Recyclure Tier III

New direction of an established concept.

Cockamamie IV - Cockamamie Light

An invitation to participate in an upcoming exhibition, SOOT, at the Made: art boutique, www.madephx.com, had me back to welding and grinding. Here is a crude photo of my submission. I like to abide by the old expression "there is money in arc-welding." Well even if there isn't, it fun as hell being that close to so much electrical current an heat. This, being #4 in the 'Cockamamie' series, is approximately one foot shorter than it's predecessors; quiet a bit lighter, too.

New Mokume-gane Lure

One of three and time is short, so I'm at least getting this one up to blog-status. Will soon be posted to my Flickr, Etsy, and Crafthaus... with the other two. Mokume-gane is copper and fine silver, floral elements are torch-fired, enameled copper. One of three made for the 4th Annual Intercollegiate Metals Exhibition.

Newly posted items on Etsy

The Original Recyclure Fishing Lure. Not all the lures in the image have been listed, but if'n you'd like to request a specific lure, holler! www.teddmcdonah.etsy.com. Some jewelry pieces listed recently as well.

LaCrosse Tradition

My experiences as an art student at the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse were all positive, but none more so than those I took away from having had Bill Fiorini as a professor, instructor, and mentor. The most significant skill I was taught, was the production of diffusion-bonded Mokume-gane. At the time of my graduation I was still "dabbling" with the process, but later, in graduate school, I was able to spend the time to make mistakes, experiment with different metal combinations, build forges, and pattern-out material to the point I got very comfortable with the process. I am, typically, only making materials for my self, stock piling until a need arises.

Together Again

This past march I was able, through the generosity of Ruth Anne Knapp, able to attend a gathering at the University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse. The event loosely entitled "40 Years of Metals at UW-L" was an event to honor and celebrate the retiring of Professor, Bill Fiorini. Shown are (from L to R) Bill Fiorini, Brad Nichols, Becky (Chader) McDonah, Tedd McDonah, James Viste, Ruth Anne Knapp, Dale Wedig, and Mike LaRonge.