Mexican Bird of Paradise

                       Mexican Bird of Paradise

I am asked quite often, “How long did it take you to make that thing?”  The time varies with the complexity and size of the vessel, but I keep a log of actual work time.  For the “Mexican Bird of Paradise”, it took approximately 153 hours, including time to prepare materials

The next question I get is, "How do you make these things?"  That Question is so frequent that I decided to explain  the basic process I follow in constructing these vessels in a book.  Considering the energy and time it took me to completer this publishing project will take a while to balance out my time in answering that question, but it has been a pleasant new experience and I find it fits well with my art work.  The art piece. 'Mexican Bird of Paradise'  was constructed step by step and recorded with photos and text through the entire process.  The book was published by Wheatmark and is listed on Amazon where it may be browsed electronically. The cover is shown below and access is also available on my web site:  www.apatchablue.com

The wood used in construction of this vessel is locally collected Mexican Bird of Paradise. This plant, a native of South America and Mexico, has become naturalized in the U. S. Southwest.  It is not to be confused with the tropical African Bird of Paradise.  The scientific family name, “Caesalpinia”, has been replaced in most general reference with “Mexican Bird of Paradise”.  It is a member of the pea family, producing poisonous seeds in long slender pods.  The foliage and blossoms have an unpleasant odor but its bright colors have given it an important role in landscaping.  The shrub can grow to 10’ in height and withstands desert heat and low humidity.  It drops its leaves in winter and can be pruned back severely because it is a fast grower.  Its bright blooms last throughout the summer.  The wood is soft and the branches contain a pithy center.  This adds to the design and texture of the vessel.

             


           Mexican Bird of Paradise plant

Technical Vessel Information                                      

Size:  36”h x 10”w x 8”d

Weight:  10 lb.

Materials:  Mexican Bird of Paradise wood segments, Fiberglass shell, and resin.

Source:  Tucson, Arizona

Construction:  A Styrofoam core was developed and then covered with a fiberglass shell.  Wood segments from the Mexican Bird of Paradise plant were then attached to the shell with resin.  Resin-grout was used to fill between segments and when cured the surface was worked down to #100 grit sandpaper.  The Styrofoam core was removed and cast resin top and bottom sections were added.  The vessel surface was smoothed and finished to the desired result.

Finish:  An oil finish was applied to the wood segments and two coats of paste wax were applied and buffed down.

More detail can be found on my art at my website <www.apatchablue.com>