Assemblage and disassemlage art

A new era.
I've learned so much recently. And not about fine art. Becoming a mechanic - an artist in tool appreciation - could be a future profession, if there was one.
When the band saw replacement parts arrived, I disassembled the saw, removed the worn pieces, bolted in new ones, stretched new tires on the wheels, found a new way to replace a 'metal self tapping screw' that no longer sufficed. The manufacture's tech support was very helpful with hints and tricks for assembly and complimented me on my own creative answers.
Never knew I would appreciate an exploded diagram.
Hearing a woman's voice asking technical questions may be more commonplace for them, too.
It's like a new machine. Runs like a purring kitten. Guess I really am an assemblage artist.

Band saw in pieces

A 'together' band saw

When One Door Closes...

...another one opens.
Sooner or later.
Just make sure to grab the knob.

My screen door knob     ©robinrkent

I'm always surprised when I look back on moments and only now find the message and notice the convergence in its timing.
Generally patient, sometimes the answers to my wishes come slow. When put in context, I appreciate its karmic pace.
It's now my busy season, and my number one art tool is unavailable.
My bandsaw, a sturdy, trusted and loyal friend, has had a breakdown. Trying my hand at major surgery I found the problem, and sent away for replacement parts. But shipping is 7-10 business days. And not my kind of business days.
This week long reprieve has become a guilt-free gift from creating wall assemblage or sculpture. Clear the shop, make some room. And paint on canvas, maybe, too.
My bandsaw is giving me a summer vacation. What a nice boss.

Swinging In The Rain

(Continuing the story from last post:)
After thinking of (and attempting) many options of how to keep "The Chef' sign standing against the wind and rain, I decided on the most clever idea yet:

buy a plastic swinger sign frame. 

Swinging freely in shop    ©robinrkent

I noticed a small one used at the Town Offices, and then saw them everywhere. But do they come in a size and strength big enough for my 5 foot tall Chef? After calling Florida and Minnesota, I found a shop nearby.

I bolted front and back signs together with a horizontal post between them for the pivot. After slipping the sign over the crossbar, I nudged it a bit. It swung smoothly, like a well oiled machine!

Problem solved. Strong and neat. Happy artist. I couldn't wait to bring him back on the street in front of the Cafe Provence...

One hitch: the sidewalk isn't level. It pitches sideways to the curb and runs backwards down the street. The Chef was banging into the support on the bottom, not happy with the tilt.
After some fine tuning, (a full dimension 2x4 wired to the frame on the curb side), he's swinging again.
I will check on him now and again to make sure he stays 'straightened up and fly right'.

Cafe Provence was selected for the 2013 Editor's Choice Award (Best Food and Dining) in Yankee Magazine.