My new "Hobby"

[olcowhand]

Since I retired, I've been exploring some different creative outlets to occupy my time. I had been (and still do...) following a lady on LinkedIn that has published a few books on Welding Art. One book in particular focusses on making Silverware Critters (Scorpion, Frogs, Dragonflies, etc.). I took off of that idea and began welding silverware into Figurines. I started with a Bowhunter (my best seller...), then began working on more complex pieces.
As an aside, I have doodled (during Conference Calls and other stimulating meetings....) "Stick Man" art through ~40 years of my Engineering career, so transitioning from drawing to "sculpting" was not that tough- but I'll let others decide that.....
I took a bunch of my "Art" to a regionally popular 3-day festival along with some slabs and other stuff; the "Art" was a huge hit! people would be 30'-40' down the lane, glimpse my stuff- and come over with huge smiles to discuss. I have it priced as Art, so not many Big Ticket takers- but I sold enough to convince me that I'm on the right track.
What do you think?

 
As you can see, I've also found a use for some of the Offal from my Live Edge projects...



 


 




 



 

.....And a couple that may trigger a memory of something seen before; reply if you think you recognize anything familiar.....


 

or: 


 

Some others...


 

 


 

Okay, let me have it!

[Dan_Shade]

I like it. 

[Larry]

The art is great and I think very original, the pictures are terrible.  Get a pro to take your pictures and use them to make a portfolio.  A photo backdrop and getting rid of the flash will do wonders.

I really like your work. 8) 8) 8)

[Ljohnsaw]

WOW!  Really great stuff.

[jb616]

6th pic is "American Gothic"?  Farmer and wife with pitchfork?   Nice work!

[olcowhand]

You are correct, sir!
Steve

[Raider Bill]

Is the other one the lighting of the Olympic torch?

[Resonator]

Love it!

X2 on improve the photos, you'll want to filter the light slightly to keep the harsh reflection down. One nice thing with digital you can take a couple dozen pics from different angles, light, backdrops and just keep the best. Also you can digitally ad a backdrop to help "sell" the story. I would say restaurants would be interested in your work, and the motorcycle one would definitely appeal to riders.

[Tom King]

Awesome!!!!  

How much for an American Gothic??  I want one.   FF gets a cut, of course.

[olcowhand]

Is the other one the lighting of the Olympic torch?

Bill,
Nice, but no cigar.....
Steve

[mike_belben]

The dunk and the choppers came out great!

[olcowhand]

The dunk and the choppers came out great!

Thanks, Mike. I never played basketball, but I've always ridden Hard-tails....
I'm still waiting for someone to correctly guess the original subject of the "Dunk" piece. It comes from a Poster called "Hang Time".....
Steve

[olcowhand]

Awesome!!!!  

How much for an American Gothic??  I want one.   FF gets a cut, of course.

Thanks, Tom.
Some of these pieces are still available. I'm not listing them here, but you all know that I have no qualms regarding taking care of our Fearless Leader and acknowledging the work he does.
I also can accommodate commissions, if you can draw a stick man of what you're thinking- I'll let you know how I will try to execute.
As for sales, PM me and I'll quote you a price; we'll copy Jeff upon agreement, so he knows the amount. He will get equal to or more than the normal FF commission. My word on that.
Steve 

[olcowhand]

You all are being very generous with your feedback, and I appreciate it.
Larry, When my new Corporate entity is established, I intend to start a Web site and your advice regarding using a pro Photographer is great... Thanks.
Having said that, I forgot to post a pic of my most intensive piece ("We're getting a band together"):


 

[sprucebunny]

Nice  8) 8)

Hi Ho Silver, away 

[farmfromkansas]

Looks like you will be hitting a lot of auctions to keep up your supply of material. Cool use of your imagination.  A neighbor built a scrap metal man to hold his mailbox, always admired that.  Your art is better than the scrap metal that was around the art building at Fort Hays Kansas State University, where I went, the industrial arts building was the other wing, we always made fun of those guys.  One of those art guys made a stupid bet that he would cut his hair off, had to get a burr, but left a pony tail.

[Jeff]

Love it!

[Stephen1]

Great work ,I really like it. 

