DIY Welded Birdbath
The final project for DIY design was a free reign creative project that allowed for experimentation with variations of creative making. For the final project I chose a birdbath, which will be used in an herb fairy garden at a beach cottage. For the project I used broken pottery, caulk, clear coat, and steel. The methods of design included welding the frame of the birdbath and craftily creating a mosaic bowl. The final project was intended to blend well with the painted stones and slightly nautical theme of the beach house.
Mood Board
Consumer Board
Product Flyer
The summer following a class focused on trash culture and places that create fantastical trash experiences I decided to venture to one of the places discussed -- Dead Horse Bay. This beach front is littered in trash from the late 1800s to mid 1900s following the rupture in the landfill liner at a nearby trash site. The horse part of the name is from the glue rendering that took place nearby and the chunks of bone found at the shore.
Despite the disturbing scene of trash, the historical nature of what could be found elicited feelings of interest and grandeur. More interestingly, since the site is nationally owned cleaning the trash from the space by taking the artifacts is restricted. The question I kept asking, is this trash not trash? Does the age of this shoe sole make it more than pollutant? More than rubber?
During the trip I collected pieces of pottery with the intent of creating new life for the pottery. Initially I was going to make a wall art piece, but once the project to make a birdbath came to mind I couldn't see a better purpose for the pottery than returning it to the beach with new life.
Bird on Flowers in Beach House Yard
Process Work
The base was welded with MIG
Final Product
The pottery pieces were minimally broken to keep the majority of the painting in tact. The caulk is then rough since the pottery is not flush or smooth. A thin coating of clear sealant and final sanding of edges gave a better finish suitable for a birdbath.