Unique Vessels: How do you make these things? a #13

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

My book stresses the steps taken to plan and construct a vessel of a series referred to as "Unique Vessels".   I received numerous questions about my construction methods, so decided to put the answer in a book.  This picture and information has been placed on the home page of this blog.  By clicking on my blog book you will be linked to my page in Amazon.  There is more information available on the Amazon page, including the feature that enables you to look inside.

I wish to comment on several features of the book that may entice you to look in Amazon.  I took all 131 pictures used in the book, many with a tripod and timer.  Scurrying back to the set-up of the scene after the camera had been triggered, took accurate timing and planning.  I incorporated photos of my art pieces in the book where open space could be found.  I thought this might aid the reader in understanding my focus on unique, free form vessels. They incorporate native woods as well as a variety of other materials.

After a brief introduction, the remainder of the book is presented in six units of content and appendices.  The first is a history of my first attempts to create unique vessels.  It took a number of failed attempts to finally discover the method that works for me.  I still have that first attempted vessel (see right) to remind me of the evolution my process went through. 

The second section, a page + in length, gives my goal for creating this series of vessels.  Presenting materials from local native plants, was intended to acquaint the viewer with the beauty of the woods.  The vessel pictured below is a good example of this.  This vessel is made entirely from Palo Verde, the state tree of Arizona.

The third unit of the book is the longest and incorporates the most photos.  This is where I present the detailed steps of my process used to make a unique vessel.  These instructions are accompanied by photos illustrating the specific content being presented.  This is occurring in real time as I am building the vessel as each step is explained.  I chose to build this vessel with wood from the Mexican Bird-of-Paradise.

This shrub can grow to a height of 10' and is native to South America and Mexico, but naturalized in the Southwest.  It can be seen in landscaping over the entire Southwest region.  The shrub's beauty and tolerance to a hot, arid climate more than compensate for it's unpleasant odor and poisonous seeds.


At the conclusion of this lengthy section, the reader will have watched an idea develop from a plan sketched on paper to a bright colored vessel.  Typical problems encountered along the way gave me the opportunity to show realistic correction choices.  The final results of this bright, colorful and shapely vessel pleased me and hopefully you readers.






This concludes part one of the review of my book, "Unique Vessels;  How do you make these things?"  My next post,  (part two) will discuss section four which elaborates on variations of the process I have used on thirteen  various vessels.