The River Bell (50 Bells #23)

The River Bell is number 23 in the 50 Bells series.  Inspired by the mountain-framed vistas of the Columbia Gorge, this bell leverages upcycled materials in an homage to both nature and craft.  The supporting structure uses reclaimed cedar wood beams that have been carefully milled and shaped before application of the Japanese Sho Sugi Ban wood preservation technique.  This method combines deep charring, wire brushing and oil rubbing to both protect the wood and add a deep blackened luster.

The bell began its life as a scuba tank.  The metal has been stripped of paint, then surfaced to create the raised metal motif of mountains and river.  The bottom lip has been cut in a pattern evoking the whitecap waves that form as western winds funnel through the gorge.  Forged fittings were created and attached before massive heat and twisting produced the spiraling upward crown representing the powerful zephyrs that define the gorge environment.   Finally, the bell has been bronze clad and treated with bronze patinas before waxing and polishing to add luster.

Specialty metal work adds to the hand-crafted bespoke quality of the composition by adding forged hanging hardware, joining brackets and even hand tooled washers and butterfly screws. 

Together the metal work married to the fine wood craft creates a work of unparalleled beauty and unique inspiration.  While the work is new, the combination of sho sugi ban, selectively applied rust, and metal patinas impart a stately presence of something aged, yet timeless.

Care

The materials used in the composition are conditioned for outdoor display. Nonetheless, harsh outdoor weather including cycles of mosture, freezing and thawing are hard on any materials. Covering your bell during the winter will extend its life.

Wood - the sho sugi ban treatment offers protection against insects and rot. Multiple coatings of oil were rubbed into the wood up to the point of saturation. This leaves a shiny, perhaps tacky outer surface in spots which should dissipate over time.

The striker - The mallet has a fabric head that is subject to mildew and degradation over time. Inside storage of the striker over winter months is recommended.

The bell - The bronze cladding on the bell is quite tough. It is waxed on the outside for both luster and further protection. If a restorative waxing is desired, a common car wax using carnuba will work. Coat the bell and rub vigorously to restore the original look and feel.

Metal fittings - The bell hook, butterfly nuts and washers are all coated with multiple layers of penetrol to prevent corrosion. This protective layer will degrade over time. If the resulting rust is displeasing, the pieces can be cleaned with a wire brush or steel wool and a new coat of penetrol of a clear sealant can be applied. No treatment will permanently protect the mild steel fittings and periodic maintanance will be required if you don’t like the rust.