This is my first art project blog posting, so it’s going to be rather long. It was brought to my attention that some people may be interested in what I’m working on, my process(es), and my progress. So, I’ll be recording as much of that here as possible.
Since September I have been raiding scrap piles to keep things from going to the dump. I have amassed quite a horde, and expect to be churning out some pieces soon. Most likely before Christmas.
On top of this, I had an opportunity that I just could not ignore. On November 17th, I was given an upright piano from 1909. I’ve been able to confirm it via its serial number that you can see below. This is probably one of my most ambitious projects I’ve ever decided to undertake. My plan is to take the harp portion of it, and make a touch art piece coffee table. That idea is that you’ll be able to lift the clear top, and strum the strings of the harp. It makes a pretty kool sound that sort of makes it its own horror music sound track.
Most of the rest of the wood will be used to make a pair of slanted front writing desks. One I will be keeping, I am unsure about the other. May sell it. Only time will tell.
The rest of the wood will be used to make other pieces. Jewelry boxes mostly. And, if I can swing it, an upright full length mirror jewelry cabinet / armoire.
There is a LOT of wood. I’m unsure of the exact type, but the hypothesis is mahogany. It is a rather heavy hard wood, so that makes sense.
On top of this, the keys have been confirmed to be natural African elephant ivory. At least, veneers. There’s a lot of opinions on what should be done with the pieces. Including crushing and destroying it. However, I’m of the mindset that that would be incredibly wasteful. The beautiful creature had already lost its life over 100 years ago at that, for these veneers to exist. To honor it, I’ll be making sure to use as much as possible and limit waste. It’s the last I can do. I’m planning on using these pieces for a variety of projects. I’m leaning towards Japanese inspired pictures with Koi carved of the ivory. Only time will tell. Other pieces will be used for inlays in the various wood projects listed above. I’ve already contacted the division of Fish and Wildlife, and have been instructed in what all I need to do from a legal stand point. Geeze… the things I do for my art.
Thanks to my friends and fellow guild members for helping move this beast around! Even torn down, it has some weight to it. More than I’m supposed to be messing with for sure.
I have managed to decommission the piano to the point that it’s a pile of wood, and the harp.
I eventually found my personal savior. A hatchet that I used as a chisel. The last pieces popped off with little effort now that I had the right tools.
In the process, I broke some of the sound board. Big problem. It changes the sound of it. I’ll have to fix it with glue. Once bonded, it’ll basically be a single piece of wood again. This glues serious business.
Speaking of the right tools. I made this right angle jig to glue one of my pieces back together. I made it free hand. I made it by eye… I was rather impressed with myself and my skills.
You know the only thing that’d be even more fabulous than completely eyeing a 90 degree angle perfectly?
The piece you were planning on using said perfect 90 degree jig on, NOT being square (90 degree turn) seriously, look at this. Apparently, even in this fine quality craftsmanship they decided, meh, close enough. Pffft… have to figure something else out.
I’ve glued it all back together and this is how it’s currently sitting. As of 12/3/2016.
I’m running into some major design problems with it. As, I want to make the coffee table entirely aout of piano pieces. However, it needs a frame for support. However, the pieces I have are only 41in to work with. However, the harp is like 58 by 51… meaning I’ll need 2 pieces. However, I only have 6 segments. However, I don’t have enough linear footage once you factor in all the joinery that needs to be done.
Uhg!
Tools and other projects in budding form.
Lapdesk: In progress (80%)
I’m converting an old wooden silverware flatware box into a lapdesk and storage for my laptop. Currently, I’ve carved the space so my laptop fits in perfectly. I just need to take a bit more wood off, so it’s not SO snug, then add a sliding panel to the bottom for the mouse to set on. I also may add a small bean bag to the bottom so I can rest it across my legs without causing too much problem.
Saw sled: DONE
For working on a saw table, a saw sled is very helpful. It gets rid of the friction from the piece sliding across the surface of the table, and instead lets the pieces to be cut, glide across on the sled. I had a bit of problem with trying ot make this with scrap pieces, so I had to go and actually buy a 2’ x 2’ birch plywood board to use. So far so good, and It’s finished. I’ll just have to keep an eye on it’s calibration to make sure it’s still cutting at a perfect perpendicular angle to the blade.
Silicon carving box: In progress, 75% done
Both Silicon and bone dust is toxic and harmful to breath. So, to prevent that, I’m making a box for each type of media to carve in. The dust will be contained in there, so I won’t have to deal with the problem as I work on my pieces. Current one is for silicon, the bone version will come much later. (I want to hurry up and get started on my geishas!) The boards have bene all cut to size. Now I just need the top portion, with the hinges, and put in a clear front piece to see through. I’ll also have to put holes for my hands to enter.
Starry Night mixed media: In progress (20% done)
I’m making a replica of Van Gogh’s Starry Night with computer parts. The template is made and most of the supplies have been gathered. As the saying goes, there’s nothing to it, but to do it, at this point.
Welp, that's it for tonight. I have a few other projects going, of course, but they aren't far enough along to really be worth mentioning at this juncture.
Hope you enjoyed the update, stay safe out there!
Wes Kirk
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