SpiritCurves and VisibleMan art exhibit all February at Phoenix and Dragon Bookstore

Excited to announce SpiritCurves and VisibleMan will be doing a joint exhibit at the Phoenix and Dragon book store, for entire month of February. Come get your special valentine gift and see the exhibit too.

This will be both paintings and sculpture works on exhibit !

Richards paintings shown beside my dancing goddesses, have proven be a very complementary experience

Opening night will be February 2nd. http://www.phoenixanddragon.com/

More information on VisibleMan: https://www.visiblemanarts.com/

Stone In-lace cheat-sheet notes

Epoxy tools/products I use:

2 part epoxy & pump kit  I use.. later you can buy just the epoxy,  and not replace the pumps.
(this is really STRONG stuff and can be used on a lot of things … even stronger than Gorrilla glue)
https://www.amazon.com/System-Epoxy-Resin-Hardener-Metering/dp/B07JHC28CV/ref=pd_cp_263_1?pd_rd_w=mprvc&pf_rd_p=ef4dc990-a9ca-4945-ae0b-f8d549198ed6&pf_rd_r=KJPB3V328FPVKTQFZ0TS&pd_rd_r=b7b8eaf8-d9ca-45b4-8ac1-cc5a31248b79&pd_rd_wg=7PWJ4&pd_rd_i=B07JHC28CV&psc=1&refRID=KJPB3V328FPVKTQFZ0TS

Epoxy resin colorant (black) only a couple drops needed … lasts long time
https://www.amazon.com/Black-Epoxy-Pigment-Colorant-Tint/dp/B06XD39K55/ref=pd_bxgy_328_img_2/137-3813150-7675111?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B06XD39K55&pd_rd_r=0ad1c515-4232-46f6-851b-7eb4875bc65b&pd_rd_w=r32yr&pd_rd_wg=NMPFO&pf_rd_p=a2006322-0bc0-4db9-a08e-d168c18ce6f0&pf_rd_r=M2K6TNWZ76WYE4834BYE&psc=1&refRID=M2K6TNWZ76WYE4834BYE

Inlace nuggets I use  … you should probably get about 3 jars
https://www.amazon.com/Inlace-Nuggets-50-Grams-Turquoise/dp/B06XJP2273/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=inlace+nuggets&qid=1566253649&s=gateway&sr=8-5

Other items needed, and probably have around the house.

– Popcycle sticks, or chop stick help with herding the nuggets, and tapping them down  
– Duct Tape or painters tape to use as a mask, and control running of the juices 

– rubber painting gloves !

– Sanding mask … simple 3M particulate mask will work

Process:

– get the basic sculpture finished down to roughly 80 grit sanding level

– let the sculpture dry and crack naturally for a month or more in a heated or AC space. (longer the better)  Heck I will put them in direct sunlight to expedite sometimes.

– use a die grinder with sharp pointed burr bit to clean up my cracks, and maybe add some additional swirls or art on the ends of the cracks to fully disguise big cracks. 

– Really deep cracks I will fill with saw dust or  cheap crushed rock substitute, so I am not filling the deep crack with Inlace product.For memorial pieces, I have even put human ashes in there too. Bring depth of crack up to about 1/4″ of surface with  substitute filler.

– BEFORE starting epoxy, I put one coat of poly in all the cracks and let it dry over night… this keep your lines sharp, and prevents the colored epoxy from running in the grain.

– Put painters tape or duct tape on both sides of crack to help keep the epoxy/nuggets from running all over your sculpture.

– mix resin and hardner, and colorant together in small plastic of paper cups.(not much colorant need!!)  Do small batches, this stuff gets hot and you will run out of time in about 30 minutes. The hotter it is outside, this less time you have !

– drip epoxy mixture into the cracks and push it around with popcycle stick, to get a nice thin bed of epoxy for inlace nuggets to initially lay  on.

