Functional Found Art Assemblage- Clock

My father worked in advertising for 30 years. He has always been a very creative person. In fact, he began his professional life as an art director before being promoted to creative director. If you watch the new show Trust Me, perhaps this will mean something to you: My father had Eric McCormack's job. Though advertising wasn't his life dream, he turned out to be pretty darn good at it. Maybe you remember "Peter, youre home!"?

Anyway, after retirement, dad was able to truly exercise his creative muscles. Though he wasn't trying to be environmentally responsible, a lifetime of what I call trash shopping (perhaps inspired by a thrifty Jewish father) led him to begin to create amazing sustainable sculptural masterpieces. His assemblages use materials collected from garage sales, dumpsters, and recycling centers.

One series which has garnered a lot of attention from friends and neighbors is his line of folksy Functional Found Art Assemblages (known to the rest of us as clocks). I have one hanging in my building in Brooklyn. Coincidentally, I also design clocks and watches, and I absolutely adore my fathers work. I asked him to help me write up a description of his process so that we could post it on instructables to encourage and inspire others. I can't imagine anything greener than creating something useful and beautiful entirely from recycled and reclaimed materials, and I'm sure there are a few people out there who will appreciate this idea.

Be sure to read all the steps before you start, as the steps are not necessarily chronological so much as logical. Steps 2-5 outline what you will need to collect. The only tools you'll need are a saw, a ruler, a couple pencils and some string, paintbrushes, masking tape, double sided tape, and maybe a protractor and/or compass if you want to be fancy. Also some other methods of attachment like screws, nails, and/or glue depending upon the specifics of our design. Steps 6-9 describe the preparation and assembly process, some of which might be started before you've completed steps 2-5.

Step 1 Dial (aka Face)

To begin this project, be on the lookout for discarded plywood. The older, the more weathered and distressed, the better. Just be careful not to choose anything that will fall apart. This is going to form the dial or face of your clock, so youll need a piece big enough for your desired size. Dad's clocks are relatively large, probably 15-20 inches. The good news is, in this economy, lots of people are choosing to improve their homes rather than move, so I've been seeing tons of full dumpsters near construction sites.

Comments

[ndubey2]

so creative!

[shoppingagent]

I like the idea very very much!

[your dog]

That is really creative!!! Great work!

[nenochan]

wow cool! very nice

[Ieatbabiez]

Beautiful! I love it!

[dobbylvr]

Made one for my mom's new office, will post pics soon!

[porcupinemamma]

This is excellent in every way!!!!!

[dobbylvr]

SO COOL! I really love this!!!!!!!! Now I know what I'll do for father's day...

[robinbnyc]

Absolutely love it...This guy has always been mad creative...from drawing graphic like pictures on the beaches of Maine with his big toe to his good eye in picking through kitstchy flea stuff.

[ahal1]

Very nice!

[janis schwartz]

Not too bad for a big Brother!!!!! His creations are ALWAYS inspirational and original - a TRUE ARTIST!!!!! I love them!

[elliotandjudi]

this is fabulous----love it!

[AckAck]

I toast the artist with at least one glass of Pinot and a fresh ham sandwich!

[oldshoe]

The best assemblage of a transverse process I've seen from where I stand.

[Browncoat]

Bizarre & Wonderful!!

[Doctor What]

Awesome clocks!

[ChrysN]

Those clocks look really cool!