Balloon Chat

Uncategorized Boards => Balloon Chit Chat => Topic started by: Graham Lee on April 22, 2011, 08:12:18 AM

Title: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 22, 2011, 08:12:18 AM
I'm off to Dublin on Sunday for a week with Colin Myles, Colin has been commisioned to make a few large sculptures over the week in a school with some of the children helping and learning the basics for balloon modelling and he has kindly invited me to join him and help. Really looking forward to it and I'm all booked on ryanair which was a challenge in itself as I think they now even charge you to use the loo and walk on the plane. Not sure about internet connection when there but hoping the hotel has free wifi so that I can upload a few pictures as we go.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Pam Pearce on April 22, 2011, 11:14:08 PM
Wow... Have fun guys

Pam
xxx
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 24, 2011, 08:29:16 AM
Well all packed and ready to go nearly, just have to check the weight I'm allowed to take with me for the suitcase.
On the 3.30 flight and meeting Colin outside the airport at 5.00 if everything goes according to plan.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Kenny on April 24, 2011, 08:52:27 AM
Give me a call if you venture to Cork. ;)
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Tonya on April 24, 2011, 01:57:29 PM
Wow...how exciting Graham!  Sounds like tons of fun.  Give Colin a hug for me and tell him I said hi!
Can't wait to see pics!

Happy Easter and I hope you make it there without any issues!  ;)
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Neil on April 24, 2011, 09:40:52 PM
Make sure you get Colin to buy you a Guinness or two, Graham - although, being a Dundonian he'll probably pretend he's left his wallet behind, so watch out for that one!  :D  :D

Have a brilliant time.

--Neil
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 25, 2011, 08:57:47 PM
We went for a guinness tonight and guess who paid, yes it was I. There has been a slight change of plan as we are not staying in the hotel but a small B+B which is very nice and homely but we have a two room self catering apartment next to the house and the wifi does not reach the apartment, the lady has been very kind and let us sit in her lounge to get onto the internet. The school has internet but it's controlled from the headmasters room which is locked till the children return to school in May. So I will have limited acess over the week.
We had 6 children helping today, a small number but a lot have been away for easter and the bank holiday and we are expecting more tomorrow. Colin has been building the frame work and I have been showing the children how to make the basic models, tieing a knot and sizing etc. So far things are going to plan but we have decided to get the children to work and twist in pairs to help keep the quality of the work up and to build up their confidence.
I have taken a few pictures but will load these onto the computer and re-size in my room tonight so that I'm not too long in the landladies lounge and post them tomorrow.
We have been out the last two evenings and had nice meals both nights and the scenery and towns are most pleasent, a throw back in a nice way to years gone by.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 25, 2011, 09:39:40 PM
Just tried to load up some pictures which at home take about 30 secs to add three and it has just taken over two minutes to add one so I think I will give upo for tonight and try again tomorrow.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: colin myles on April 26, 2011, 07:38:42 PM
Having fun in Ireland, Neil what is a wallet ?????
just had a very good Moroccan meal tonight in Dublin
I am sure Graham will add more when he gets time
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 26, 2011, 09:41:35 PM
Attempting to load some pictures onto the site, hoping they will load quicker than yesterday?
Looks like things are OK today, this is the school hall. The second picture is the mosaic that the pupils did last Easter all made from beads.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 26, 2011, 09:43:53 PM
The basic framework forthe monster truck.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 26, 2011, 09:46:23 PM
The framework wrapped in latex to hide the ali rod, half of one of the wheels.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 26, 2011, 09:47:52 PM
These are all from day 1, Bank holiday Monday.
The petrol pumps are from the self serve in Baltinglass which is where we are in Southern Ireland, an hours drive south from Dublin.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Neil on April 26, 2011, 10:02:36 PM
The photo above shows one half of one wheel!  Blimey - it IS a monster truck.

Your photos are excellent, Graham, and many thanks to both you and Colin for publishing a 'photo-mentary' (?I'm sure there's a real word for it) of your work.  It is brilliant to get an understanding of how big scupltures are built.  We (well, me anyway!) learned LOADS from Paul and Pam's workshop in March, and being hungry to learn even more this is of huge benefit and gratefully received.  Thank you both.  :)

--Neil
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: John T on April 27, 2011, 07:13:52 AM
what is the frame made of???

its looking great so far.

