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.