Meet Ollie

[GrahamGKD]

Ollie is a barn owl silently swooping down on his prey.......

What do you reckon to this one then folks? A friend of mine thinks I should try and fill in the body some more to give it more volume - maybe some more wires or some plating? I have decided to leave it for this one and maybe try and think of something slightly different for next time - any suggestions would be much appreciated?

He is made of stainless (mix of 304 and 316); joined using TIG; feathers cut with the plasma; rods bent using home made jigs and bending around bits of brass bar in the vice; eyes and claws done on the lathe (mostly with a file).

You will see I struggled a bit getting nice smooth welds around the feet - next time I'm going to be sure to fill in-between the toes before welding to the legs - I think I may have contaminated the deep recesses by quenching in my quench bucket of festering old water between stages?

 

[chunkolini]

Like that, especially the face and feet. Also I can see a link to old fangled wire and canvas flying machines.
Filling in more of him?
I have tried this using sheet steel and did not like what I achieved, very difficult.
Try it on some spare bits first.

Chunko'.,

 

[cumbriasteve]

Very nice, if I ever get some free time from gates and flaming railings I am going to have a go at summat...probably when the log burner (once I have made it) is on, one winters day and business is dead..I will lock myself away with the radio and kettle.

 

[Wozzaaah]

Very nice Graham!

 

[GrahamGKD]

Try it on some spare bits first.

Chunko'.,

Thanks Chunko - yes, that's why I don't want to try adding it to him now - I don't want to spoil him having come this far.

 

[Wriggler]

A strange one, I think in the second picture it looks a bit Harry Potter ish but the face is great.

 

[scarecrow]

Like that, especially the face and feet. Also I can see a link to old fangled wire and canvas flying machines.
Filling in more of him?
I have tried this using sheet steel and did not like what I achieved, very difficult.
Try it on some spare bits first.

Chunko'.,

how about using mesh to fill him in

ps nice work

 

[strube1369]

I like it alot! Sometimes the "simple" ones are more effective than the real detailed ones. Sorta plants the idea into your head without all the details. Very cool!

 

[RedOrZed]

IMO it doesn't need filling in, looks great

 

[badersbus]

Fantastic Graham , Looks the biz

 

[JimM]

Another cracking piece Graham

I'm in the 'fill him in' camp, think Scarecrow's idea of using some mesh might do the trick

Either way keep them coming, you'll have your own zoo soon !

Jim

 

[Chickenjohn]

I like it as it is, the Owl has a great face!

I really like the use of stainless steel also. While I admire Chunko's sculptures I'm not too keen on the rusted look. Stainless steel just looks great and will last and look good for longer.

 

[GrahamGKD]

Thanks for the comments and feedback everyone - very much appreciated.

I have been thinking about mesh for a little while but hadn't got past the possibility of using it for insect wings or fish fins - interesting idea - thanks Scarecrow. I will have to get hold of some and experiment - so many things to try!

Stainless v rusted - to be honest I really like both - the rusted stuff looks especially great in low morning or evening light. I also like working with both stainless and mild steel - it's just nice to have a change every now and then.