john
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 27, 2011, 07:17:26 AM
The frame is made from alluminium rod, we are sitting having breakfast at the moment looking out on a lovely view;
This is the view from our B+B;
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 27, 2011, 07:22:03 AM
The project is to get the children helping with all aspects of the sculptures so the quality of the work for 12 year olds is very good. Pictures from Day Two;
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 27, 2011, 07:24:21 AM
Wrapping the balloons around the frame, this does have a technical name which Colin will need to refresh my memory as I have forgotten at the moment;
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 27, 2011, 07:27:01 AM
Things progressing nicely;
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 27, 2011, 07:29:27 AM
Colin weaving the inner section for the wheels and the headlights, this is the last of the day two pictures.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 27, 2011, 09:38:58 PM
I can honestly say I'm a bit tired or words to that effect as Colin and I have just worked from 9 till 7.30 today with only a few short breaks but the truck is 99% finished. We now have to start on the other five sculptures in the morning and have them finished by Friday night. So pictures from Day Three, our self contained B+B apartment and the view from the drive. We redid the head light section from 260 single to double wrapped 350's, looks a lot better.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 27, 2011, 09:42:49 PM
We were very pleased with the help we got from the children today, I think there must have easily been 25/30 helping us.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 27, 2011, 09:44:34 PM
More pictures;
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 27, 2011, 09:48:19 PM
Building the front radiator section of the truck worked well as the children pre twisted the balloons to size and I weaved them into place. We were having to work things a lot different than normal as we had so many pairs of hands wanting to help at every stage, sometimes Colin and I could not keep up with them all.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 27, 2011, 09:50:09 PM
A view from underneath and the truck finally goes up after 2.5 days, it got a big cheer from everyone at this stage.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 27, 2011, 09:54:16 PM
The start of the wheels, still have over 20 pictures to load from today but will try to add while having breakfast in the morning.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 27, 2011, 09:55:46 PM
Last few for tonight;
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 28, 2011, 07:21:04 AM
Just had breakfast and have a few minutes before we set off again;
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 28, 2011, 07:23:01 AM
The pictures are all from day three still,
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 28, 2011, 07:24:48 AM
It's starting to come together;
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 28, 2011, 07:26:29 AM
Last few from day three;
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 28, 2011, 07:28:00 AM
Just found a few more;
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 28, 2011, 07:30:19 AM
Colin and I with the nearly finished monster truck, just have to add some springs and sort the under carriage out this morning and then onto the next sculptures.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Neil on April 28, 2011, 06:19:06 PM
:shock:  :shock: WOW!!!  Fantastic, guys - it looks amazing!!

Any idea how many balloons you got through??

Can't wait to see the other sculptures.

--Neil
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Smiggle on April 28, 2011, 07:10:48 PM
Absolutely brilliant - well done both and a big well done for all your young helpers - were there any potential new twisters?
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 28, 2011, 09:10:58 PM
Onto the pictures from Day Four, the children are of different levels but they are all very polite and friendly and you can have a good laugh with them. Charlie who will be in one of the pictures later went up to Colin all innocent on Wed and said, Colin what are you trying to do, I fell about laughing, maybe the highlight of the week, well no not really we have had many and it's been an absolute joy to be here and working with Colin and the children, some fantastic memories.
It took about 45 mins to finish the monster truck under carriage this morning, we have now decided to add some bars to the back after seeing the pictures, so another 30 mins again tomorrow.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 28, 2011, 09:12:40 PM
Last few of the truck;
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 28, 2011, 09:14:33 PM
Starting on Bertie Bassett;
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 28, 2011, 09:17:27 PM
We were so busy I forgot to get a picture of the framework for the swing, it was made from plastic conduit that they use for electrical cables, the round type and joined with ali rod and tape on the corners.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 28, 2011, 09:19:32 PM
Bertie's face
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 28, 2011, 09:21:25 PM
Bertie on the way to completion, some of the children cleaning the balloons before they spray it.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 28, 2011, 09:24:10 PM
This is Charlie who made the comment to Colin, he is hiding under the start of the bi-plane that we are hoping to finish off tomorrow.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 28, 2011, 09:28:29 PM
Colin built the swing while it took me all day to do the Bertie sculpture and the start of the bi-plane, I'm definately on the slow side.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 28, 2011, 09:30:07 PM
Last one for today and we are now all up to date, we changed the look of the feet for Bertie.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Neil on April 28, 2011, 10:02:57 PM
Just brilliant!!

It's not often (if ever?) I wish back to my schooldays, but if someone had come to my school to show us how to do this, I'd have been much more interested and it wouldn't have taken me all these years to discover how magical, inspirational and uplifting balloon art could be.  I am sure many of the children will be inspired to buy some balloons and take it from there.

Really, really well done and such a great example of your skills and what can be done with 'some balloons'(!)

--Neil
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Thelma Levett on April 28, 2011, 11:45:10 PM
Brilliant.  I bet the children were delighted too.  They all look so good.  That must have been quite an experience organising the children to make them.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Danny the Idiot on April 29, 2011, 08:54:02 AM
It all looks incredible - well done Colin, Graham and the kids!
 :shock:
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: nippy99 on April 29, 2011, 10:24:45 AM
Absolutely stunning! Well done.

