The creation of “Bloodletter", a 15-foot metal sculpture
For ages, the dragon has appeared in myths and legends all over the world. It has been depicted as both evil and good: the menacing Smaug slain in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit or beloved by children as the gentle Puff.
Mark has long been fascinated by dragons and, after nearly a decade's planning, has begun to construct his vision. This metal sculpture will show a dragon, approximately 15 feet in length with a 12-foot wingspan, about to take flight.
- December 2001: Mark was able to purchase a wire feed welder, which will allow him to move ahead with the construction of the dragon's skeleton.
- February 2003: Mark finished constructing his back yard forge, dubbed “Sputnik" because of its amazing resemblance to the famed Russian space capsule. Now he is busily forging toes and claws for the dragon's feet.
- January 2004: The progress on the dragon continues, but slowly. Oregon Wild Hair Moustache Wax is selling well (thanks to our loyal customers) and has required a great deal of time and attention. The teeth for the dragon have been forged, but still need to be shaped and attached to his mouth. We refer to the dragon as “Bloodletter" since his sharp wings have given Mark a few scrapes in the course of his creation.
- March 2004: Bloodletter has grown teeth and horns and we will soon have pictures of his beard. He is beginning to come alive.
- June 2005: Bloodletter's beard is evident and his framework has grown a little more dense.
- April 2009: Mark has purchased a plasma cutter, which will allow him to easily cut out the bands for Bloodletter's stomach and the scales for the rest of his body. Bloodletter is flipped on his back at the moment so that his under armor can be attached.
- June 2009: Bloodletter's vulnerable belly has been covered with armor.
- September 2009: The wings are developing. Bloodletter's front “arms" are gaining musculature so that the wings can be firmly attached.
- April 2012: Bloodletter is completed and placed in his new home!
