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Found Materials are gathered and loaded into Abby's studio.
The Shopping cart that will form the hull of the boat is examined and measured.
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We plan our approach for constructing the bow... |
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...and begin building. |
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Cleats are fabricated and curves formed. |
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Day One progresses smoothly using the reclaimed crate wood.
The rough frame of the bow is firmly in place.
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| Day Two of Fabrication: 05/09/09 |
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Abby draws and cuts the complex hull curves.
I struggle to secure the form using the reclaimed hardwood - which proves brittle and less cooperative than yesterday's scraps.
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A little after lunch, we've built out the exoskelton of the bow of the boat. |
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We spend the rest of the afternoon trying to decide how best to approach the stern of the boat...
...so we are ready for next week's work
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| Day 3 of Fabrication: 05/14/09 |
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Our second week begins with securing the bow for the future lattice work... |
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and building a cleat system for the stern. |
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At this point the cart is still easily manueverable - with each component (the stern and the bow) detachable - and able to be reassembled on site.
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With the stern stabilized, we have a better idea of the length (and strength) of the vessel and start to build out.
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| Day 4 of Fabrication: 05/15/09 |
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By mid-day, we've cut the curve of the bottom and built the frame of the roof.
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With the skeleton complete, the overall line of the vessel is now clear.
Our salvaged crate pine was running low so the timing couldn't be better.
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The roof is assembled from scraps of hardwood gathered from a local furniture maker. |
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Their irregular, erractic ends form a charming line; it will be a shame to cover it. |
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| Week 3 of Fabrication: 05/16/09- 05/24/09
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With Abby's upcoming show at PS122 Gallery and my trip to DC, Week 3 is spent working separately.
In my studio in Philly, I work out the designs for the painted sides of the boat.
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I also work out the narrative composition for the panel on the top of the bow.
Meanwhile Abby is busy with the sculpted masthead back in Brooklyn.
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| Week 4 of Fabrication |
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On Week 4, we decide to tackle the front of the boat. |
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Bending the found lattice around the bow is slow and laborious. |
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The shell becomes sturdier as we add on.
Our techniques for dealing with the damaged wood improve...
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... and the weathered nature of the materials certainly has its appeal. |
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We visually place the painted sides, but leave the assembly for the final stages.
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| Final Week of Construction: 06/05/09 - 06/07/09 |
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Back at work, we finish wrapping the bow of the boat. |
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The next step is sealing the wood with a coat of molten wax. |
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While I coat the exterior, Abby reinforces the interior with adhesive. |
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In the afternoon, Abby builds out the seating in the stern... |
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While I construct a shelving system using the interior of the cart for the transplanted mint. |
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Abby tests out the bench - safety googles still in place - before
we call it a night.
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The next day we work without stopping for documentation along the way... |
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The sculpted mast head and painted elements are added. |
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The lattice is wrapped up from the stern... |
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Shelving is secured... |
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A cleat is built to support the seating area out of a found barricade.
It will also help secure the sculpture on site.
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We work late into the evening covering the sides with the hardwood scraps.
Too dark for photos, we have to return the next morning to document.
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After finishing up some final adjustment, we take the vessel on her first test drive.
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She rolls quite easily into the freight elevator and onto the loading dock. |
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Taking advantage of a deserted Sunday morning at the Brooklyn Army Terminal, we begin to push her towards the dock. |
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Not wanting to place too much stress on the wheels, we keep the excursion brief. |
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From the dock we can see the sculpture's future home on Governors' Island; it is easy to imagine her here. |
