Friday, April 7, 2017

Trefoil Knot: from steel strap stock

Click on the image to see a larger version.

Here's another version of the Trefoil Knot, a shape I am currently exploring for its sculpture potential. This one is made from mild steel flat stock, 1.5 inch wide. This knot is roughly one foot across, in the view above. I made this model this afternoon (3/25/2017), bending and twisting this sucker by hand! Bending this kind of metal isn't very difficult, if you're not too particular how it's going to look. Bending this shape was not easy. I had to keep the curves consistent with each other, with each of the three curves twisted and curved the same way. In addition, the ends have to come together at the same angle and alignment for the weld.
Essentially, the Trefoil Knot is an overhand knot with the two ends connected. You end up with a shape in which the strap goes through a loop three times. The version above is flatter than I wanted it. I may do some more bending on this to make it not as flat, giving the knot more of a 3D roundness, if you know what I mean.
I'm considering how I want to mount this. I could mount it directly to a base, or I could have it perched on a narrow post rising from a base. Also, I might shine-up the metal and clear coat it, or . . . maybe I'll paint it. I'll think on it.
I'm also considering making a metal version of the wooden model from my last post . . . the one that's made with all right angles.

As always, questions and comments are welcome. Visit my web site for more art at: www.tesserak.net

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