It came early. The rain that is. It’s been a bit of a guessing game as to when it would start. Would it be Saturday or Sunday? Will it start around noon on Saturday or around 9am? It chose the 9:30am Saturday time slot.
This early rain puts a damper on the final painting push. I was delayed a few days this last week due to back problems and sciatic nerve pain starting Tuesday morning. I could hardly lift my left leg three inches before massive pain shot through my body. It’s now Saturday and I’m almost fully functional, only twinges of pain here and there. During the pain period I still kept pushing forward, but not at a rapid pace. Ice packs and heating pads throughout the days. I finished scraping down and prepping the large and small panels, soapy wash and a good rinse, and the alcohol de-greasing wipe down. Two coats of primer on everything then two to three coats of paint. I’m still working on the paint.
The garage/workspace is a disaster. I’ll probably spend a bit of time cleaning up aluminum shavings and everything else. Empty spray cans, vinyl wrapping, chunks of non-usable sign material chucked in a bin with good stuff. Looks like a creative bomb went off in the space. I do need to finalize my mounting design before drilling holes in the two parts (metal silhouette and backboard). I also have not even started the two small panels that fit in the center of the quads. Since they’re so small, I hope that I’ll be able to pop them out pretty quickly compared to everything else!
The push continues until the end, that being Tuesday! I’m really looking forward to getting my life back. My husband is looking forward to getting me back as well! Nothing like a major project to disrupt the household.
Sticks, Stones, and Paper Stew Blog 
I don’t know how you do these massive installations! The physical demands are huge, especially when you body lets you down. It’s looking so impressive, it will be very exciting to see photos of all the panels in place!
Physically, I don’t know how I do it either. That’s one area no one talks about during art school. I think they just assume everyone is young and can handle whatever they take on. I try to figure out how to make things easier for my body and how to pack it in the car without having to hire a giant truck. I think about making things in small enough units to handle. I think about weight and time to hang. What tools are required and if I can actually create the full piece on my own. In this case, I only had to use my husband to move and help cut the sheets of plywood. The rest I did and I’m proud of that. Ok, hanging the work took 3 of us and two cars. 🙂
Thinking about the logistics is something that adds another dimension to the project isn’t it? It is looking stunning though, you must be really proud of the end result.
Logistics certainly adds to the crazy mix of everything. I think that’s why I keep trying these projects. There are numerous levels of problem solving and my brain loves it!
I think I’m proud, but it’s still pretty fresh and I need to distance myself a bit. I’ll visit it soon and have a rested perspective on it.
I am glad you are feeling betterr and admire you for being able to work through the pain. I love reading about the process of making your art. I look forward to reading and seeing more of it.
Thanks Nancy! I’m now trying to figure out what to fill life with since completing the project. Maybe a week off before serious contemplation begins! 🙂