This is my first large scale public metal art Project. Literal blood, sweat, and tears went into this project. The sweat is easy to account for. The blood, a couple small accidents, nothing to tell mom about. The tears, those are a little harder to express. I know one was a moment of ‘I’m doing it!” The others were the calls of my dad, whom I lost long ago. I wouldn’t say that I’m trying to get his approval, but I will admit he admired metal art, and it is part of the reason we end up here. Although only part of this project is recycled and painting was a new skill I took on, this project let me get some essential tools and rewire my garage so I no longer had to deal with continuously popping my breakers. I now have a plasma cutter, a air compressor, a 220 welder, and a cutting torch. I am so exited to have all the tools to make my skillset shine. This project started with a random thought, turned designed, then the cutting started. First paper, then cardboard, then steel. I was able to use some recycled steel, with building the body of the butterfly I continued to use recycled pieces in using retired fire extinguishers. In the paint I sat down learned the basics of spraying a car from youtube bought the equipment, high end primer, and clearcoat. Then I crossed my fingers and prayed to God. It turned out great. Melody is located in Graton ND.
