Signs, Signs, Signs

I've had much fun researching , designing and creating the signs to fulfil the clients needs. Each sign is a unique piece that sets the business or restaurant apart from all others.

In 1996 I accepted my first commission for a carved wood sign . This first sign was for The Wine Cottage in Calgary , AB . where it still hangs . I hand carved the Obeechee wood ( White African Walnut ) panel to completion in 225 hours and then stained the piece with Japan Color Stains. It measures 65 cm high x 94 cm wide x 7 cm thick..

1996 My second sign commission in 1996 that I accepted was started shortly after the first was completed . . This one was for The Bike Shop in Calgary , AB. where they sold bikes in the summer and snow boards in the winter . I included images of both Cyclists and snow boarders on the sign . I completed the sign in 18 days using High density Polyethylene ( HDPE) , rubber sheeting and metal. I designed the frame bracket as well , which holds the sign to the building , allowing the sign to be turned so that that either image ( depending on the season ) is up top .

In 1997 I accepted a large carved wood sign commission for the River Bend Station Restaurant in Calgary AB. . Using a 240 cm high x 170 wide x 9 cm thick panel of poplar wood I carved one side and painted the opposite side to resemble the front side in 18 days . I had a metal edge frame made , to hold the sign between two 10 ft. high cedar poles outside the restaurant. I used Japan Color Stains for color .

Also in 1996 I was commissioned to hand carve a large sign , in mahogany , for a restaurant three weeks before it opened . It took 5 days to glue up the panel which measured 165 cm wide x 127 cm high x 10 cm thick and the metal tube frame for the back of the panel . I had 14 days to carve and stain this piece which I accomplished by working 17 hours a day while the last two days were non-stop , which allowed us to install the afternoon of the opening night of the Turqueza Restaurant in Calgary AB. That was close , whew.!

 

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