Hybridtufa --- Thanks a million for the outstanding pix. Great to hear that Carlos has his hands on such a wonderful piece of Maximo's work. Is he doing some restoration on it for someone...or has he acquired it back into the family?

Wow! Fantastic photos of a fantastic work of art. Was this over an actual well at some point? Thank you for sharing this!! BB

Hybridtufa, appreciate the pics you put up for us to see, and the html pics thingy is so easy to access!!!
Tango, as I was studying the work, I noticed what appeared to me to be a kind of pitting, almost like bug-holes, in the lower section of the piece. Maybe my ignorance, maybe they are a feature of the finish.
But the mind went on to the next obvious question, If the piece was made in the 50's or whenever, what kind of mix and/or materials were available for use then? And is that why the work is now in Carlos' hands now, ie, for restoration?
The technology we have available now, at the touch of a mouse button, can offer us the possibility of using materials such as the wonderfully effective admixtures we see being used in concrete. And technology also offers us a window on the science/practice of the past, for example the use of silica fume, which originated in Rome, I think, using ash from the fallout from Pompeil
Their stuff is still standing. So are many of the medieval castles in England and Scotland. These were built using lime-based mortars that are not in common use now, but they worked, well beyond the time of their creators.
So, the art is evolving, discovering 'new' materials and methods, and investigating past methods and materials.
Sometimes I think that is one of the best things about living in these times.
But getting back to the question, did Maximo Cortes have available to him, only the basics in materials? Is this a case of the 'art' in the artist, making up for the limitations of what he had to work with?
I marvel at some of the work around the world, like the tight fitting stone-work done by the Peruvians, and how they did it. It seems that 'intent' can overcome the apparent limitations of what we have before us.
I guess this is what sets apart the two worlds of what is, and what could be, and defines the process of creating.
Even down to the humble pursuit of making a piece of 'yard art' for the garden.
Sorry, I'm rambling, no sleep. This whole field of working with these materials excites, and keeps you awake.
Sign-off,
Slate

Slate --- Since I haven't seen this wonderful piece in person (yet) or spoken with Carlos, I'd be guessing about the holes, but I do know that it was a common practice by many of the early artisans to incorporate "bugholes" to be consistent with old weatherd and exposed wood. Heck, I do the same thing today. But, you might querry Hybridtufa, as he is a friend of Carlos, who I believe lives in or around San Antonio. Be curious myself.

I've done quite a bit of research on the history and development of cement, and I can tell ya' that even basic Portland has changed dramatically since most of the "old" work was done. Much finer ground today with quite a few major modifications to the chemistry. And as for admixtures, they mostly relied on fairly common things like sugar, salt & milk for a variety of effects. The Romans tried all manner of additives including blood. We have it easy today, what with all the modern chemistry. But, I can also tell you that the old guys working back around the turn of the last century also knew a few tricks that apparently no one alive today can match. Sadly, they were all so secretive, they took them to the grave with them. With Maximo & Dionicio, the art was most deinitely within the artists. They were amazing. Even more so when you think about what they had to work with.

hybridtufa, Thanks for posting that link. That is a gorgeous piece. Are you still making pieces? Billie

Wow, that is gorgeous. Thanks for the pics.

Amy

The family that had the piece built sold their house and are storing the well at Carlos' til it sells. They have already turned down $20,000. Any takers?

Wow! Twice that sounds like a steal to me...seriously. That's a bargain price for a one-of-a-kind national treasure. Outta' my league, but a bargain just the same.

Thanks, HT, for posting the well pictures. I wish I could have looked over his shoulder while he was making this faux bois piece. Very special!

Jean

That is indeed a national treasure! Thanks hybridtufa. Amazing.
Leigh