Friday, May 30, 2025

New Steel Sculpture Titled "Primary Tension"

 


Primary Tension: A Bold Statement in Modern Abstract Sculpture

In a world where art speaks louder than words, Primary Tension commands the room with both confidence and poise. Standing 18 inches tall, 8 inches wide, and 3.5 inches deep, this one-of-a-kind abstract sculpture explores the dynamic interplay of geometry, color, and energy—making it a focal point for any modern interior.

Crafted to provoke emotion and stir curiosity, Primary Tension draws from mid-century influences while maintaining a distinctly contemporary edge. Its striking use of a rich, electrifying blue—evocative of a Nashville blues bar on a sultry summer night—juxtaposes sharply with angular red accents, creating a visual tension that vibrates with dimension and intention.

Each angle invites reconsideration. Each shadow casts a new line of thought. Whether placed on a pedestal, shelf, or entry console, Primary Tension doesn't just occupy space—it defines it.

Perfect for collectors of modern art, lovers of minimalism with a twist, or interior stylists seeking that one signature piece, this sculpture is a standalone conversation starter.

๐Ÿ”— View “Primary Tension” on Etsy – own the original


Why This Sculpture Stands Out:

  • Handcrafted: Each element is constructed with attention to form, balance, and emotional resonance.

  • Color as Language: The cool primary blue layered with intense red accents pulls the eye and holds it, offering warmth without softness.

  • Versatile Display: At under two feet tall, it's large enough to make a statement, but scaled to fit bookshelves, niches, and gallery walls.

Whether you're an art aficionado or someone just beginning to curate your own visual language at home, Primary Tension offers a dramatic first—or next—step.


Let me know if you want alternate versions, such as a more poetic tone, one that’s more technical, or a version optimized for a product detail page instead of a blog.

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

 


Bring Your Projects to Life with Solvent Dye 179

When it comes to achieving rich, vibrant color on wood or resin, few dyes can match the performance of Solvent Dye 179. Known for its bold orange-red hue and excellent solubility in organic solvents, this dye is a go-to choice for woodworkers, resin artists, and crafters who want professional-grade results without the hassle.

Why Solvent Dye 179 is Perfect for Wood Staining

Unlike water-based stains that can raise the grain and cause uneven absorption, Solvent Dye 179 penetrates wood fibers deeply and smoothly. The result? A more even, brilliant color that enhances the natural beauty of the grain rather than hiding it.

Whether you're finishing hardwood furniture, crafting custom guitar bodies, or restoring vintage pieces, Solvent Dye 179 gives you:

  • Intense, vivid color saturation

  • Minimal grain distortion

  • Fast drying times

  • Easy compatibility with topcoats like lacquer, polyurethane, and epoxy

It dissolves well in alcohols, ketones, and esters, making it incredibly versatile for a wide range of staining methods.

Solvent Dye 179 and Synthetic Resins: A Perfect Match

Solvent Dye 179 also shines when used in synthetic resins like epoxy, polyester, and acrylic. It dissolves evenly without clumping, creating beautiful translucent effects perfect for:

  • Resin jewelry

  • River tables

  • Art panels

  • Automotive and marine parts

Because of its high tint strength and thermal stability, it’s trusted by professional resin artists and serious hobbyists alike.



Easy to Work With, Stunning to See

One of the best things about Solvent Dye 179 is how easy it is to use. Whether you’re:

  • Making a batch of custom-colored resin,

  • Crafting a unique stained wood project,

  • Or blending your own alcohol-based ink,

you’ll find that a little bit goes a long way — giving you rich color and a lot of creative flexibility.

Where to Find High-Quality Solvent Dye 179

If you’re ready to elevate your wood and resin projects, I offer premium Solvent Dye 179 that’s carefully selected for purity and color strength. Click here to visit my Etsy shop and explore the collection!

Let’s make your next creation stand out with stunning, professional color.

Monday, April 28, 2025

A Closer Look at MY Brutalist Nail Sculpture


A Closer Look at My Brutalist Nail Sculpture: Details, Texture, and Form

After the exciting launch of my latest Brutalist metal sculpture — a striking piece crafted from brazed square-cut nails and steel washers — I’m thrilled to share a more detailed look at the craftsmanship behind it. Today, I’m featuring close-up shots and angled views to highlight the intricate textures, bold forms, and raw industrial beauty that make this sculpture truly unique.

Brutalist Art in Metal: Strength Meets Precision

In the spirit of classic Brutalist art, my sculpture embraces rugged simplicity and emphasizes the beauty of raw materials. Each square nail was hand-positioned and brazed in place with careful attention to form, balance, and negative space. The washers add a rhythmic circular contrast, creating a compelling interplay between lines and curves.

By working with basic construction materials like nails and washers, I aimed to capture the essence of strength and permanence — key characteristics of Brutalist design.

Close-Up Shots: Revealing the Fine Details

The close-up photos reveal textures you might miss from a distance:

  • The rough yet purposeful weld marks where the brazing rod flowed and fused the metal

  • Subtle color variations where heat tempered the steel during the joining process

  • The intricate layering of elements that adds depth and complexity to the overall structure

These details create a tactile quality, making the sculpture feel alive with energy even when still.




Angled Views: New Perspectives on Form and Light

With angled shots, you can see how the sculpture’s composition changes with your point of view.
From one angle, the nails appear rigid and monolithic; shift slightly, and they open into a dynamic, almost organic pattern. This shifting perception was intentional — I wanted viewers to engage with the piece, discovering new relationships between light, shadow, and form as they move around it.

The piece measures 10 inches by 18 inches and stands half an inch off the wall, casting dramatic shadows that further enhance its visual impact. 


