Posts Tagged ‘sky’

Week 4: More time to finish the work

Monday, October 27th, 2008

The remaining four panels include the three largest, and even though my palette is determined and I have plenty of materials, I am certain I will need additional time—which the park readily grants me. I now have until November 15 and I feel much relieved.

Mountain peak and sky

Mountain peak and sky

The "heart" and other features

The "heart" and other features

I finish the mountain peak and sky, and start on the three final panels. Each of these has icons of the park included not only in the main body, but in the self-frame margins as well.

The panel with “The Heart of the Mountain;” a geological feature, includes the other half of the cave portion, as if the cavern is hidden under the mountainside. Also included are fruits from the pioneer orchard. The native pine & brilliant fall aspen complete the piece.

Week 3: Building the panels

Tuesday, October 21st, 2008

My final draft is approved by members of the staff; I immediately make my patterns and begin cutting.

This part will progress rapidly, as I can work at my own speed, for as long each day/night as I wish. I have brought 1½ crates of glass with me, as well as many boxes of scrap, so am confident of having all types and colors I need.

First panel

First and second panels

Second panel

Third panel

The first panel I produce includes Indian Paintbrush, a lizard, an Indian relic and Notch Peak. I have designed a “self-frame” around the entire project; I use it quite frequently as I find it gives a finished look to the work.

The second panel—the smallest—is of the Big Dipper, symbolizing the “Night Sky” program featured in many of the National Parks, honoring dark skies, which are becoming a rarity with today’s light pollution.

Fourth panel

Fourth panel

The third depicts Lexington Arch and a portion of Lehman Cave, and the fourth is the “Thumb”, the cliffs and sky above that part of the summit.

I am pleased that the finished panels fit into the windows of my cabin, where they will remain until installation.

Even with the freedom from my normal daily life, and being able to set my own work pace doing what I truly love doing, I am beginning to see that it will be impossible to finish this project in the time allotted to me.