sky. The sculpture is the latest in a grand tradition of central displays at the Festival. Each year Judah honours the featured marque with its own central display but this year's is something very special.
"I wanted to design something iconic because this year is Audi's 100th anniversary," explains Judah. "The sculpture had to have a celebratory theme and it also had to encompass the qualities of the Audi brand: sporty, prestigious and progressive.
"I drew about 20 ideas and some had elaborate bridges with vaulted arches but somehow they didn't have quite the right style. I then had a flash of inspiration and designed this 'swoosh' with a car at either end to represent Audi's 100-year history.
"It's made entirely of steel and although the design looks simple, it's actually extremely complex, because the structure has to be rigid and completely balanced without the need for hundreds of supporting props."
The total weight of the structure is 40 tonnes – the equivalent of 40 small family cars. It took two 100 tonne cranes to erect the structure and four weeks for 12 men to fabricate, build and install the structure.
As well as the Audi sculpture, the Festival will showcase Audi's most important cars and drivers from its illustrious century – from the days of the Grand Prix Auto Union 'Silver Arrows' of the thirties, through the 'quattro years' of the Eighties, right up to the present day.
Ten years on from its Goodwood debut, the Audi marque has progressed to become an even more significant player in the global premium car market, combining an enviable image for innovation and quality, and exhibiting consistent worldwide sales growth breaking the million global the widest and most comprehensive product programmes in the premium car sector, ranging from the hugely successful A3, right through to the pioneering R8, and including the Q7 V12TDI, with an engine directly developed from Audi's all-conquering turbo diesel sales barrier last year.
The Festival is famously held on the hill climb course and the grounds of Goodwood House on Lord March's 12,000-acre West Sussex estate.
Labels: Artwork, Design
The Moment of Truth
 After months of anticipation, endless hours of work, and many sleepless nights Cavallino 2009 has come and gone. How can something you've spent a year preparing for go by so fast?
I still can't believe that just one week ago I was working around the clock to try and finish my 250 TR sculpture entitled "Heritage of Speed" for its' debut. I've been trying to rest in the aftermath of this weekend's events to regain my strength enough to get back to some semblance of normality. Now I know why sleep deprivation is such an effective means of torture!
The moment of truth came this past Saturday January 24th at the Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida. Things started out a little crisp in the morning when I awoke at 5 am but once the sun climbed up in the sky we were blessed with a chamber of commerce day. I'm convinced John Barnes has discovered a method to manipulate the weather because every year the conditions are perfect.
The artists were busy arranging their artwork in a tent just off the main lawn as the cars began to drive onto the field in the early morning sun. As I positioned my art work among them I briefly thought about what an honor it was to display with such an esteemed group. Many of the artists have been an inspiration to me since I began my art career and it was exhilarating to be in their company. I can only hope someday I'll be fortunate enough to join their ranks in the AFAS.
I'm very proud to say that my sculpture "Heritage of Speed" was a hit and was very well received. I had an incredible time talking to everyone and sharing my sculpture with the public. It's always rewarding to see other people enjoy and appreciate my art and it inspires me to create more. I especially enjoy the fascination and intrigue that surrounds every art show. The unique, handcrafted nature of my piece made sure there was no shortage of questions. It was a lot of fun to "talk shop" with everyone and explain the process of hand forming aluminum. I'm glad I had the foresight to keep a running tally of my hours because that was the question of the day. When guests heard that it took me just under 1,100 hours to complete I often wondered if the astonished look on their face meant that I was crazy or stupid. Maybe it's a little of both!
I hope that this show illustrated to everyone just what I'm capable of and the endless possibilities that could be commissioned. Although "Heritage of Speed" was quite large I tried to emphasize throughout the day that I could create any subject at any scale. Anything is possible from a small piece to be displayed in a foyer or something immense that could serve as a corporate focal point. The sky is the limit!
I'm currently in the process of having professional studio shots taken of my sculpture that would accurately convey its' presence. In the meantime, be sure to take a moment to check out the portfolio page for some crude shots I've included in a impromptu gallery. They are rough around the edges but they will have to do until I get some more professional images.
Last but not least a very special thank you to John Barnes for hosting such a wonderful event and for allowing me to be a part of it. I cannot express in words just how honored and grateful I am to have been among the artist of Cavallino 2009. I hope I can return next year.
Forza Ferrari!
Labels: Artwork, Cavallino
Watching Paint Dry...
Ahhhh, there's nothing like having a million things to do yet you can't get to them because you have to wait for paint to set up! I can literally here the clock ticking down.
With Cavallino merely a ten paltry days away I'm burning the midnight oil to complete my sculpture. Thanks to a 60 minute cure time on my primer I have a chance to eat and shoot off a quick update for those keeping track of this insane project.
