Special Projects
Following are some special projects Nelson has been involved in recently.
George Lucas' Jedi Bounty Hunter
Here’s the short version of the story.
I was contacted by Lucasfilm Ltd. to see if I was interested in participating in a new book project. George Lucas contacted over 100 artists from all over the world and invited them to submit an interpretive piece of art in their specific style of a Star Wars theme for this upcoming book. The conditions he placed on the artists were: 1) He had to approve the sketch before the artist was to proceed with the painting. 2) He had to approve the painting before they would commit to use it in the new book. 3) He had the first right of refusal to purchase the painting. 4) He owned the copyright of the painting.
I ended up submitting several sketches as he and I worked together to develop a new Star Wars character in my style. I finally did a quick sketch of a new light saber that he fell in love with. From there we worked together to develop a painting of the new character which is called Maverick Bounty Hunter. George Lucas not only accepted the piece as part of the new book, entitled "Star Wars Art Visions", but he purchased the piece for his private collection. He is very demanding and a very good critic. I learned a lot working with him and was grateful to have been stretched as an artist.
I was contacted by Lucasfilm Ltd. to see if I was interested in participating in a new book project. George Lucas contacted over 100 artists from all over the world and invited them to submit an interpretive piece of art in their specific style of a Star Wars theme for this upcoming book. The conditions he placed on the artists were: 1) He had to approve the sketch before the artist was to proceed with the painting. 2) He had to approve the painting before they would commit to use it in the new book. 3) He had the first right of refusal to purchase the painting. 4) He owned the copyright of the painting.
I ended up submitting several sketches as he and I worked together to develop a new Star Wars character in my style. I finally did a quick sketch of a new light saber that he fell in love with. From there we worked together to develop a painting of the new character which is called Maverick Bounty Hunter. George Lucas not only accepted the piece as part of the new book, entitled "Star Wars Art Visions", but he purchased the piece for his private collection. He is very demanding and a very good critic. I learned a lot working with him and was grateful to have been stretched as an artist.
The Arch at Sand Creek
The city of Sandpoint, Idaho invited artists/architects to submit a proposal for a 40-foot-long arch over Main Street in downtown Sandpoint. My design was selected, and the arch was constructed in 2011.
The Arch at Sandpoint consists of 94 aluminum fish (ranging in size from 2’ to 5’) “swimming” over Main Street. The fish are pin hinged so that in a breeze they move, giving an illusion of a swimming school of fish. The main support structure is constructed of used recycled I-beams and the aluminum fish are cut out of used, recycled highway signs donated by the Idaho Department of Transportation. There are red “STOP” sign fish, orange “YEILD” sign fish, blue “ADOPT A HIGHWAY” sign fish and yellow “WARNING” sign fish. The arch is a delightful array of color, sizes, movement, and lighting.
The Arch at Sandpoint consists of 94 aluminum fish (ranging in size from 2’ to 5’) “swimming” over Main Street. The fish are pin hinged so that in a breeze they move, giving an illusion of a swimming school of fish. The main support structure is constructed of used recycled I-beams and the aluminum fish are cut out of used, recycled highway signs donated by the Idaho Department of Transportation. There are red “STOP” sign fish, orange “YEILD” sign fish, blue “ADOPT A HIGHWAY” sign fish and yellow “WARNING” sign fish. The arch is a delightful array of color, sizes, movement, and lighting.
Jackson Hole Airport Mural
I was contacted by Legacy Gallery in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and asked if I was interested in painting a mural for the new Jackson Hole airport. There were over 50 artists who responded and submitted their name and work to be considered. I was selected by the airport committee to be one of the 10 artists invited to interview for the project. They ended up commissioning three artists. I did several sketches proposing a 4’ x 24’ “cowboy” theme done in watercolor (on one piece of paper). Working with the committee was a challenge (a good one) because they really wanted moose in the mural. It took some doing, but I ended up painting a piece that includes seven cowboys/cowgirls and two moose.
The Tower AT THE BOREN'S FARM
This is a back yard playground Nelson designed and built for his nineteen grandchildren. It's mainly built from old and recycled building materials - old barn word, used metal correlated roofing material, used telephone poles, etc.
|
|
Architectural Work
I am a retired architect who practiced in Idaho, Arizona, Utah. Projects include a wide variety of civic projects such as a libraries, fire stations, medical buildings, commercial establishments, churches, and many others.