– sprinkle inlace nuggets into the cracks, pushing and herding those wild @#$ers with a clean popcycle stick … some will bounce out.(bring nuggets up above surface level)

– sprinkle more epoxy ontop of the nuggets, to get good coverage.(you may need to do this several times)

– Let it dry overnight

– I like top rip the tape off before sanding, helps me surgically sand just the inlay

– (use a dust MASK) sand with 36 or 40 grit grinder sanding disk to sand flush with surface
– then I use 80 & 120 orbital sander to finish up sanding on the entire sculpture.- finish as you normally would

This 2 part epoxy with in-lace is seriously strong and tuff.Flat surfaces are easy, curved surfaces will need more tape prep-work.Create little tape dams to keep the lava like substance from oozzing off the project.It will look BUTT UGLY when you are going, but if you have put an initial poly sealant on the wood  it will sand off easily… but if you forgot the sealant prep,crack lines may not be crisp, and cleaning up spill mistakes will take more time.

Good Luck 

Mirror Curves

Wall mounted Mirror Curves, in Sycamore wood, prices range between $125 up to $300. These go quick at the festivals, let me know if you want to reserve you one.

Chaptacular 2018, Carve for a Cure, for Cystic Fibrosis.

I’m honored to have been part of Chaptacular (Carve for a Cure ) for  10+ years now. It happens every year on the 2nd weekend in November, in Gray,GA  and has gotten bigger and bigger every year. This year  over 50+ master carvers from across the country and the UK were invited to donate at least one carving, and participate in various fundraising activities, like speed carving and corporate sponsor carvings.    This past week we reached a new milestone of generating $183,000 for Cystic Fibrosis research.

This year I donated a Cherry Heart Dancer sculpture which sold in a spirited auction for $900, and also participated in a team carve creating a fun sculpture for one of our major sponsors, United Rentals.

We had  6,700 patrons attended this year’s event !

(see attached images)  #chaptacular2018 #sexysculpture #woodcarving #fineart

For more info on Chaptacular see:  http://chaptacular.org/

Haunting questions, a catalyst for change.

While traveling on a epic journey in Africa, I was haunted by a question, “When am I going to drop this day job I hate, and start doing something that lifts my spirit?” Daily I watched animals scratching and clawing through each moment to simply survive. They were not worried about wasting their lives doing one thing or another. My haunting question answer never came to a conclusion on this trip, but the since of urgency in life planted deeply by their struggles.

Shortly after return from Africa, I learned of a dear friend much younger than me, fighting for her life against Cancer. The haunting question REALLY started to get louder and louder. The urgency of my question was reaching a frenzy.

Then some dear carving friends invited me to visit, share time, carving fun, and catch up on things. It was just what I needed ! I heard stories of how some folks spend their final days in rest homes, some with money, and some without. It was noted how the money saved was not a big factor in their final days. Then I heard how others took the calling of free spirited motorcycle adventures while they were still young enough to enjoy it. I soaked the stories in like sponge.

I did not envision myself in their shoes, nor did I consider how I would have done things differently. However, I did reflect that I was raised conservatively, such that I was compelled to ALWAYS be prepared financially for my future, and this seemed to be a crux of my quandary on when to retire.

Saving, saving, saving for retirement, is what my parents did, so I guess that wore off on me. But the brutal fact is, my mother died at 63, very shortly after retirement, and she never got to enjoy those savings. As I reflected on our conservative nature, and mom’s conclusion, a dear friend reflected on how it seemed I was following her same path. His clear, truthful words stabbed my like knife. He sensed his words impacted me deeply, and he tried to apologize, but it was exactly what I needed to hear!

After careful thought, I’ve decide to quit my job, take the summer off, and start a new adventure.

I have 5+ unfinished sculptures that need time and attention, I am certain my time will not be wasted on them.

ButtCheek Dangers

Man I pulled a muscle in my Butt Cheek while carving a Butt Cheek,  then broke a chain while carving a Butt Cheek, glad I had on all my safety gear,  cause these Butt Cheeks are dangerous 🙂

Let the shit go … possession obsession

You know one of the best things that ever happened to me was to loose everything I owned in a house fire. (Dec 15th, 2002)

I know that sounds bizarre, but it really helped me break the cycle of collecting unneeded STUFF! For Insurance purposes, I spent about a month itemizing all the crap I had in my house. I had no idea how much crap I had, until I sat down and went through every room/closet mentally, and took notes. It was interesting to look back at the items I bought back first, they were simple basic things that I needed the most, and things that truly helped me deal with “stress.”

