In February, my brother, Dean Travis turned 65. In November, Linda Razloznik, my sister-in-law, wanted to purchase “You Make Me Stronger” for him for his birthday. Unfortunately, it was already sold. Linda and their kids, daughters, son in-law, and grandchildren wanted a gift to demonstrate to him their appreciation for his wisdom, support, and advice. He has been a source of strength in our family since I can remember. Linda commissioned the below piece as a testament to their gratitude. I was particularly pleased to be able to take part in such a special gift as he has also been a great big brother. He first stepped up when I was 3 years old. I had decided to run away and live with the chickens on our farm. I headed out through the cotton field barefoot. I did not get far when the undersides of my feet were completely covered in west Texas cockaburs. He carried me home. A year later, swimming in a friend’s pool, he pulled me out of the swimming pool by my ponytail when my life preserver came off. I was not too appreciative at the time, I boy punched him for saving me. Four years older than I was, he always included my in treehouse building, fox hole digging, or just swimming in the horse trough pretending it was a submarine. In my early twenties, when going through a divorce, I sometimes needed his advice in the middle of the night. He always answered. Linda was right; “You make us stronger”. I hope it was a Happy birthday - bro
Hurricane Harvey Heroes- LIVEstock- “Up With the Chickens”
Day 1 and 2
Hurricane Harvey - sculpture day 37 “bringing home the bacon”
Photographer Nash Baker getting the lighting just right before we take the piece of the pedestal.
Hurricane Harvey - sculpture day 36 “bringing home the bacon”
Each piece is sewn onto the sculpture with a piece of wire in at least three places. It is slow meticulous work. It is a meditation. I have to really slow down and look very carefully for the best places to connect each piece to the sculpture. The wires used to attach the pieces can not look functional. The connections have to be hidden. My goal is to keep the water light and moving. Harvey was all about the water.
Hurricane Harvey - sculpture day 37.5 “bringing home the bacon”
Finished?
Hurricane Harvey - sculpture day 37 “bringing home the bacon”
More splashing
Hurricane Harvey - sculpture day 35.5 “bringing home the bacon”
Re working the splashing made by the figure wading through the flood.
Hurricane Harvey - sculpture day 35 “bringing home the bacon”
Reworking the splash
Hurricane Harvey - sculpture day 34.5 “bringing home the bacon”
The first day of working on the splash made from walking through flood water.
Hurricane Harvey - sculpture day 34 “bringing home the bacon”
How to sculpt a splash
Hurricane Harvey - sculpture day 33.5 “bringing home the bacon”
Hurricane Harvey - sculpture day 33 “bringing home the bacon”
adding details
Detail to pant legs- water splashing off as he walks through the water.
Hurricane Harvey - sculpture day 32 “bringing home the bacon”
Creating tension
Hurricane Harvey - sculpture day 30 “bringing home the bacon”
Hurricane Harvey - sculpture day 29 “bringing home the bacon”
Right hoof
Hurricane Harvey - sculpture day 28.5 “bringing home the bacon”
Hurricane Harvey - sculpture day 28 “bringing home the bacon”
Today’s ingredients
Hay, string and wire-cloth to be mixed with plaster.
The left leg Preplaster
Hoof vibrations
Hurricane Harvey - sculpture day 27.5 “bringing home the bacon”
The first day of plaster
Hurricane Harvey - sculpture day 27 “bringing home the bacon”
Frint side of Left leg
Right leg
Left leg side view
Hurricane Harvey - sculpture day 26 “bringing home the bacon”
Building the ears and adding baling wire before the plaster.
Looking nose to nose