The other day, in a quest to find someone who could build some metal planter boxes, I visited Delia – a metal works place right up the hill from where I live. My neighbor Jeff works there, and I can always count on him for good advice. It has been there for many years, and as I go by in my daily affairs, it’s always fun to sneak a peak into their yard. There are always cool things in the making, in there.
A sampling from the 2011 Yard Patio and Garden (YGP) show.
It took me a while to realize that this is the same people that for several years exhibited really interesting garden decor at the annual YGP show. Now, they are focusing more on large scale sculpture, and as is evident from their website; furniture. Lots of cool, locally made stuff – be sure to take a look at their website!
This beauty, already loaded onto a trailer, is headed down to Marin county.
Not sure where this is going, but for now, I’m enjoying how it lights up the entire yard, in absence of sunlight on a dreary, wet, Portland winter day. It even reflects sunshine from the puddles!
This signage will eventually adorn the Alberta Arts District.
Love the lacy, modular aspect of this one!
I forgot to ask, but I wonder if these guys are behind the installation at the east abutment of the Morrison bridge in SE Portland? It certainly reminds me of their work…
Not seen well in this photo, but this piece in progress had a really elegant curvature to it that caught my eye. Lovely…
When I was in architecture school, I made sure I was signed up for sculpture classes every quarter. Putsing around in a sculpture studio kind of environment was my favorite thing to do, and seeing the inside of Delia always makes me severely pine for those days. Now I have neither tools, nor space… 😦
I saw on their website that they teach classes. I might have to sign up for one of those, or two, or three…
This ball will be powder-coated red. It is destined to adorn a place in Sonoma somewhere.
Not the greatest photo, but I love the shadow patterns it creates on the floor.
A nod to the Portland biking community. The surrounding colors do wonders to brighten a location on a rainy day.
Lastly, on this grayscale kind of day, I appreciated how the angular pattern of one of the pieces appeared as juxtaposed against the organic flow of the tree branches above. I bet it’s not half as interesting looking on a sunny day. 🙂
The Creative Flux 
So are they able to fabricate the metal boxes you were after?
He is working out a cost for me. Should find out today, hopefully.
I often drive by Delia on my delivery route and have always thought it looked interesting. I am always in a hurry on those days, but now that you have shared a bit, I may just have to make some time to stop.
You should, Michelle – it’s a fun treat! 🙂
I can identify with your itch to get into that playground they call a shop.
Pretty cool, isn’t it? I’m definitely going to look into one of their classes. 🙂
I am such awe of this kind of talent! I admire works like this so much! I hope you take a class, you’d love it and you’d be fabulous!
Thanks Jenni – it sure would be fun! I don’t think I’d even know what to do anymore – it’s been so long since I welded anything. I’d have to start from scratch again. But yes – I would probably never want to leave…
What a cool place! I hadn’t heard of it prior to your post – now it’s WAY on my radar.
Oh my goodness, Jane – it’s practically in your neighborhood! Albina and Rosa Parks. 🙂
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Very cool, indeed! If I was in the neighborhood I would definitely check it out.
They truly are a great resource, and super-nice to boot! 🙂
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