  • Clothes
  • Mtn Bike
  • Boom box stereo
  • Music
  • Musical instruments
  • Booze, lots of booze …

It felt like I was back in college again, I literally could fit everything I owned in my Jeep, as I was moved from hotel, to hotel, by the insurance company. Each time in the store and I saw things I used to have, I would pause, and question:

  • do I really need that now?
  • do I want to haul that stuff around when/if I move?
  • is that what I should buy?
  • is it the best buy for my money?
  • should I wait till the house is built back before buying it

It seemed I had developed a type of panic attack or phobia when buying stuff back. Before it was over with, I started to hate to go shopping, because I was always having to make all these decisions. On top of that, it was not easy getting reimbursed for my lost belongings. Fighting with the insurance company to pay me what they owed, literally became a full time job, so this made me even more wary of purchasing items. (which I suspect, was the Insurance company’s goal)

years after the fire, I still find myself asking these questions when considering a purchase.

I found what I really needed was a creative outlet, a new hobby to take my mind off things. Creative expression became a much more powerful tool to make me feel good about myself. I no longer felt the need to impress people with things I purchased. How silly that old satisfaction seems today. Note, to other bachelors out there, the “quality” of women I have met/impressed with my creativity, instead of purchases, is WAY better too. 🙂

15+ years later …

  • Possessions released, and never returned
  • Friends evolved into family
  • Rage channeled into art
  • Unknowns accepted
  • Control released
  • Love strengthened
  • Urgency noted
  • Passion magnified
  • Humility respected
  • Grateful senses expanded
  • Spirit… cleansed …

Create it, and set yourself freeeeee …

Gregor

I will never, EVER, say I’m bored again:

At Thanksgiving dinner, 2002, my folks asked, “So, how are things, in Atlanta?”, I paused, and responded, “I’m little bored.” A couple weeks later, right before Christmas, my mom was diagnosed with a fast growing cancer, and my house burnt to the ground from an electrical fire. My Insurance company dragged it’s feet at ever turn, my rage was out of control, I certainly was NOT bored anymore, and had revenge on my mind. A great friend and fellow band mate, Jimbo, showed up with a set of carving tools, a six pack of beer, and said, “let’s create some art.”

Next thing I knew, we were carving Hawaiian styled tikis and venting my rage into logs with a mallet and chisel. I fell in love with carving. We started carving scary faces in hollow logs, much like you would a Jack-a Lantern. We tried filling them with candles, lights, and then tried PROPANE! YEA BABY, propane in mass quantities, and 10 foot high flames jumping out of scary tiki faces, that’s what fun people want to dance around. The next thing I knew, we were creating fire sculptures for parties and festivals, and it helped distract me from the evil insurance company and mom’s painful fight for her life.

I was lucky to find this outlet, and started channeling my rage, sorrow, and spirit back to a positive place through sculpture. I am forever grateful, to all my friends and family that helped me through those difficult times.

This picture is of my very first sculpture, I title it the Release, and burned it at one of the 1st TransformUs gatherings.
I will never say, “I’m bored”, ever again.

2017 Xmas came early

Unexpected holiday gifts of Cherry and Sycamore logs just dropped 2 doors down … score ! .. plenty goddess carving wood to last for a while ..
These are all wet-green, and each one of these weighs a lot more than me ! These are just small pieces off these massive trees. 🙂

Had a great fun cutting into these with Chad Awalt.
We both love these precious hard woods and plan to make a lot of art out of these.I even swept up a ton of wood chips and gave to the Chastain pottery group for Raku firings.. this old tree is going to make all kinds of great art.

Birds Eye Curves

The Birds Eye Curves sculpture surprise is now finished, and has a new home with Erik and Luba.

Birds Eye Curves was inspired by the Burning Man practice of gifting, when Erik Haagensen and Luba Sharapan gifted me a large group of Maple logs from their MudFire property. Birds Eye Curves is the first sculpture created from this wonderful Mudfire gift of logs. — with Erik Haagensen and Luba Sharapan.

Chaptacular 2017

The Chaptacular Chainsaw Carving Bash is the second largest chainsaw carving event in North America. Each year, over 80 carvers gather for fun and fellowship in Gray, GA to raise funds and awareness for cystic fibrosis. Carvers donate pieces to both silent and live auctions and participate in live carving competitions. In 2017, the event was held on November 10th and 11th and was be open to the public from 9 am – 5 pm. Spectators  enjoyed  food trucks, shopping, and more.

