David Tamez of Public TV Station OETA brought his crew in last night for  final shooting for the Gallery program he's producing about my work. He shot at night so he could have total control over the lighting without any daylight coming through the skylights.

Yesterday morning I got a message from Cynthia Rodriguez saying "you stole my husband and I'm driving up tomorrow and taking him back home." Cynthia & Jose had come up from Austin to go to a niece's wedding in Norman two months ago; Jose decided he'd help me in the studio for a few days and he's still here. But no more, I'm losing him today. Cynthia and their kids Isabella & Gabriel should arrive this afternoon to see why Jose disappeared for two months. Then they'll kidnap Jose and take him back to Austin. It's been a great, productive two months of work on American Beauty and she's almost ready for the foundry.

David L Phelps

Boots filming

David Tamez, Myself, Boots

Ryan setting up lighting

Dave Tamez setting up camera

Camera dolly

Mice in the foreground

Skull in the foreground

part of the filming

The End is Near

Tuesday  August 7th 2012

We're getting close to completion with "American Beauty."

It feels so good to be so close. Four of us cleaned and organized the studio today, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Tomorrow we unify the color in anticipation of the final push to being ready for mold making. Time for a celebration. I foresee a big letdown when "American Beauty" heads off to the foundry. It will be a time of catching up on all the tasks that have been put off in order to get this piece finished. Tomorrow's my parents anniversary; they're off on a much needed adventure at Pismo Beach. I'm ready for an adventure myself. Will probably have to wait until Thanksgiving when Patty, Me,  Sarah and Mike go to Sedona  to Garlands' Lodge for giving thanks for family and happiness.


David L Phelps

Fridays work on "American Beauty" with Jose Rodriguez

Friday morning I finished sculpting the second foot ( other than overall surface smoothing). Jose continued work on the hair. I built a platform that allows me to get up close to the face without being bent over ( I need to protect my back). I made good progress on the nose with a little more to go. This morning I'll finish the nose and move on to the eyes and mouth. Looks like another long day today.

David L Phelps

sacrificing the knees to save the back

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believe it or not, the white model is life size

Thursday's progress on American Beauty

Wednesday progress on American Beauty