World of Concrete 2013

[Nathan Giffin Vertical Artisans]

Well the World of Concrete 2013 is finally over.    It was a very long 8 days for me personally and  I want to send a special shout out to the vertical artisans that showed up  and helped me throughout the entire week. 

Gabe, Kenyan, TJ, and Charles

 There were other artisans that came by and participated throughout the week but these guys came early and help with a lot of the load.     I also want to send out a hugh  shout out to Troy Allman from the Concrete Decor magazine.    Troy proved to be an invaluable asset throughout the week with transportation food supplies and really anything that we needed.

 the manufacturers RediPour and Flex-C-Ment  provided all the materials to make it happen.     Colors were also provided by Smith Paints Walt Tools and Butterfield Color.    Ebeinstock  Mixer was used to  mix the materials and Mortar Sprayers  were used for scratch coat applications.

 on a side note the world of concrete was very different this year. I noticed a tremendous decrease in decorative concrete.    I'm not saying that there were not decorative concrete artists there because we were but many of the manufacturers that supply decorative concrete were not.    the silver lot where the artistry section is have the most concentrated manufacturers for decorative concrete.    I was really looking forward to doing a lot of video as I walk through the halls of the North Central and South malls.     however I was surprised of the lack of decorative concrete manufacturers in these areas.    I was eager to film new innovations and new products and companies that support our industry.     they were not there this year.    my suspicion is that everyone has jumped to  the concrete decor show.    I feel I will have a lot more to video and to show you during that show.   

 the substrate that we worked on was really awesome.    and one of the tricks to  spraying lath is to not spraying  directly but on from the side.     the lath is actually 13 gauge metal,  very tough stuff.     The curved nature of the design lead for structural strength as well.

 altogether for both pieces we used 85 bags of flex-c-ment.     I also discovered by mixing it for 3 to 5 min. and then letting it sit for about 3 min. and mixing it again for a minute insured good consistency.

 but one thing I want to point out about the EibenStock mixer  is its variable speed and the actual paddle.    this brought the material up from the bottom to the top of the mix which is great for churning the overall mix to get a good consistency.    we mixed all the material in a blue 55 gallon drum that we cut the top off of.

Th

 the overall project was a good success.... I'm not sure how this piece paired up with the other contestants I felt my design was straightforward and simple.      There was a lot of competition.

 I actually think Josh and Adrian's piece here may have just taken 1st  place.    they really pulled off a lot and the Buddha from Ed Swarvak was intense.   these guys have a smoke machine inside the temple as well  so smoke was billowing out from the doorway it was really cool.    the tree was neat as well and very interesting texture.     I hope next year that they charge flat work against flat work and not flat work against vertical.  

[Josh Huntoon]

those bimbos were right up your alley dion, wish you coulda been there. I could have used some kirtbag too. this was a rough carve using just quickcrete bag mortar.