Since the inception of Chaptacular in 2006, more than $300,000 has been raised for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The event started with a small group of chainsaw carvers that came together to raise money to find a cure for CF. It has since grown to attract world renowned carvers and 3,000+ spectators annually. In 2017, we raised more than $150,000 and continue to grow each year.

Cedar Mermaid

Right after my total loss house fire, I needed a place to  just think, and get away. (Even my insurance adjuster suggested it) A place where I am not asked a million questions,  not accused of doing things wrong, not consoled every 10 seconds,  and not pressured to do anything… My buddy Sean played a key role in making that happen. We simply had a beer, chatted, and I vented about all that that remodeling work that evaporated.  I didn’t even have a cell phone, fire got it too, and Sean supplied a spare.

The Cedar Mermaid, made from American Red Cedar with Stone in-lay, seemed like an appropriate gift for my scuba loving friends,  Sean and Caroline, thank you  for helping me through such a crazy time.

 

 

Heart Chaser

Sculpted from a massive Red Oak in my back yard.
15+ feet long, and also has another 15′ section attached waiting further sculpting. Originally planned to be an adult see-saw, with two mermaid swimming away from each other.  $3500, not including moving fees.

Heart Chaser Progression

Heart Chaser progression

Heart Chaser

Chaptacular

Every year, 2nd weekend in November.  Latest sculptures on display, as well as auctioned items from 90 carvers to benefit Cystic Fibrosis.

541 Hungerford Rd. Gray, GA

Sister Curves

Countless generations consciously and desperately struggled to give birth to the evolution of where we are today, this very moment, and this very second In honor of Mothers all over the world, I created this sculpture called Sister Curves.

Made from River Birch, and hand finish with Danish Teak Oil.

Cedar Fin

Carved from an old, large Cedar Bonsai tree, the natural veins in the Cedar bring a frisky tail to life. The tree spent many years growing in Decatur residential back yard, where it was nurtured and Bonsai trained to have exceptional curving limbs. The tree’s location became a centerpiece and a frequent gathering place for meditation and festive gatherings.Cedar Tail

Repeated droughts eventually took its toll on this beautiful living art project. When the tree died, I was contacted to see if we could make sculpture art from its remains. Upon first glance I knew this tree would give life to many sculpture projects. Before cutting the skeleton remains, my friends and I all paused for a moment in meditation prayer to give thanks for such a beautiful creation.

The original Bonsai artist is unknown, and we estimate the tree was over 50 years old. I imagine the original artist would be very happy to know that the living art project evolved into many sculpture projects after its passing.

Cross Over

The Cross Over, inspired by the challenge of creating a piece from two large logs that cross over, and connect in a large tongue and groove joint.

Made from River Birch, the light colored growth rings imerge as a dancing spirit thats skipping over lifes challenges.

Awakening

Awaken to the Transformations in your life.

Made from Swamp Cedar, the large growth rings reflect large jumps in personal growth we make as we awaken to all our transformations.

Awaken to the Transformations in your life. Made from Swamp Cedar, the large growth rings reflect large jumps in personal growth we make as we awaken to all our transformations

River Dancer

Fluid River Dancing spirits sparked my imagination on this piece.

Made from River Birch, the light colored growth rings imerge as dancing spirits which flow like a river.

Chakra

After my house fire, I literally cracked 6 teeth, from grinding my teeth in my sleep.. Stressed by the insurance company not paying off the mortgage and mom battling cancer. Dr (Chuck) Dimling, great friend and band mate, really helped me out with the crazy expense of this much dental work… Later, after rebuilding the house and adjusting from Mom’s passing, I gifted Chuck with this Chakra sculpture.

Carved from a large Black Walnut tree, grown at the base of Lookout Mtn, this sculpture reflects the rich intertwined energies of our past and future. This tree flourished in a historic area full of ancient spirits and whispering winds of fierce battles.

The black walnut tree naturally defends its growth space by dropping nuts which are toxic to other plant life. Even as I carve the black walnut tree, I have to be careful to not let the dust get into eyes, because these same toxins still defend their turf by creating allergic reactions.

