On Returning: A Personal Renaissance
Even ‘true artists’ need some time to reflect now and then: it can be the catalyst for greatness.
Author: Skunk
Love Affairs on the River
A first-seasoner’s perspective on river touring on a stand-up paddleboard, with a section on customization as well as a good dose of philosophy.
The Cradle of Skunkadelia
The sun sets on the old Ready Room Gallery, and a new dawn greets the brand new Cradle of Skunkadelia – a welding bench worthy of Hephaestus.
A Trip Around the World
Skunk traveled the World in a private business jet from November 2016 to January 2021 – but how?
Skunk Featured on Learning Pathways at Artisan’s Asylum
Skunk shares his most recent learning experience using the expert knowledge from the Artisan’s Asylum’s Circuit Hacking group as he navigated the challenges of adding mobile remote control features to a rocket ship made from old SCUBA tanks.
The Golden Epaulets of Abbot J
The story of Abbot J, the Astrobot with gold heirloom cufflinks incorporated into his body.
Constructing a John-Henry Class Rocketship: The Final Stage
This is the sixth and final chapter in the odyssey of constructing the SRS Imagination, a John-Henry class rocketship. Read about the proposal, the construction of the Explorer, enjoy detailed photos of the rocket’s completion, and learn of the hidden easter-egg surprise.
Constructing a John-Henry Class Rocketship: Stage Five
This is the fifth chapter in the odyssey of constructing the SRS Imagination, a John-Henry class rocketship. Learn about the electronics – the lights, the switches, the power and the ability to control everything from a smartphone.
Constructing a John-Henry Class Rocketship: Stage Four
I’ve been spending the last few months working on a 60-inch model of a Rocketship named the SRS Imagination, although the project was actually started years ago. This chapter covers the construction of the control panel, the battery harness, the Explorer’s home and the plaque, and also contains an ode to iron metal shavings.
Constructing a John-Henry Class Rocketship: Stage Three
This is the third chapter documenting the epic construction of the John-Henry Class Rocketship named the SRS Imagination. Learn about the portal, the landing gear, the finish work, and the rocket nozzles.
A Somernovian Story: Skunkadelia & Dyanna
A short video about the creation and unveiling of Daynna, an eight-hundred pound Titan Class Astrobot located in the Somernova courtyard of Somerville, MA
Constructing a John-Henry Class Rocketship: Stage Two
I began building this massive rocketship model in 2015. Five years later it’s time to start finishing what I started: drilling more holes, adding hand-modified hinges, and most notably building a complex and detailed command module starting with a vintage coffee can.
A Quarter Century Customizing an Electric Guitar
How many artists does it take to mod a Fender Squire Guitar? And how long?
How to take care of a poseable Astrobot
Proteus-Class Astrobots have articulated poseable joints – I made an instructional video for those who are curious about taking care of the moving parts.
DIY Combat Boot Roller Skates – Ready for Scuffing!
Making your own roller skates isn’t very hard, especially when you have an old pair that doesn’t suit.
Artist Attending: Winter Open Market
Details about the 2019 Winter Market at the Artisan’s Asylum.
Making a Tool to Make Art
They say when you are a hammer, all the world is a nail: when you’re a welder, everything metal is a potential work-in-progress. However studio time is all too short and full of all manners of tempting distractions, so I try to stay focused on what I love to do – making the friendly robots.
Child’s Play at the Society of Arts and Crafts Boston
Details about Child’s Play – an art show at the Society of Arts and Crafts in Boston, Winter 2019.
Skunk’s Solo Musical Album: Nemobird – Wormhole Life Support
Wormhole Life Support – a musical project for fun and free distribution.
Somerville Scout: Spaceships and Superheroes: Somerville’s Twist on a Biker Gang
Somerville Scout reveals the inner workings of Somerville’s venerable bicycle chopper gang: and there’s a lot more to it than you may expect.
Cameo Featured as the Independent Film Festival of Boston’s 2019 Icon
It feels great seeing your artwork represented in the sky, underground and all around town. Meet Cameo – the literal poster child of the Independent Film Festival of Boston.
Venerable Boston-Area Sci-Fi Fueled Bicycle Chopper Gang Seeks Recruits To Share Glory and Adventure
Want to join a bicycle chopper gang? Read on, fellow space adventurer!
The Birth of Elysa
A short story about the construction of Elysa, an adorable Ion Class Asrtobot.
Tested: Adam Savage’s Maker Tour: Artists of the Artisan’s Asylum
On 16th of May 2017, Adam Savage visited the Artisan’s Asylum to check out what we were up to. He and his crew were an absolute pleasure, and I’m proud to say Mister Savage was smitten by Adriana, and adopted her on the spot.
Artist Talk: Chaos into Order – Practicing the Way of the Organized
Folks who have visited my studio can probably tell that I’m very much into organizing objects; in a level you don’t expect from a junk-metal sculptor. I was excited to give a talk at the Artisan’s Asylum about it in 2017. Here’s a summary of the talk.
