10WICKERSON11

10WICKERSON11 by Michael Wickerson | Make Your Own Book

"feather"

Authenticity has become a key word for me in my life and it reflects my ability to positively affect the existing world around me. It is a force that can be defined by work and distance, however I recognize that the work must be powered by my heart and the distance covered must be done through personal vision.

Naked Architecture

Interested in the architecture of happiness, Michael Wickerson has nurtured a relationship with Architect/directeur Erik Muelenbelt from Naked Architecture in the Netherlands. Both Erik and Michael share several interests in dealing with the possibilities of reconstructing old machines that give a city a unique medieval atmosphere; consider the possibilities of incorporating linear metal castings into existing buildings and structures; and desire to complete the construction and installation of a U-tope at Wickerson Studios in the United States. Sustaining a working and living environment off of any grid system remains the most difficult and exciting question faced by both artist and architect in this international exchange of ideas.

Wickerson Studios

Bronze Casting

Just incase you are interested, I am casting 40# pots of Silicon Bronze in 1 hour in my backyard, I only use KINGSTON charcoal and a gas generator. I am completely off the grid and the power is fantastic to witness. I believe that I am the only human alive doing this. No propane, no natural gas lines, and no electric power lines. Like I said, to witness the furnace in full action is overwhelming. I must act in the early morning hours to avoid heat exhaustion. I melted a steel lid this morning and had plenty of time to clean the metal before pouring. I really must congradulate myself on my sabbatical research that began last fall in Berlin. I call the foundry, the Greive Foundry, and I feel completely authentic in my actions. My anxiety has transformed into pure adrenaline, once and for all. - Michael

The Grieve Foundry

Stationary Equipment:
Bronze Foundry, horizontal bandsaw, vertical bandsaw, drill press, AC welder, table saw, hot saw, compressor, cement mixer, generator, 250 amp stove for burnout, bridge crane, vertical boom

Hand Machines:
Grinder, saws-all, drills, skill saw, router, chainsaw

Hand Tools:
wheel barrow, dolly, shovels, spades, diggers, axes, etc...

Fuel:
Propane, Coke, charcoal, electricity, pneumatic, gasoline

Gravel road, winch system, bloc and tackle, small lawn tractor and 10 cu. ft. trailer,

Garden Food:
Oats, wheat, rye, barley, corn, watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes, peppers, corn, hops, broccoli, etc...

Fallen trees and surrounding mud

Wickerson Studios is a 'state' created from the clay of the earth and the timber of the fallen trees. Two structures have emerged from their foundations: a bathhouse and a foundry.

The bathhouse digs deep into the earth and boils rainwater into the air. It is a place for the mind and soul and constantly resists the term, dwelling. Gardens grow both inside and out and animals nest in its branches and twigs. No work will be done in this place. It is a place for well-deserved rest, relaxation and healing.

The foundry is the laboratory. Raised and rammed from the dead trees and surrounding mud. This building houses the equipment required to cast liquid iron and bronze and the machines capable of manipulating and transforming cold steel. Traditional lost wax castings find their forms within this earthwork and the artist's endurance and strength are tested within its walls.

Sunlight is the only light that is ever provided. The winds and rains penetrate the privacy of these two special places. Everything is seasonal. The summer sun exhausts and the winter chill bites. It is easy to feel alive in this place.

-Michael Wickerson, Winter 2011