[woodybutcher]

NICE WORK! Was there a cowboy riding a bronc in that group? smiley_horserider

[olcowhand]

NICE WORK! Was there a cowboy riding a bronc in that group? smiley_horserider

Yes, I call that one "Rodeo Athlete(s)"....
Among all the the things I'm an "Old" something or other, "Rodeo Cowboy" is in there somewhere.
Steve

[aigheadish]

These are incredible! Lots of good pieces, thanks for sharing.

My dad used to make sculptures out of any kind of wire he could find. The most memorable ones were an airplane and motorcycle. These reminded me of that.

[olcowhand]

Thanks again, everyone!
My latest (that's a "working" Base; I'll mount the finished piece on a Live Edge Base):



 

Again, I apologize for the picture "quality"......
Steve

[Tacotodd]

There is NOTHING to apologize for on that last one, N O T H I N G ! ! !

[olcowhand]

So, it's been close to three years, but I'm resurrecting this thread....
While I can't claim this "Hobby" has developed into a very successful Business Venture, I've managed to incrementally increase the visibility of my Art. There are a number of nearby businesses that display (and occasionally sell...) my Art, but a really nice thing happened last fall when a local Art Gallery expressed an interest in carrying my stuff. I was recently invited to submit a larger piece for display in a Flower Bed that is located on a prominent corner in downtown Cadillac, MI.
He is delighted by this piece, called "Caught off the Dock (with a worm)"- and recommends a heavy Base so it doesn't "grow legs".
One pic shows the piece mounted on a Granite stone, which I intend to drill holes through to thread 1/2" bolts into the bottom of the "feet". Another option is to just cast a base from concrete.
In any event, I would like to mount a Stainless Steel plaque with the name of this piece, my business name, and the name of my "Sponsor". The plaque will be around 3"x8", and I'd like to find someone to engrave it. If you have the capability to do this, please send a PM.
This will be a straight up commercial exchange, and I'll make sure Jeff stays healthy.
Please consider helping if you can. Thanks.

  

For reference, the piece stands about 22" high, the rock is 18"x24"x7" 

[olcowhand]

"Cowboy Spa" (Horse trough)

[Magicman]

Those are very innovative and creative to say the least.    

[WV Sawmiller]

   Now I think I know what's been happening to all my silverware.

   Great work. Very creative.

[aigheadish]

You've got an incredible eye for making everyday stuff look like something else. The saltshaker-top hat is great!

[Old Greenhorn]

All your work is great, but this one is particularly inspired. Love the addition of the colors and I still can't quite figure out how you hammered out the hat. Just amazing stuff you make.

[SwampDonkey]

First I've stumbled across this thread. Those are great works of art. Do you call them miniature sculptures? You have a creative eye, that is for sure. 

[olcowhand]

Thanks for all the nice comments, guys.
@WV Sawmiller , If you think I'm going to drive ~650 to Hinton, West (by God) Virginia, to steal silverware from what has to be the Baddest BA in the land of Bad BA's, you haven't been thinking straight! (your bride sends them to me via UPS....)

@SwampDonkey , I just call them Weld Sculptures. Thanks for stumbling upon these. I'll add a few more pics, including a FB post that came out yesterday, regarding an up-coming Juried Art Fair that I'll be attending.

[SwampDonkey]

Very nice Steve.   I like those to, especially the fishing themed ones. 

[Magicman]

I identify as multi-fascinated....I love them all !!!  

[Bert]

Mark me down as impressed!

If you start taking custom orders I'd love to have one of a guy running an old hand set circle mill! 

[WV Sawmiller]

Thanks for all the nice comments, guys.
@WV Sawmiller ,  (your bride sends them to me via UPS....)

All I can say is I am getting tired of eating my soup with a set of chopsticks and a plastic fork.

[olcowhand]

Since everyone seems to like these, I'll post some more...
I get quite a few requests for commissions after attending a Juried Art Show. Last year, after my Cadillac Show (the one that I posted about visiting FF Family....), I had a request for 4 commissions: one for this couple's son (a runner), and another for their DIL (also a runner, but she competes with her "signature" cap- with the brim turned up). Then, later, she asked for one for each of her two grandsons- one is a LH Little League Pitcher, and the other is a skier. Enjoy....







Yes, she sent me pics of each of them to work from, which I won't publish.