I knew I was going to have to pull a few all nighters to try and get under the wire and now it's crunch time. Although the sculpture appears 90% complete it's these last little details that really make it come together. It's also the task of finishing this minutia that voraciously eats up the clock. You have to really be careful to stay on your game or you'll get eaten alive. The slightest mistake and you could lose 12 hours. The very thought of a drip or run in the paint drops me into the fetal position. Factor in lack of sleep with the stress and you can see why I'm on edge.
Why am I doing this again?
Because it's there! Isn't that the defacto Mt. Everest answer anyone gives when they are chin deep in an act of lunacy? In a way there is a simple truth in the bravado. I imagine there is something deep inside all of us that lives for the challenge of attempting the impossible. Either that or I'm too stupid or too crazy to know better!
Whatever the logic, it is an exhilarating experience to envision something and see it to fruition. I've had this picture in my mind's eye for over a year now and I'm finally about to see it complete. Succeed or fail at least I'll be able to look my children in the eye and tell them I gave it my best shot. How could I teach them to go after their dreams if I didn't do the same?
The scary thing is my mind is a dream factory and I have half a dozen or so more crazy ideas in my head stacked up ready to go. I'm going to have to win the lotto somehow to finance all of them. Any dream investors out there?
Now if only that damn paint would dry so I could go home and sleep!
Labels: Artwork, Cavallino
Controlled Chaos
 One of my favorite pastimes is shifter karting.
There are few things in this world more exhilarating than getting violently thrown around a kart track at up to 100 mph with your butt an inch off the ground. At times I'm not sure if I drive the shifter kart or if it drives me. This might be due to the fact that I'm not a skilled karter or it could have something to do with the mind numbing power to weight ratio. Let's just say it's the latter to save my ego the embarrassment of admitting I'm slow.
The karting experience transmits the sensation in the seat of your pants that you are on the verge of losing control at any moment. It is raw and primal in every way. I personally think it is so damn addicting because it gives you the illusion of being in control of an object that is inherently out of control.
Painting is similar in its' own regard.
Now I know it might seem like a stretch to compare painting to driving a 100 mph kart but they both offer the illusion of controlled chaos. This comparison is fresh on my mind because I've entered the final phase of my artwork and have been applying "paint" to my sculpture.
Applying paint in an abstract manner to any piece of artwork, whether it be a piece of canvas or an aluminum form, is a discipline much like that of driving a shifter kart. You know where you want to go, the question is does the kart want to go there? You apply the necessary inputs to achieve your line but in reality you are always on the edge of loosing control. Flowing paint reacts in much the same fashion. You know what you would like the paint to do but invariably you have to will it to follow your line. That is the beauty of it all.
Thankfully I'm a far better painter than shifter kart driver!
Although fun, it is intimidating to throw caution to the wind and begin painting something that has taken you a thousand hours to make. Just like karting, if you screw up you'll have a worthless twisted pile of scrap metal! Thank God I'm one week in and I haven't wrecked it.
I knew from the beginning that I wanted a finish as unique and gestural as the sculpture itself. I spent a great deal of time researching and testing finish and paint combinations until I felt I had the right look. I envisioned something that was very saturated in color and value yet translucent and fluid like a watercolor wash. I tried several different wash techniques to perfect the flowing water visual I desired.
This is where controlled chaos theory comes into play.
I have to position my sculpture in space and let loose with a Pollokesque technique of throwing paint and letting the different colors flow and run amuck. It is a difficult balancing act. Too much color at once and it all blends together into a muddy mess. Not enough color and it becomes opaque and looks like graffiti. If you don't have the sculpture at the right angle gravity pulls the finish in the wrong direction and it contradicts the flowing lines and forms of the sculpture. You have to also factor in preheating the sculpture so that the essential patina effect takes hold. If it isn't preheated to exactly 180 - 200 degrees the patinas won't do their job and you start back from square one.
Sound like fun? Yeah, that's what I thought too!
It's been a very stressful process but things are going well to this point. I am still building up the layers of finish and color but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I still have a long way to go before the final clear. Now is the most exciting time of the entire art process because I can really start to see things coming together. I've got my fingers crossed and I'm hoping things continue to go well.
I'll keep you posted!
Labels: Artwork, Cavallino
Knowing When to Stop
It has been my experience through the years that the most difficult part of creating a piece of art is knowing when to stop.
I've often dreamed of being able to work at leisure and let each piece dictate it's own time frame. Who wouldn't want to be free of all time constraints and nuisances such as deadlines? It may sound liberating but I know things would spiral on for eternity and I would never get anything done. You can't show, let alone sell, a collection of unfinished art.
No matter what painting, sculpture, or design I've worked on I've always felt it could use just a "little bit more". I've always wanted just one more brush stroke. Just one more hour. Sooner or later you have to accept enough is enough and move on.