What will you do with those balloons afterwards?
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Smiggle on April 29, 2011, 04:21:52 PM
if they're going to be popped don't forget to save the lips for Thelma  :D
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 29, 2011, 04:34:09 PM
All finished and sorted, back a the B+B relaxing and then Colin and I are off out for a nice meal somewhere, we normally get in the car and just drive and see what takes our fancy.
I carried on with the plane and Colin did a small lecture for the children which went very well, I then made a couple of wearables and had the boys wearing the ride in helicopter for the rest of the day, your never too old  :D
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 29, 2011, 04:36:22 PM
All these pictures and the post above are from Day Five, the last day. We are off to Dublin in the morning for a spot of sight seeing.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 29, 2011, 04:38:40 PM
The children made a few extra flowers today for the sculpture.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 29, 2011, 04:40:36 PM
Adding more detail to the plane;
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: belleque on April 30, 2011, 04:40:41 AM
Thanks so much for sharing!  Those pix were really great!  What a wonderful project!
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 30, 2011, 07:19:29 AM
Off to Dublin at 9 so have a few minutes to load up the last of the pictures from Day Five. What a great day yesterday was, at the end all the children came over to Colin and I to shake our hands and thank us, then we went off to I think Kildare and found the best restaurant of the week, chapter 16, it was excellent. Then came back to Baltinglass to the local pub for some traditional Irish music. Colin and I are now officially known in Baltinglass, County Wicklow as The Balloon Guys after getting noticed in the local pub last night as during the week all the childrens parents, friends and family have been popping, (he he good gag) in to see how the sculptures were progressing.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 30, 2011, 07:21:49 AM
We added a driver to the truck;
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on April 30, 2011, 07:25:27 AM
Last few from the last day, the whole week has been an absolutely wonderful experience, amazing how much fun one can have with these strange tubes of latex.
Colin bought some Bertie Bassett sweets and put in front of the sculpture  :D
We added the tail wings to the plane after we had hung the sculpture up, oops I forgot.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Normski on April 30, 2011, 05:07:41 PM
your work is amazing..........................love it all:)
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on May 01, 2011, 06:36:57 PM
Have just got back, well at 4pm this afternoon and I'm already weaving away for another project that has to be completed for Tuesday morning, so many things to do and so little time to do them in.
Colin and I had a great time sight seeing around Dublin yesterday, we went here, there and everywhere and had  a very pleasent day with some very funny signs seen as well, will try and post a few pictures from our sightseeing trip later on tonight.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on May 01, 2011, 08:23:14 PM
In 2009 the school for a project built the largest jigsaw puzzle, I think it had 24000 pieces.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on May 01, 2011, 08:26:16 PM
1, Our B+B lounge.
2, The oustide of the school hall.
3, A strange sign that we found it Baltinglass.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on May 01, 2011, 08:27:54 PM
A few pictures from our sight seeing day in Dublin;
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Neil on May 01, 2011, 10:21:24 PM
:D  :D  :D  :D

Good signs!I like Mr M looking at the 'Oddballs...' sign - it has something so apt and fitting about it  ;)

I know I've said it a couple of times on this thread, but thank you both again so much for sharing this.  It's been a highlight of my day to log in and see what you've been up to each day!

--Neil
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: colin myles on May 04, 2011, 12:53:46 PM
Well I finally have my breath back after our week in Dublin, although it was stressful at times it was a great expereience, And I really need to thank Graham for all his help and patience throughout the week, and of course for posting all the pictures.
What a beautiful country Ireland is
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Bubblz on May 04, 2011, 09:22:57 PM
Thanks for all the pics guys! I am sitting with a friend and she is WELL impressed! I am sitting here thinking: Graham did this part, Colin did that part.... LOVE your work :0)
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on May 04, 2011, 09:49:17 PM
Quote from: "Bubblz"I am sitting here thinking: Graham did this part, Colin did that part.... LOVE your work :0)
Perhaps we could have a competition, Guess what I made? or Guess what Colin made?
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Jo Anderson on May 05, 2011, 10:56:20 AM
What excellent sculptures! So much hard work and it really paid off! You should feel very proud of yourselves and how great it was to see the children getting involved too! I love them all-the girl on the swing is so beautiful and especially love that one. Well done guys and the next project is...........
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on May 02, 2016, 10:16:00 AM
This thread just came up on facebook as a throwback picture from 5 years ago...............wow
time does go by.
Title: Re: Dublin, large sculpture
Post by: Graham Lee on May 02, 2020, 10:43:36 AM
This came up on my Facebook memory today,
its from 9 years ago when I helped Colin Myles on a project in Ireland.