[olcowhand]

Yes, Howard- Those skis were fashioned from your BBQ Tongs!

[olcowhand]

Mark me down as impressed!

If you start taking custom orders I'd love to have one of a guy running an old hand set circle mill!

@Bert Can you send me a pic of what that would look like? I may be able to put something together. If not, I'll let you know that I won't be able to represent the image.... Thanks.

[NE Woodburner]

@olcowhand - your work is truly amazing. I wish I had 1/2 of your artistic ability.

[aigheadish]

Are they soldered together or like TIG welded? I see the weld on the bottom of the skier but most of the connections seem tiny and very clean. 

[WV Sawmiller]

Yes, Howard- Those skis were fashioned from your BBQ Tongs!

Dang it! I thought those looked familiar!

[olcowhand]

@aigheadish , I use a MIG Welder to tack the joints. Most of the "Silverware" I use is some lower grade of Stainless, and while I have Stainless wire and pure Argon (which one should use when welding Stainless...)- I just use my rig set up with mild steel wire and 75%/25%.
If I tried to run a bead on Stainless with this set up, it's likely that the weld would fail. 
I should state that I have to really study the body position of the subject, or I will poorly represent the form. This entails me trying to adopt the stance or pose, then studying the position of the limbs. Legs are fairly simple, but hands, elbows and shoulders (relative to their ability to rotate) can be troublesome. It's tough to get a "flat" fork handle to duplicate the motions that an arm can achieve. Since arms and hands represent a large portion of the "action" we see when we watch an activity, it's important to get them right in order to achieve a "sense" of kinetic energy being displayed (if that makes sense...). It helps a great deal if I have personal experience with the activity being represented. For example, many folks have asked for a "Golfer". I have never golfed, and I have no interest in Golfing- so I can't wrap my head around how to represent the pose. Horses are a totally different world, so I'm glad I've been around them my entire life.
I'll post a few more somewhat complex sculptures I've done, that I feel I've done fairly well.

[olcowhand]

While we're stressing the need to "relate" to the subject, here are a few of my favorite things. I've done (or still doing) all these things, and I usually can create these from memory...

[aigheadish]

Thanks for the info! 

You really do find a lovely sense of motion. 

I'd love to buy one of these, if you have a gallery of sorts that shows what you have available. 

[olcowhand]

Thanks, @aigheadish
I have a FB Page and a website under my business name that shows some of my work.
If you see a piece you like or would like me to try something new- DM me. When we finalize a deal, I Cc our fearless leader so he knows the deal. If you contact me through another venue, please identify yourself as an FF member. I discount purchases that include multiple pieces or large items, and I'm known as someone who can answer calls for the unordinary... The commission I pay FF is between us, and the folks who buy from me know what it is.
I'll continue to include pics on this thread, and anything you see can be made again, albeit a little different.
I'll DM you with my contact info.
Steve 

"Business Card Holders":



Two versions of "Grey Wizard":





"Self Explanatory":

[aigheadish]

Right on, thanks man. 

I'll have a look through your stuff and let you know. 

[olcowhand]

Things are busy!
I installed the large piece "Caught off the Dock (on a worm...)" in the Flower Bed in Downtown Cadillac, before the Big Art Fair. Many folks said that they noticed it when they came to my Booth.



Then, I got a Commission from someone in Xenia, OH- for his wife. She's active in an Organization called TNR, which involves the Capture, Neutering and Returning Feral Cats to the Environment they were found in. They clip the tip of the Feline's Left ear to show that they've been through the Process. This Piece (not the ear tip, the Art piece....) gets shipped today. I hope she likes it.





.....And, I had my best Lumber sales day ever this last Tuesday....

Thanks, FF Fam

[olcowhand]

Oh, I forgot to mention: Some folks who will be at the Pig Roast came to my booth during the Art Fair, but I didn't get a pic- so it really didn't happen. Maybe you all will hear about it at the Shindig.....

[doc henderson]

what are you using for the photo background?

[olcowhand]

Hobby Lobby rolled, textured sheeting....

[doc henderson]

it looks thick.  is it paper or rubbery?  nice!

[olcowhand]

It's a paper product, but kind of tough. They sell it in rolls, and I tack it over my Freezer, then fold it down to cover the back wall and top of the freezer. 
I got so much "feedback" from our team here about my various backdrops, I decided to do something about it...
Thanks, Doc.