Artisan’s Asylum Winter Market & Open House
Fifteen Astrobots: ain’t nothin’ but a robot party!
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SCUL Mission Debrief: Operation Dawn Patrol
This is a video by SCUL pilot Acehole, documenting Operation Dawn Patrol – stardate 160814 – a 3 a.m. mission to witness the dawn at Castle Island. Quite beautiful! Read the full mission report on scul.org.
The Robot Book: a Never-Ending Work-in-Progress
I’ve been working on a book for a few months now: a catalog of each and every robot I’ve ever built, from Astrobot #1, Ziggy, to the latest. As I approach the 300 mark, it’s become increasingly challenging to keep up with the documenting and publishing the most current work, let alone digging into the past. It[…]
Talk at the Robbins Library: Space Exploration by Bicycle: the Adventures of SCUL
Wednesday, May 11th: 7:00 p.m.
Robbins Library
700 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington MA […]
SCUL Flight Formation Drills
Believe it or not, SCUL pilots often hone their chopper-handling skills from time to time. We had the pleasure of being followed by camera-toting drone owned and operated by one of our newest recruits, f-stop For more information visit The Friendly Skies on scul.org.
Twenty-Five Hours in the Dentist Chair
I am pleased to share with everyone that after ten visits in the last eight months, all the major dental visits are now complete! Each visit was was such a tremendous relief: I felt as if a curse was gradually lifting off of me. In fact, I think there was a part of me that was perpetually fighting the infection going on in my mouth. So with each session came a great sense of relief and joy: something to look forward to.
Somerville Bicycle Committee Presents: Bike Talk at Aeronaut Brewing Company
It was a real pleasure to speak of the amazing group of pilots known as SCUL. I went over the influences, history, and philosophy evolving over the nineteen seasons of hundreds of epic adventures.
Double Vision: Talk at 13 Forest Gallery
Back in August I gave a talk at 13 Forest Gallery about my childhood, starting and growing a bicycle chopper gang, and the evolution of the Astrobot as a species designed to live through the ages. It was a real pleasure to have such an engaging and provocative dialogue with the folks who came to the talk. Gallery hosts Marc Gurton and Jim Kiely are always going out of their way to help everyone feel welcome and at ease.
Talk: The Evolution of a Bicycle Chopper Gang: Leadership, Management, and Teamwork for Fun on a Saturday Night
When I started a bicycle chopper gang nineteen years ago, I had no idea it would become anything more than a light hobby. As SCUL approaches its twentieth orbit, it’s time to look back and reflect on how we have evolved into an important part of this incredible culture we have in the City of Somerville.
Ballet Dancer in the Mosh Pit
I have the honor of teaching at the NuVu school in Cambridge for ten days starting next week: young students are going to make rolling musical instruments out of bicycles. I’m excited to see what thy come up with. But before we begin, I must learn how to weld all over again.
An Ear of Corn
Tomorrow I go in for the first session of my dental surgery funded by the community. After hearing a few people say they had similar procedures and how brave I was for doing this, I must admit I began to feel nervous, but the feeling was brief. I’ve endured two separate five-hour tattoo sessions without anesthesia, so this should be a piece of cake.
I’m Just Gonna Rearrange your Face Now: More Toothy Tales
The fundraiser for my teeth has been life-changing and it hasn’t really even started in some ways.
Show and Tell: Working with Video
I have a lot more experience with photography than I do with video, and while the two can be certainly associated, video has been a bit more of a learning curve.
Constructing a John-Henry Class Rocketship: Stage One
For years off and on I had been asking weld shops for retired tanks, but without much luck; so when Derek from the Artisan’s Asylum donated four spent SCUBA tanks I was ready to build something I’ve been looking forward to for years: A Paul Bunyan Class Rocketship.
Boston Globe: Community Raises $17,000 to Help Somerville Icon Fix Teeth
The fundraiser to help me out with my teeth has gained even more momentum: Steve Annear from the Boston Globe came along on a SCUL mission to get a sense of what the community I belong to.
The Toothy Tale of Skunk’s Other Choppers
There’s a GoFundMe campaign to save my teeth. Here is the story of how my smile got to be as it is today.
A Maker Tale: Podcast Interview
Jacob Larocca and Robert Masek from A Maker Tale got me to sit still for an hour to talk about bikes, art, making, managing, and foolish endeavors.
Constructing the Arch Entrance to the Gallery
Living in New England means adapting your schedule to the weather. We’ve had a couple of back-to-back heavy-duty snow storms, and as a result my TIG welding class was postponed.
SCUL at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem
Back in May the friendly neighborhood chopper gang infamously known as SCUL received a transmission from Soniya Tejwani, the Museum Educator at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA, inviting us to participate in event called B.Y.O.B. or Bring Your Own Bike night, on May 15th from 6-9 p.m. While typically we ride on Saturnights, we were excited to travel to a system we had never chopped, and to be involved with something as grand as this event was an offer we couldn’t pass up.
