First Bank Center Chris Engel Memorial Sculpture

You’re welcome to contact the sculptor for more details and images at artist@chinacatsunflower.net

Final Installation

It's always a good feeling to get a project completed.

Installation & Gathering

It's been so hectic. Not much updating has occurred on the blog. 

The sculpture was placed with the base and memorial plaque.  Last July 20, family and friends gathered to honor and give their respects to Chris Engel.  I am glad that there has been some closure for them.

When I visited the sculpture in the early evening, a day after installation, there was a strange upslope wind.  It was spinning around the north side of the building and backwards into the brick wall behind the sculpture.  The figure LIT-UP in a furious dancing motion.  The setting sun bounced off of the shiny steel.  It was nice to see the work move and dance as all had hoped it would.

As I have an opportunity... I am traveling (AGAIN!!) to update with images, I will do so.  Thank you to all those who were involved.

 

Base Construction

Here is the rough layout of the base.  There is also a color break-out image.  Proposed powder coat colors are Dark Gray Fine Texture Semi-Gloss (C241-GR484) and Rust Texture Semi-Gloss (T091-BR47).

The tallest box beam stands 8-feet.  The support pole (black) that is for the figure stands at 11-feet and will be located in the center of the 'buildings'.

All buildings will have flat caps.  The 'CME' painting will have a coat of UV clear gloss applied to surface.

Final Sculpture Ready to Go

Just arriving back from powder coating, the sculpture and support are ready for installation.  This week the final touches will be to assemble the bearing housing.  Installation is scheduled for Tues., July 16 at the First Bank Center.

Installation Date

The support pole and figure are off for their final coatings.  The figure will be changed to a sparkling "Volvo Diamond".  It will be more silver in color.  The support pole will be matte black.

The installation is set for July 16, 2013 at 9am.  The site is being prepared and will be ready.  The installation is in preparation for a family gathering and dedication to take place on-site on July 21.  Hopefully there will be a little wind so the figure will be dancing.

Updated Images

Ready to Go!

Saturday, I worked with Dolores and David to put the final touches on the figure.  It's now loaded and strapped in the truck and ready to powder coat.  We're going to use T391-BG290 Metallic Bronze Semi-Gloss texture with a matte clear finish.  Dave and Dolores will take a look after the powder coating to decide with there should be some color added.

The base is almost ready.  It's waiting it's bearing housing.  The machining got delayed from last week to this week.  Hopefully the component will be ready to install in the next couple of days.

Figure is completed!

The figure has been covered entirely with 28 gauge galvanized steel.  The only portion that has been left for design is the hair.  Large triangle shapes were set in various directions.  The hair will be trimmed and styled.

Then it's ready for powder coating!

 

Progress

The armature has been built.  The outer "skin" covering is being placed.  I am using the texture of the cut sheet metal to create the effect of clothing.  The figure should be ready for it's journey to powder coat early next week.

The kinetic design and parts are at the machine shop near Greeley.  Expecting their return next week.  Colors have been selected for the support pole, base and figure.

The support pole has been cut.  It's awaiting the kinetic housing for it's final construction.  I expect it to ready for powder coating as soon as the kinetic housing comes back from the machinist.  With this much progress... installation should be just around the corner.

Here are some images:

Sample Piece

Project Description

This will be a different approach to a public art piece.  It's a memorial for a young man who was part of a tragic accident during an event at the First Bank Center in Broomfield, CO.  I was contacted by the venue's executive staff to assist the family in building a sculpture in his memory.

So not as a designer or creative sculptor, I am working as a facilitator to fabricate a kinetic sculpture for the family.  This is the beginnings of the project.


Initial Designs:

The building of a model:

Original Project Description:

First Bank Center
“Chris Engel Memorial Sculpture”
Sculptor: Reven Marie Swanson
January 2013
           


Description of Proposed Sculpture
For the sculpture concept and design, it is proposed to fabricate the design “Concept 3" as provided by the family of Chris Engel.  The figure will be mounted on a kinetic bearing housing to allow for wind-powered movement.  The figure will be constructed from 1/4" pencil rod and covered with 22 gauge steel.  The construction and design will give upmost consideration to build in the best likeness to the conceptual drawing and the photograph provided within the sculptor’s repertoire.

The base will be constructed from 6"-square box beam.  A total of 60-feet is estimated for the base construction.  Small figures cut from 1/4" steel plate will be welded to the base.  As a public art consideration, the figure will be placed 10-feet above ground level.  The lowest height of the bases’ box beam assembly will be 3-feet above ground.

All components will be powder coat finish and highly durable.  The finish will include UV protection and easy-clean instructions for annual maintenance.  This sculpture is designed to withstand the natural elements consistent with Colorado’s harsh seasonal changes.

Notes for the Model
The model created for this presentation is a close representation of the proposed sculpture.  The scale is approximate 1-inch = 1-foot.  When the sculpture is ‘wrapped’ with the sheet metal, the forming of the sheet metal will give more representation to the facial features and clothing.  The figure will be a slightly smaller proportion than the model of no longer than 5.5-feet.  The shapes in the clothing will be designed to promote more kinetic movement.  The small figures mounted on the base are proposed to a finished size of 6-8-inches.  The color selections are only a suggestion.   
Inspection and Review of Sculpture’s Progress
The sculptor will notify the family and First Bank Center when certain milestones are reached during the construction of the sculpture.  Progress reports that include images will be provided for review by email and the site of www.revenswansonsculpture.blogspot.com.  The sculptor will provide the opportunity for studio a visit to review the progress firsthand.

Consideration to the Budget
The budget for the base construction has been itemized to inform everyone of the estimated expenses associated with specific design requests.

It is understood that the fabrication of the sculpture is beyond the initial anticipated budget. During the process of fabrication, if there is an opportunity to reduce the expenses, the sculptor will pass those savings onto the First Bank Center.

Installation Timeframe
The expected installation date will be in early-March, prior to March 27, 2013.  To meet the installation deadline, it will be essential that all the proposed design elements of text, dedication plaque and color selections be finalized by the end of January.
   
Installation Site
The First Bank Center will responsible for the installation of a concrete foundation pad.  Sculpture footprint, weight and height information will be provided by the sculptor.

Notes for the Installation
The installation will require the use of a boom truck.  The installation should take no more than a couple of hours to anchor and secure the sculpture to the foundation pad.  It may be performed at a time when little or no traffic will be at the site.

Maintenance Requirements
This sculpture will be suitable for outdoor display.  The finishes will require a small amount of maintenance in the form of washing any bird droppings or pollution residue at least once a year.  Over time, should the finish show fading, an application of quality automotive car wax will restore the finish to nearly-new brightness.  The bearings are placed in a machined double-sealed housing.  They should not require any maintenance.  The colored surfaces will be standard powder coats and enamel paints to insure the touch-paint is readily available.