[olcowhand]

"Cowboy Campfire" #5:

[Nebraska]

I like it!

[SwampDonkey]

Beautiful work. 

[olcowhand]

I had to get busy and replace some of my more popular pieces. The "Cowboy Spa" that was shown in reply #24 has sold, so here is #04 in the series...



My last "Bowhunter" sold at Christmas, so here is a pic of #23 of this series:



and my "Business Cardholders" are always popular, this one is number 11:

[FairFrank]

Looks great, keep on going. All the best!
I sincerely rejoice for those who have genuine passions and inspiration to pursue them. Besides computer games like listed here, I can't think of anything else to do in my free time

[aigheadish]

That's interesting FairFrank, I can think of tons of things to do but I'm terrible at most of them, which is discouraging. I'm trying to practice more. I don't have the genuine passions much either, but I like a lot of stuff ok. 

[olcowhand]

Finission a Commission!
"Bowhunter" #24 is ready to ship to a steadfast supporter and my favorite Client. Moreover, this individual undoubtedly has an exquisite eye for Fine "Fun" Art!
My first Bowhunter with a Western Hat (at my Client's request), and the Maple Burl wood is a little departure from my normal 3- dimensional base.... Overall, a very nice presentation, I think.
I included the Outdoor pic because it more accurately depicts the dark tone the base took on with the Poly....
What do you think?

[doc henderson]

Well, I wish I knew who your client was.... I am sure he will be happy.      Looks fantastic.  thanks!  

[olcowhand]

Well, I was going to say that this Client is a "Buddy" to many, but I didn't want to make it too easy.
You're welcome, and Thank you!

[Resonator]

The burl wood looks good with the piece. 

[aigheadish]

I like the natural chunk of wood much better!

[olcowhand]

Our youngest daughter, Stephanie is a great student. She's in the tenth grade this year, involved in three sports, academic achievements (straight "A" student), and plays the Alto Sax in the HS Band. Katie and I had a conference last week with her Band Teacher, and she mentioned that she loves my Art (Steph had been sharing pics of my stuff with her...). At the end of our meeting, I asked her if there was a special musical activity that she enjoys, and I would try to put something together. She said her favorite instrument to play is the flute, "....but that's just a stick...". Then she said she really enjoys conducting. It just so happens that i had some "phone made" videos of some concerts, so I studied a few of her moves, and came up with this. I hope she likes it.







As I get older, I've grown more appreciative of folks who can teach and inspire young people to grow in their disciplines. HS Music Teachers are some of the most inspiring people I've come across.

[Peter Drouin]

Nice work. How much time to make something like that?

[Nebraska]

If she doesn't appreciate that there's a problem there. That is amazing personalized art.  

[olcowhand]

Thanks, Gents.
@Peter Drouin
A relatively simple (6-7 pieces to assemble) piece like this might take me 3-5 hours, then cure time for the clear lacquer (2 or more coats) and Poly for the wood Base (2 or more coats). Total of a couple days to complete one.
The complexity of the pose or posture usually requires the most time. There are no forks that can bend and articulate like our shoulders, elbows and wrists can, so it isn't uncommon for me to have to go through multiple attempts to get the right look.
The more complex pieces run into 10-20 total hours.

[Peter Drouin]

That's not bad at all. I guess the more fancy the more time. 
I like them.

[lurk]

We have a guy that makes stuff like this, though not specifically from silver.  He uses old mower parts, and scrap metal to make figurines and models, paints them up and sells loads of them through garden centres.  We always see them getting sold and restocked. He must do very well out of it. Nice work. 

[olcowhand]

Introducing "Flower Power" #01
I've been thinking of Sculpture designs that might be quick to assemble, somewhat affordable and suitable for a wide range of folks who might like a Desk/ Table presentation for a single flower. The small cup in on the bottom allows for a small amount of water to help a live flower drink....
The flower in the photo is a fake.
Feedback welcome....

[olcowhand]

Oh, and Christmas came early to Olcowhands Workshop......

[aigheadish]

I love it @olcowhand ! Might I suggest the hand that is holding the flower hold it off to the side a bit so you can see the body more? That may just be a leaf issue too...I like the ability to water it!