The sculpture cuts deeply in and out of the tree core, revealing growth rings which emerge like chakras on the human body. The beauty of the rings revealed, reassured me of my decision to cut so deeply.

A

sculpture - Chakra

sculpture - Chakra, finished

Phoenix and Dragon

Spirit Curves sculpture exhibit for the entire month of January 2009
www.phoenixanddragon.com/ 
Imagine, groups of spiritualist and friends meditating amongst sculptures in a large meditation room overlooking a hardwood forest.
Talk about giving yourself an energy boost! Experience sculpture inspired by fluid body movement, sensual curves, and rebirth.
Gregor’s sculptures cut deeply through precious hardwoods and the growth rings emerge like chakras.
January 2nd-31st, 2009

 

Leg Crossing

Leg Crossing SculptureLeg Crossing – (dimensions:47″ x 15″) – price:$600.00 – *outdoor exhibiting finish*

Carved from a large Maple log, Leg Crossing jumped out of my imagination as I dreamed of the curviest of curves… Note, one leg is mounted on a brass hinge, and the leg tilts back and forth. What a fun project!

Velvet Flicker

Carved from a large Maple log, Velvet Flicker is the leftover wood from the Leg Crossing project. Often I try to create multiple sculptures out of the same log.The left over sections can be even more interesting, as they almost create themselves as abstract art, and tantalize our imagination.

Gifter

Carved from a large Maple log, the natural veins in the wood inspired a fluid dancing prayer figure.

The name is inspired by repeated stories of goodwill I have encountered from the art of gifting. Born from my exposure to the Burning Man culture, the art of gifting something I make, has changed my life.

Turquoise in-lay in the shape of the Chinese “Prayer” symbol is made on her chest. Kyra Phillips requested the inlay and commissioned the special Teak Oil finish.

Gifter - inlay detail

Sincerity

An original Terracotta sculpture by Gregor with a faux bronze finish, the Sincerity sculpture reflects the sincerity seen in the eyes of the people we care for the most.

Cedar Dragon

Carved from an old, large Cedar Bonsai tree, the arching limb brings a dragon figure to life. Patches of cedar veins add natural splashes of color that look like fire.

The tree spent many years growing in Decatur residential back yard, where it was nurtured and Bonsai trained to have exceptional curving limbs. The tree’s location became a centerpiece and a frequent gathering place for meditation and festive gatherings.

Repeated droughts eventually took its toll on this beautiful living art project. When the tree died, I was contacted to see if we could make sculpture art from its remains. Upon first glance I knew this tree would give life to many sculpture projects. Before cutting the skeleton remains, my friends and I all paused for a moment in meditation prayer to give thanks for such a beautiful creation.

The original Bonsai artist is unknown, and we estimate the tree was over 50 years old. I imagine the original artist would be very happy to know that the living art project evolved into many sculpture projects after its passing.

Salsa Dancer

Carved from a large Cherry log, the Salsa Dancer stirs our spirit to get up and move and dance. Veins of turquoise and various stone in-lay fill the cracks caused by the natural drying and curing process.Standing almost 5 feet tall, this curvy sculpture is very life like.

sculpture - Salsa Dancer

sculpture - salsa dancer

Infinite Hope

Carved from a large Black Walnut tree, grown at the base of Lookout Mtn, this sculpture reflects the rich intertwined energies of our past and future. This tree flourished in a historic area full of ancient spirits and whispering winds of fierce battles.

Infinite Hope has the Chinese character of Hope in-layed on its top. Also the wood is sculpted in the shape of an Infinity symbol. This sculpture was created just before the 2008 presidential elections as many of us clinged to an endless amount of infinite hope for change in the direction of our country.

Contradiction

Carved from a large Cedar log gift, Contradiction has many personalities which contradict her intended design. Veins of turquoise in-lay fill the cracks caused by the natural drying and curing process .Kristen Vickery kindly modeled for this sculpture, and assisted in various ways to make this creation come to life.

I gifted Contradiction to Brian in return for the large load of logs from his lumbar yard. Thank you again Brian…

Vision Portal

Carved from a large Black Walnut tree, grown at the base of Lookout Mtn, this sculpture reflects the rich intertwined energies of our past and future. This tree flourished in a historic area full of ancient spirits and whispering winds of fierce battles. When you look into the Vision Portal , do you see your future, or do you see your past?

