Hi all

At the Qualatex Conference in Cambridge last year, someone at the question and answer forum asked if Qualatex had plans to offer training courses on making larger scale pieces and 'deco-twisting' work. The panel (if I recall correctly) said it was something they were considering, but a year and a half later there doesn't seem to be much sign of anything...

I guess what I'm looking for is some resource (but really hands on training) on how to make large sculpture pieces. I've seen pictures of some fabulous large pieces created for Jams and competitions on websites and Balloon Images magazine, but basically I have no idea how to even start framing and creating something like this, nor the logistics of putting it all together. I think I know what people use (aluminium, conduit, chicken wire, SDS, Rouse, etc) but it's how to use it (and how NOT to use it) that I'm looking for.

Does anyone know if anywhere offers hands on training for this - or are there any trainers reading this who might be willing to offer a course? Failing that, is anyone considering making anything big for the Millennium Jam who needs an extra pair of hands

If not, would anyone else be interested in this training, and if so maybe I can start lobbying Qualatex...?

Cheers

--Neil

Depending on the cost, I'd be up for this sort of thing!

We could just get a few thousand balloons and a bottle of jack daniels, lock ourselves away for a day or two and see what happens!

Now you're talking...

--Neil

Hi Neil, I would be interested if Qualatex were offering this type of class - I have often thought the same , where do I start etc etc.

So if anything comes up then would you let me know - Rgds Debbie

... and play some good Rock and Roll music in the background... and if someone will try to play Lady Gaga or some similar trash we would tazer them

Neil, I think there will be a deco-twisting class by Robbie Furman from USA at TMJ.

http://www.millenniumjam.com/sub_instructors/RobbieFurman-EN.html

Danny

I'd be up for learning the giant sculptures.

I could run through the thought process and how we sorted out the problems on the spitfire, wing construction, box section, hanging from the ceiling etc if it would be of any help?
Perhaps at one of the care and share days or I could see if we can find someone else as well to make it a fuller day.
Idea, we could ask Colin at the memorial lecture to spend a session on this

Sounds like a plan! We're keeping the jack Daniels idea though hey!!!

Absolutely, Stefan!

Thanks for all the responses so far - it sounds like this could be something we could approach Qualatex with.

Graham - if Colin is willing to discuss this, then that would be fantastic. I've seen many pieces of Colin's work large scale work, and it's just amazing. To get an insight into the thought process and implementation would be superb. Also, if you'd be kind enough to share your experience with the spitfire then absolutely I'd be interested to hear - many thanks.

Don't mention Robbie Furman and TMJ... Graham threatens to put me and Dave in a separate carriage. (I suspect the train details he's given to me and Dave are not the same as the ones he and everyone else are on - mind you, I wouldn't blame him! )

--Neil