I had been making my living as a paper sculptor in the illustration and fine art world for many years - happily running my business, Jeanotilla Design. Dimensional art in all forms had always appealed to me. I had a gift for it. That was why I originally got into paper sculpture. But I had been wanting to do larger and larger work for a long time. Work that could be touched by people - not separated by a frame. Work that would last outdoors for years if need be.
So this was my frame of mind as I sat having lunch with a friend at a local Outback Steak restaurant about 19 years ago. I was going on and on about how I wanted to do BIG dimensional work of some sort. I looked up just then and above our table there was this fabulous carved Outback sign with a big kangaroo on it, boomerangs, exotic trees, aboriginal patterns and the like. It was bright and fun. It was covered in tactile texture I could not resist. It just begged for you to run your hands over it. "This! This is it! This is what I want to do. I want to create really cool work like this."
And so I did. That epiphany at Outback fueled my hours and weeks of searching for the ways and means to create signs like that. I pretty much jumped off the 3D cliff based on my faith in that epiphany and the clear vision it provided. I learned new techniques. I bought new equipment. I researched all manner of tools, coatings, chemicals, hardware - you name it. I changed the name of my business to Big3D Productions, Inc. and began. If I could make something like that - that brought me so much joy to look at and brought the business owner such recognition and good will - I would be thrilled and grateful for the opportunity.
It's soon going to be 20 years ago now, but I have never forgotten the feeling I had sitting there looking up at that cool sign. And I am still thrilled and grateful to make my living by creating such unforgettable things. Things that make people run their hand and eyes over it and say, "Cool."
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
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