'forever YOUNG' Progress: Day 2

The computer-generated mock-up of 'about' how the mural will look...

Material management and co-ordination is the key factor at this stage of the project, especially since fifty-two four foot by eight foot panels are required. One side of every panel is designated the 'good side' while the reverse is stamped 'back only'. With fifty-two panels to manage, you can imagine that it would be important to always know which side is the good one. Every panel weighs about eighty pounds, so it's wise to handle and move them as little as humanly possible. I think Sherwin and I succeeded in this, as we primed and positioned thirty-six panels on our first day of painting.

We made an executive decision to leave the frames on the floor to serve double-duty as drying racks for the panels.

After the temporary frame was designed and built yesterday, we decided that they would work well as drying racks for the fifty-two panels if we left them lying on the floor. It was a great idea and worked well, speeding up the process. Efficiency, don't you know?

A huge space to work in is an absolute necessity  for a project of this scale.

As I was working today, I took a minute to reflect on what a GREAT studio the Community of Young has provided for this project. 


I also felt waves of gratitude wash over me that the universe has sent such a capable and enthusiastic assistant in such a timely manner. Sharon just happened to ask Sherwin and his partner Poppy (originally from Young) if they could think of a person who might make a good 'helper' to get the physically difficult parts underway. Sherwin immediately piped up and said, "Pick me." 


And here we are, in the thick of it!

Creature comforts are a vital part of a hard working man's day.

We make sure to take regular breaks during the work day. Nothing rejuvenates like a stiff cuppa java and some home-made cookies. Seeing as how we will be here for between ten and twelve weeks, we're bringing in some of the comforts of home. No point in roughing it too much.

Great care is taken in the application of an opaque primer coat on the surface of the 3/4" 'Cresone' aka painters' panel.

We decided at the outset that only one of us (that would be me) would be responsible for the paint application. I have about one-hundred thousand hours experience operating a roller cage so I got elected to take charge. By a unanimous vote.

TLC is fastidiously invested in ensuring a well sealed outer edge of every panel.

Getting all of the factory edges very well sealed and primed is extremely important, as they are the most vulnerable to migratory water. With this in mind, we decided to hit any tiny (or not so tiny) voids in the perimeter edges with a paintable silicone sealant prior to priming with the professional grade 100% acrylic latex. 


Rule of thumb: buy the most expensive brand of high quality paint for the best results.

Our local lumber yard delivers a second load of the high-quality painters' panels right on schedule. 

One (of many) huge advantages in the location of this project and site is its proximity to the Town of Watrous and of course Manitou Beach, where Sherwin and I live respectively. Our friends at Watrous Home-All made their second material delivery to the rink today just like clockwork. We had just finished priming and sealing the first batch of twenty panels and had had a lunch break when the truck pulled in with another load of the balance: thirty-two more panels for a total of fifty-two. 

Swallow-eye's view of the immense make-shift studio with the first twenty panels drying.

It is definitely starting to sink in that this a big project when I see this aerial shot of less than half of the panels drying on their make-shift racks. 


I am thinking that 'forever YOUNG' will qualify for the designation 'World's Largest Free-Standing Mural' by a country freakin' mile.


Just putting it out there...I am claiming that title until I hear any different.


Bring it.