Mermaid

Carved from a Cherry log, the Mermaid lights up our imagination with the vision of a curvy feminine spirit slipping into the water. Turquoise in-lay create a splash of color as she dives into the deep blue…

Healer

Carved from Cedar, during a challenging time with my health, I set out on a mission to create a piece I could give to a good friend who took care of me while I healed from a painful surgery.

I am very grateful to have friends I truly consider to be healers both with their touch and their words.

Spirit Face

Carved from a large Black Walnut tree, grown at the base of Lookout Mtn, this sculpture reflects the rich intertwined energies of our past and future. This tree flourished in a historic area full of ancient spirits and whispering winds of fierce battles.

Lost and Found

Carved from a large Maple log found by the road, Lost and Found Dreams surprised us all when we looked beneath her bark. The Maple log contains considerable amounts of natural spalting lines which give it a unique visual texture. Veins of turquoise in-lay fill the cracks caused by the natural drying and curing process.

Lost and Found Dreams

Spook Boo

Sculpted in Red Oak, this fun scary mask adorns my front door in hopes to scare off the fanatics who like to pitch their close minded view on life.

Truth be told, it isn’t working so well, but it makes for a great conversation. hehe…

Cedar Dancer

Carved from an old, large Cedar Bonsai tree, the natural veins in the Cedar bring a dancing figure to life. Patches of turquoise in-lay resemble the splashes of color on a spinning dancer.  $900

The tree spent many years growing in Decatur residential back yard, where it was nurtured and Bonsai trained to have exceptional curving limbs. The tree’s location became a centerpiece and a frequent gathering place for meditation and festive gatherings.

Repeated droughts eventually took its toll on this beautiful living art project. When the tree died, I was contacted to see if we could make sculpture art from its remains. Upon first glance I knew this tree would give life to many sculpture projects. Before cutting the skeleton remains, my friends and I all paused for a moment in meditation prayer to give thanks for such a beautiful creation.

The original Bonsai artist is unknown, and we estimate the tree was over 50 years old. I imagine the original artist would be very happy to know that the living art project evolved into many sculpture projects after its passing.

Chocolate Sea Serpent

Carved from a large Black Walnut tree, grown at the base of Lookout Mtn, this sculpture reflects the rich intertwined energies of our past and future. This tree flourished in a historic area full of ancient spirits and whispering winds of fierce battles.

This piece and many others were created from the same tree which was gifted to me. I gifted the Chocolate Sea Serpent to Joseph in return for the wonderful gift of his black walnut tree.

Thank you again Joseph…

Cedar Water

Carved from a large Cedar trunk, the natural veins in the wood remind me of flowing water. I cherished this piece, because it is one of my first cedar carvings. I soon fell in love with sculpting in Cedar. The smell the, texture, and natural beauty make working with the wood a surreal experience

This piece is a companion to the Friendly Flame sculpture. They both came from the same tree trunk.

Dancing Rica

Dancing Rica was carved from a very large “birds eye maple” tree grown at the base of Look Out mountain. This tree succumbed to repeated droughts, and upon its death it was gifted to me by a stranger at the time. This maple gift started a unique friendship which has inspired a domino effect in a gifting culture.

The Dancing Rica pose was inspired by a journey to Costa Rica. Beautiful dancing women celebrating life and their connection to the spirit world, has become a great influence on my art. There is no more beautiful sculpture than Gods creation of the curving feminine figure, so I choose to celebrate his creations in my art.

Dancing Rica has beautiful growth rings centered and radiating from her chest. Small veins of turquoise in-lay fills a crack caused by the natural drying and curing process.

sculpture - Dancing Rica

Sculpture - Dancing Rica progression 2

 

Friendly Flame

Carved from a large Cedar trunk, the natural veins in the wood remind me of a friendly flame. I cherished this piece, because it is one of my first cedar carvings. I soon fell in love with sculpting in Cedar. The smell the, texture, and natural beauty make working with the wood a surreal experience

This piece is a companion to the Cedar Water sculpture. They both came from the same tree trunk.