I've never had any instruction in 'building' techniques; I just look at something and try to imagine how it's done. Building isn't exactly brain surgery, and so far it's worked.
One of my favourite jobs in recent years was the construction of the decorative Génoise on our 'tower'. It's an essential element in local buildings, and needs to be done correctly; you'd hardly believe some of the appalling work I've seen by so-called professionals. Why they weren't made to re-do them, I cannot imagine.
Building is fun. One can build almost anything with just a weighted string, a level, a ladder, and a trowel. With that basic kit, the Pyramids were built.
This (above) is that same strip of Génoise today. I'm quite proud of it; I look at it and think "I did that".
It is looking good.
ReplyDeleteIt's very green; just how I'd planned it.
DeleteBrought to France by the Italians and useful as well as decorative - keeps the rain from dripping on the walls. Your tower has matured well.
ReplyDeleteAnd used in the UK as well; usually made from projecting fancy brickwork.
DeleteProfessionals know the tricks of the trade but they don't always take as much care. Your Genoise looks perfect.
ReplyDeleteYou'd hardly believe one nearby example; it looks as if two-year-olds had been having a bad day.
DeleteI'd struggle with the cake.
ReplyDelete'Let them eat cake'.
DeleteI think if you're of a practical bent, and most artists are, then you can turn your hand to many things. Logic, patience and care. It looks brilliant!
ReplyDeleteFor me, it has to 'look right'; as well as being as solid as possible.
DeleteLooks better than the plastic stuff we have :)
ReplyDeleteI try not to use any plastic, but occasionally there's no choice!
DeleteI get extremely angry with incompetent builders. The trouble is that half of them (conservative estimate) are incompetent.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, it tends to be a trade they adopt if they're incapable of doing anything else. In Germany it's a serious profession, where you need proper qualifications. It should be like that everywhere!
DeleteI would like something beautiful like this here, you have every reason to be proud.
ReplyDeleteI've done a few other bits of building, but I really took my time with this one.
DeleteIt's aged beautifully. A job well done!
ReplyDeleteI'm quite critical of some of my previous work, but very happy with this one.
DeleteYou are right to be proud. It looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI probably shouldn't be 'proud' of my own work; but I am.
DeleteAs someone who can hardly knock a nail in straight I respectfully doff my chapeau.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to be appreciated; thank you.
DeleteI'm inspired...right, off I go to build a pyramid in the paddock:)
ReplyDeleteDon't forget you string with a stone on one end.... essential.
DeleteA beautiful thing with a practical purpose
ReplyDeleteMine was just a single row, but one often sees double, or even triple, rows.
DeleteA job well done always brings pleasure.
ReplyDeleteI suppose that's what it is; I still look at it with satisfaction.
DeleteIt is a fine roof. Pyramids built with simple tools and rather a lot of slave labour. Sorry if you employed to build multi storey.
ReplyDeleteMy only slave labour was Lady Magnon; she became very adept at tile laying.
DeleteLooks fab... but I know I could never do anything like that. I don't have the patience for anything fiddly.
ReplyDeleteJo in Auckland
We sometimes look at it and think that we must have been crazy.
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