I'm a big Dena fan. Lucky you!

(you also sound real nice).

Rick; on the surface seems like a nice guy. I think below that kind surface he is quite meticulous and downright organized, all in addition to being generous and nice.
He was a good sport, was here during an afternoon when it rained a lot. He went from one end of the yard to the next, slogging through the grass, and even got to see the 'den' where all my indoor creating is done. Well as he said, he thinks I need help, I think he was refering to professional non concrete help! My husband is quite understanding. Will post a pic on my webshots in a new visiting album, Others who are in town and brave enough to visit let me know, and maybe we could get together. It was really nice to talk to someone in person. Thanks Rick for stopping by and as I mentioned I am so anxious for some weather to try 'mymud'.
Dena

Here is a link that might be useful: visiting behind the fence

And I know this should not be just a conversation between myself and Rick. But I also want to thank you Rick for sharing pictures of your projects!!!!

Thank-you for posting the pics of you two.
It's so nice to put a face to all the helpful advice and encouragement you guys have given.
I really have appreciated it.
~Debbie~

Well,I'm blushing!Thanks to Dena for the kind words.
Hope to see more of the tufa/concrete crowd soon.
Cheers from here

great story. Surely the 2 of you bounced ideas around while you were together and have some new inspirations to share...??? Tell us more.
Laura

Laura,
Well we talked diet for concrete tufa materials, how to make them thinner and lighter without damaging the strength. We talked sealers, mold materials, ingredients in his 'mymud', compared fibers, looked at a couple of things I had on my work table 'underconstruction', talked about paint and finishing work. We turned over some rocks, and leaves and talked about presentation, what others see in what is displayed, and how in my yard some things I would not let leave, or sell because they were experiments, and not a 'finished' product, so I get the culls a lot of time.
There was a brief but intriguing conversation about adding other materials to a piece either during construction or to complete the piece, so mixed media i.e copper wire, fabric, wood, rope, glass etc. similar to how clay workers/sculptures add materials. Mixing media is always food for thought.
Even though this forum often talks about making things for their beauty and as an art piece, the onlooker many times still only sees a garden structure or a piece of concrete. Please do not misinterpret, I think the work done and shared on this forum is interesting, intriguing and very artistic!!!!! And for me the yard is my outdoor living space!
The masks that Rick makes can be displayed inside as art or outside as an extension of an inside gallery show. The spheres will be very interesting to see what develops there; as Rick is willing to experiment with different mixes and will likely get a mix that he can market or at least have made for him at the local supply store.
It would be great to have had more people and a place to 'practice' what we do and share ideas and how toos, like a workshop/seminar...so keep that in mind when you are traveling near to where others on this forum live, it really was nice to talk shop with someone who is also eager to share and listen.
And again anyone coming this way I would love to get together and experiment.
And of course we talked about all the fantastic people on this forum!!!!
Happy creating,
Dena

Hi, Dena and Rick,

What fun! Oh, to be a dragonfly on your shoulder to hear all of the neat stuff you two were talking and dreaming about.

Dena, you've been my inspiration and mentor for years. I appreciate so much your generous spirit and gift for teaching. Thank you!

Eva

I hope that, with this thread, we all think about visiting others.We all tend to work in isolation,with only this forum for exchange of ideas.In my case,with four days of Rotary meetings in Seattle,I was able to get off to a good start with my visit to Dena.I made the time to get together,as did Dena.So,when you're out in the Pacific NW for holidays and all your partner wants to do is ski,golf,or fish,get in touch with someone from this area.I GUARANTEE that you'll go home richer for the experience.
And...
I hope that the seed has been planted for "mud ups",the gathering of like minded(that is,slightly off the beam)crafters of concrete.Not just here,but around where you are as well.Reach out and play in the mud with someone!!
Cheers from here

Here's me groaning in envy from interior BC. Rick, we do work in isolation, thankfully we do have the net at least:)
If we could have a coastal mud pit gathering, let me know :)

Hi!
I just stumbled across this old thread, but I just want to chime in anyway, in case there are still folks in the Pacific NW who would like to meet up!

I would love to find other concrete artists in the Seattle area to share ideas and projects!

Thanks,

Nancy