Shear Ring Series

The Shear Ring series of spheres is named for the raw material and is special in many ways. The shear rings, themselves, have a strong Maine history and their chain of custody add a rich dimension to their legacy. The shear rings originated as components in the massive trusses of hangars built at Brunswick Naval Air Station, and many others around the nation during the efforts of WWII. It was desirable to construct these trusses of wood, due to the need for steel in high demand. The addition of the shear rings in the design to help absorb the shear load, allowed the popular wooden trusses to span 120 feet. In the year 2000, Hangar #2 at BNAS was demolished. These huge trusses were cut apart into sections that could be trucked over the road and were reclaimed by Barnstormers, a company that repurposed industrial lumber. When Barnstormers was processing the lumber at Thompson's Point in Portland, the crew disassembled the staggered layers of lumber and as the shear rings came out of the cord members they were tossed into large barrels. A few years later, in 2004, David McLaughlin acquired the special material and transported the resource to his rambling studio in Liberty, Maine.

Not long after that time, a relationship with David and I began. I had reached out to him for some advise regarding blacksmithing and it was the beginning of an incredible friendship and mentorship. .This was the start of a transformation for me and David was influential in many ways. I am sorry to say that in 2010 my great friend took his own life. On that same day he penned a letter to me with his wish for his most cherished collection of shear rings. He wanted them to be used to continue on the subject of spheres. It would be an honor.

Soon after the shear rings arrived at my studio efforts began on the first sphere. Suddenly, it seemed that this sphere should be unique and should be easily recognized as the first one. While contemplating this situation, I glanced out my studio window and in view was my personal collection of four spheres that McLaughlin had made years earlier. One of the four was selected to be hung inside the larger sphere being created. This led to the creation of Late Collaboration, a sculpture representing a vision McLaughlin and I had spoken of earlier........a sphere within a sphere. This sculpture inspired the creation of A Spirit of It's Own, a larger version created with the same raw materials. the very first email announcing this creation eventually led to the prominent installation at the Portland International Jetport.

The chain of events that followed that initial announcement has provided much real experience regarding the process and everything involved to properly pull off a Public Art installation. There is certainly a lot involved and good things take time. It is hard to explain the satisfaction garnered by the opportunity to honor my late friend, David McLaughlin, for his thoughtful and generous contribution. The people and the visitors of Maine are the winners here for years to come.

Click here to check out this video produced by the Portland Public Art Committee

Image taken at studioJBONE early in 2017.

a shot looking through spiritual Influence at studioJBONE. — a shot looking through *spiritual Influence at studioJBONE.*

Definitely one of my favorite spheres on the planet Earth!!    Thank you, David! — Definitely one of my favorite spheres on the planet Earth!! Thank you, David!