Today was my self imposed deadline for that moment. Ready or not, I had no say in the matter. "A man's got to know his limits." as Clint would say.
Today was circled in red on my project calendar as the point of no return months ago. It's been glaring at me from a distance like some crimson beacon of inevitability. If I hope to finish on schedule I need to leave the remaining time for finishing and refinement. Those are uncharted waters and I'm going to need some wiggle room just in case things go awry.
Time to cover the english wheel and put down my hammers and dollies.
For once I feel the timing is perfect. I am very comfortable with where I am today and I feel it's "there". I've spent the last few months adding a pinch and a dash here and there just like a pot of pasta sauce. The last taste today was just right. Time to move on.
This doesn't mean the pace will let up. Only the focus will change. I'll now have to spend hour upon hour grinding, sanding, and buffing the metal to get just the right look. I've got the finished image in my mind's eye, all I have to do is make it a reality. There is no room for error.
I'll get to have a lot of fun and be more loose at this stage so I'm excited and reenergized. Working six days a week has worn me down but the notion of playing with patina and wielding my paints has me enthused.
Time to fire up the Pink Floyd and fling some paint. Dark Side of the Moon anyone?
Labels: Artwork, Cavallino
Tig and Turkey
The end of November is already upon us. How did that happen so quickly?
Thanksgiving brings sunny Florida a few chilly days when the occasional cold front pushes through. Being the Sunshine State those "chilly" days are in the low 60's with brisk nights in the high 40's. That's one of the reasons I don't miss Ohio this time of year!
Normally I like to take advantage of the long holiday week by heading up to Stuart to enjoy some of the incredible pompano fishing that heats up this time of year. If I can't find any pompano I know I can always shoot outside and have some fun with the spanish mackeral. It's a sure thing and is always fun.
This year things will be different. I'll be working.
With Cavallino looming even closer I'll be foregoing the turkey and fishing for some much needed extra time on my artwork. I still have a lot to do if I want to finish in time and I need every minute I can get. Too bad I have to sleep or I'd be done.
Things are progressing nicely but I'm at the stage where every little detail is tedious and time consuming. I need to be ready for paint (for lack of a better term) by December 1st to remain on schedule. That means this week will be spent fabricating every chance I get. How long does it take a Sync 200 to tig cook a 15 pound turkey?
Take a look at the second teaser image above and you'll get a glimpse of where I'm going. I can't show my hand until the event but it's made of aluminum. Lots of aluminum! Keep checking in for my weekly update and you'll see more each time. Until then...
Happy Thanksgiving!
Labels: Artwork, Cavallino
Don't Call It a Comeback!
 In case you haven't noticed, the Hot Shoe home page has been heralding January 22, 2009 as my triumphant return into the world of automotive art.
Well, at least I hope it will be triumphant despite the current economic environment of which I have the misfortune to relaunch the pursuit of my life-long dream. A successful art career is a long shot in the best of financial climates. Recession not withstanding, I'm maintaining an optimistic attitude. With only 65 days to go I won't have to wait long.
I have always loved creating automotive themed artwork. Having been through the transportation design program at the Cleveland Institute of Art, it was a natural progression to draw and paint the subject matter I so dearly loved.
Design is an exciting and ever challenging career but its real world demands and parameters limit you creatively to be less "artistic" in your approach. Automotive art lets you take this skill and add your own interpretation as an artist, there are zero rules. Dig a little deeper and you'll find that most of the industry's top designers also moonlight as automotive artists. I suppose it's cathartic.
The point being, it's something I truly love to do. When I was a bit younger I tried to make a full time career out of it but foolishly let it fall by the wayside in the quest for the more traditional "steady paycheck" approach. I'll divulge more details of the course of events that led me to this crossroads in the About section in the upcoming days. It's a long, long story.
Suffice it to say here and now that I'm back! As ridiculous as it sounds I've got that LL Cool J tune earworming in my head. Hence today's title.
This time I'm bringing out the big gun. You'll have to wait for the Cavallino Classic in January of 2009 for the official debut. I'm not going to show anything more than the vague teaser image above but I promise you it will be like nothing you've ever seen before. It has been the most demanding, intense piece of artwork I've ever created. I think everyone who has seen the piece since its inception thinks I'm insane for even attempting it. Hell, even I think I'm crazy!
It's been a nonstop roller coaster ride since I began one year ago. At my current pace I will have just over 1,000 hours of total time invested. The scariest thing is the amount of work still remaining. I will barely finish in time for the event. There are going to be a lot of late nights in the next 65 days! Against all odds it must be finished in time or my dream will end before it has even had a chance to begin. It's do or die.
I'll shed a little insight and additional images each week until the final unveiling. Be sure to check here weekly from now until Cavallino for more updates.
Mama said knock you out!
Labels: Artwork, Cavallino, Design
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