Kickstarter

 A Second Chance at Life...for me, a lifelong dream now has the momentum to see it come to life. My goal, to build a life size Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton. Along with the potential to break two world records (largest paper mache clay sculpture and largest handmade skeleton) this massive project will also encompass a tattooed mural, painted directly on the skeleton to tell the story of inspiration this project follows. 

After many years working within the corporate landscape, the nightmare most hope to never hear became a reality for me. Corporate downsizing and economic instability meant that the normal way of life, the American Dream, would come to a halt. It is in a moment of stress that overwhelming obstacles were surmounted and a new direction in life was established. And in this idea, the birth of this project. 

A story of overcoming the hardships of life, gaining the support and clarity to move through them, and the momentum to carry one's self into a brighter future.

This video a proof of concept to support the goal of erecting a full size T-rex to be displayed at Art Prize in Grand Rapids, Michigan in late 2012. Much funding is still required to finish out the project and we have faith that through this platform we can attain the means necessary to bring this dinosaur back to life. 

If you feel compelled, your donation can mean a world of difference in inspiring one man as works to inspire many.

The remaining components of this project that need funding include:  Fabrication Adhesives, Steel Frame Materials and Fabrication, Resin Coating and Marine Epoxy for Waterproofing, Paint, Concrete and Rock for the Base,  Space Rental, Insurance, and Transportation and Set Up Costs.

Your support will help cover costs of these materials to complete this project.

                                     The Collaboration Team

                                       Gary and Travis Fields

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                                              The Process

This sculpture is made out of paper mache clay, which instead of messy strips of paper dipped in paste and applied, is more like a paper pulp reinforced plaster which is applied to a constructed base form, or armature, and sculpted  to achieve the desired detail and finish.  It dries to a very hard and durable finish that feels like a real fossil.  

When the sculpture is completed, it will be coated with a resin overlay and a marine epoxy to waterproof it. Travis' contribution will be painting the "tattoo" directly on the bone. This painting will be visually colorful and vibrant, and encompass the idea of a metaphysical ladder that's climbed as one surmounts the challenges of life. From a distance only gradients of color will be observed, but upon closer inspection, much greater detail will become pronounced as it spirals up through the legs, into the hips and out through the neck and tail. A collection of names and quotes from those who've shared stories of endurance will also be added as ethereal elements, making up the spirit of the dinosaur.

The skull armature was completed in 303 hours and I am now working on the cervical (neck) vertebrae, where I spend approximately 8 to 12 hours per day.  

Here, I am applying and sculpting the paper mache clay on the first cervical (neck) vertebrae.

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Your really awesome rewards are shown on the right. 

A handful of extra fossils were discovered during the "excavation" process and we would like to share these with the backers of this project. These pieces are sure to invite conversation in the home, in your office or in the hands of your little ones. Pictured below are examples of the teeth and claws as described in each respective reward category.  

 4" Hand carved tooth ~ wood with acrylic finish

5 1/4"  Hand carved hand claw ~ wood with acrylic finish

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Hand Brand Book Co. is the personal project of Travis Fields. He specializes in one of a kind, unique hand bound sketchbooks and notebooks. Often times overlooked, the ability of humans to take notes or sketch is one of the greatest skills we possess. Nothing in our physical world can exist without having first been realized on paper. At the same time, it is helpful for us to realize our own ideas and traits on paper before our eyes. 

The following is an example of the book the Gary is keeping his process in:

Travis will be producing a limited edition series of sketch/note books with process photos and sketches to commemorate the birth of this T-Rex. These will never be reproduced and surely a valuable addition to any library.  

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Also, if anyone has a story to tell about how they re-invented themselves and found their second chance at life, we would like to hear about it.  Your story could become an integral part of this project. 

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