Discover More in My Shop

If you love the bold, architectural character of Brutalist art, you’ll want to check out my Etsy shop here, where you can see this piece and more one-of-a-kind metal sculptures. Each creation is designed to bring raw energy and modern sophistication into your space.

Stay tuned for even more upcoming work — including larger, multi-layered wall sculptures inspired by the interplay of industrial materials and light.



 

Thursday, April 17, 2025

Brutalist Brazed Nail and Washer Sculpture

 

๐Ÿ”จ New Etsy Listing: Brutalist Nail & Washer Wall Sculpture with Brazed Industrial Flair

We’re excited to share the latest addition to the Etsy shop — a striking mid-century modern wall sculpture crafted from square-cut nails and steel washers, joined together with bold brass brazing. This piece is more than just a decorative accent — it’s a fusion of industrial grit and abstract design, handcrafted to stand out in any space.

Brutalist Sculpture


๐Ÿงฑ Sculpture Details

  • Materials: Square cut nails, steel washers, brass brazing

  • Dimensions: 10 inches wide x 18 inches tall

  • Depth: ½ inch stand-off from the wall

  • Finish: Raw and aged steel with burnished brass welds

Each element is meticulously placed, forming a grid-like pattern with asymmetrical flair. The dark steel contrasts beautifully with the warm brass accents, catching the light in all the right ways.


๐Ÿ”ฅ Why This Piece Stands Out

This sculpture channels classic brutalist and industrial design, reminiscent of mid-century metalwork with a modern twist. Whether you're into vintage interiors, steampunk art, or just love metalwork with character, this piece adds dimension and conversation-starting texture to your wall.

It’s perfect for:

  • Office or studio decor

  • Modern and minimalist spaces

  • Collectors of abstract or upcycled art

  • Gifts for fans of handmade metalwork


A One-of-a-Kind Creation

No two pieces are the same. Each nail and washer is carefully brazed to preserve its raw character while creating a cohesive, eye-catching design. This isn’t mass-produced art — it’s a one-off that tells its own story of craftsmanship and creativity.


๐Ÿ›’ Now Available on Etsy!

You can now purchase this original sculpture directly from our Etsy shop. Click below to check it out, view more photos, and see other industrial-inspired creations:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Visit the Etsy Shop (insert actual Etsy link)


Thanks for supporting handmade art and independent creators! If you’d like to see more behind-the-scenes posts or learn how this piece was made, let us know — we love sharing the creative process.


Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Solvent dyes and Pigments!

 

๐ŸŽ‰ Introducing Our New Website: Your Go-To Resource for Solvent Dyes and Pigments!

We’re excited to announce the official launch of our brand-new website dedicated to solvent dyes and pigments for a wide range of applications — from colored smoke effects to industrial coatings, inks, plastics, and pyrotechnics.

Our goal is to create a trusted hub for artists, formulators, chemists, and enthusiasts alike — whether you're crafting vivid smoke grenades, designing bold coatings, or experimenting with color in niche chemical projects. We’re here to provide high-quality dyes, detailed product information, and expert insight into how these vibrant colorants work in real-world applications.


๐Ÿงช What You’ll Find on the Site

✔️ Product Pages – Explore individual profiles for popular solvent dyes like Solvent Yellow 33, Solvent Red 111, Solvent Blue 104, Solvent Green 3, and many more. Each listing includes technical specs, ideal use cases, and storage tips.

✔️ Colored Smoke Dyes – Learn which dyes produce the most vivid and stable smoke effects, and how to use them in formulations for military, theatrical, or creative use.

✔️ Application Guides – Whether you’re working with pyrotechnics, plastics, waxes, or fuels, we’re building out guides to help you get the best results.

✔️ Educational Blog – Stay up to date with posts that break down the science behind dyes and pigments, DIY tips, safety advice, and new product highlights.


๐ŸŒˆ Why Solvent Dyes?

Solvent dyes offer powerful tinting strength, excellent solubility in non-polar mediums, and intense color clarity — making them ideal for everything from smoke bombs and signal flares to inkjet inks, fuel colorants, and artistic projects. If you're looking for clean-burning, thermally stable dyes with stunning visual results, you're in the right place.


๐Ÿ”— Visit Us and Explore!

We’re thrilled to open the digital doors and invite you to explore the world of solvent dyes with us. Whether you're a seasoned formulator or just getting started, we hope you’ll find inspiration, knowledge, and the high-quality colorants you’ve been searching for.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Check out the site now and let us know what you'd like to see next — more product types, how-to videos, or downloadable datasheets? Your feedback shapes the future of this project!


Thank you for being part of our launch! Stay tuned — we’ve got a lot more color coming your way.

Monday, February 13, 2023

Spring is NEAR! Time to get your weld on!

Its been sunny and crystal clear 3 days in a row in the middle of February!  That is quite unheard of here!  In recent years, the coldest and snowiest of the winter weather has been either on or just before Valentines day!  In any case, we may or may not experience an early Spring season around these parts.  What  better time to purchase that stick welder you have hesitated on.  You know, that classic Lincoln tombstone  powerhouse that has been the farmhouse favorite for decades.


Or perhaps you need something more state of the art and lighter weight.  In recent years, inverters with solid state electronics allow more amps to be pulled out of smaller power boxes.  What you get is a lighter weight machine that is more portable and takes less room on your work table. 


Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Contemporary Metal Art with Iridescent Flair

 

My latest work is this beauty.  Hard geometric angles accented with color shifting iridescent paint for that added dimensional appeal.  But really is going to make this pop is the background panel with its trapezoidal shape and clean black and white paint job.  The back panel gives the illusion of dimensions with the cast shadow look but is ultimately flat.  Cannot wait to mount this art on the wall.  It will look larger than life!