Journal entry for September 28, 2001

Today's summary: New custom scorpion sculpture planned. My "To Do" list.

The hook, 3.5 inches by 1.5 inches: Click for a larger view

The photoedited scorpion "sketch": Click for a larger view

I've been talking to a fellow who used to live in Arizona. He collects scorpion-related items (sounds like an interesting pursuit!). So, he's considering having me make him a scorpion as a custom commission. I won't say his full name since I prefer to err on the side of caution in terms of privacy.

So, I was chatting with him online, and discussing the possibilities. I told him about those huge silvery tuna hooks I picked up back when I was at the beach, and he seemed interested. So, I said I would scan in the hook and make some sketches so he could have a guess at what this scorpion might look like. I edited photos of the other scorpion I made as an example.

I'm figuring... copper wire. All copper and silver. The steel claws would be silvery, and I'd tip them with copper leaf. Similarly the tail could be copper striped. I'll write later about whether this proposal goes over well.

(Later: He said he has many copper scorpions already, might prefer some more silver instead. So, we're still negotiating...)

My "To Do" list.

My friend flyingcar came over to work out, and he ended up going through all my sculpture blades and parts, and we discussed another custom bug for him, too. AND, a coworker of mine ALSO is considering getting a scorpion.

So... I have a big "To Do" list for my sculpture. Here's everything I can think of offhand that I've been wanting to make, in no particular order:

• This scorpion, and maybe another for my coworker.
• flyingcar's bug with the sawblade wings.
• The terrorism-inspired sculpture using that wasp vial.
• Something using that chicken bone from yesterday.
• Finish shadowbox, take photos, pack and ship mosquito to Jim in Brooklyn.
• A life cycle of egg -- caterpillar -- chrysalis -- adult.
• Two insects fighting, or perhaps one preying upon another (diorama?).
• A razor'd flower, with sharp petals, hook stamens and thorns, sharp leaves.
• Experiment with stamps and PMC, when the stamps show up.