Grand Opening of the Ready Room Microgallery
As some of you may have heard, I’m transforming the upper-half of my studio space at the Artisan’s Asylum in to a microgallery: to be called the Ready Room. Please join me in celebrating my new level of commitment towards sculpture and art in a celebration, and see my newest never-before seen works. Warning: this is a fifty foot space, so things will be crowded to say the least. I will do my best to accommodate!
Motherboard: I Infiltrated a Mutant Hacker Bike Gang
It’s 2:00 AM in the morning on a Sunday in Boston, and I’m watching a gang of bike hackers climb a 25-foot bandsaw once used to cut lumber for sailing vessels. We’re in a desolate section of the Charlestown Navy Yard, where the massive Tobin Bridge looms overhead like an approaching supercell.
BDC Wire: On a Mission with SCUL, Boston’s Oldest and Most Mysterious Bicycle Gang
It’s just shy of 22:00 (or 10:00p.m. in civilian time) and Fort Tyler is humming. Pilots are running ships through pre-flight checks, the navigator and tail gunner are intently hunched over a large tactical map, and the flatscreen readout on the wall slowly ticks towards 22:15.
Hunting Your Own Work
My Holliston High School teacher and great mentor of mine, Marjorie Picchi, once told me “once you think a piece is done, it is halfway done.” For me this fact has been a great measuring stick for my works.
Fun with Colors
Working in raw steel is pretty monochromatic. I love going big with color whenever I get the chance.
Unusual Birthmark
The Internet would not be complete without the obligatory cat-picture.
SCUL Calendars: Time capsules of a Bicycle Chopper Gang
I’ve been designing and producing SCUL calendars annually since 1998, the first of which was inspired from a calendar I saw when I worked as a finisher at Merlin Metalworks in Cambridge, MA.
Ode to the Titan-Class Astrobot: Discontinued Line. Part one of three: MOBOT
The story of MOBOT begins as a seed planted by a Gary Larsen cartoon: can you guess which one?
Heavy Haulin’
I haven’t owned a car since before Skunkadelia, sometime around late 1999. While almost all of my transportation is me-powered, my art is really heavy, so I’ve had to rent a car for larger shows.
July 10-28, 2013 – Phantomaton Show (co-curator with Joe Keinberger) at the Nave Gallery Annex
This was the first show Skunk co-curated, or acted as curator in any way shape or form.
Trophies for the Independent Film Festival Boston
For several years I have had the honor of making the trophies for the winners of the Independent Film Festival. While I doubt anyone is shooting with film cameras anymore, I find that style of movie camera so iconic that I went with it anyway.
WERS: Fleet Admiral Skunk of SCUL
Tejas did a fantastic piece on SCUL for WERS 88.9 FM on Sunday, May 19th, 2013. Here’s the clip for the archives.
Engadget: hacked bicycles
Engadget stopped by our secret HQ to give an inside peek into the life of the SCUL chopper pilot.
Participating since 2007 – Somerville Open Studios
Somerville Open Studios is an event not to be missed. 401 artists in twelve hours? That gives you 1 minute, 47 seconds to see each artist. Good luck! No one hu-man can possibly see it all without the aid of time travel devices. If you don’t have one handy, check out the Somerville Museum: they’ve got the artist’s choice exhibit, which acts as a targeting computer for your brand of talent. Romer is there, posting watch.
March 17-31, 2012 – The Tinman & Friends at the Nave Gallery
Art inspired by fictional characters, curated by Susan Berstler
February 18-22, 2012 – Skunkadelia and The Art of Welding (solo show) at Mobius Art Gallery
an exhibition of Museum-quality heavy-duty TIG welded toys and sculpture made from recycled steel by Skunk
Artscope Magazine: Toys and Games
Your sober art reporter thought he escaped to Storyland upon entering the modestly scaled environs of Somerville’s Brickbottom Gallery to view “Toys and Games.” In through the front door, past the seating arrangement in the lobby, a sharp right and… there they all were.
SRS Starstriker
The SRS Starsucker is the largest of the Skunkadelic Starships to date. Constructed from a 50’s Kenmore vacuum cleaner graciously donated by greenGoat. Complete with original landing gear. Plasma cut fins made from spent circular saw blades. Height: 36″
Making a Superhero Mask
Making a proper mask is tricky. Here’s how I made mine.
January – February 2011 – Pop and Lock Shot at Ride Studio Cafe
Thumbnails from the Pop and Lock show at Ride Studio Cafe.
2011 SCUL Calendar Photo Shoot
SCUL puts out a calendar every year. Many of the photos used in the calendar is shot during missions, however it’s helpful to shoot in a more ‘controlled’ environment.
Adorable Nemo
I’ve resisted posting a picture of my pet friend Nemo for as long as I could. He’s a Congo African Grey parrot. Yes, he talks. He says good morning when I wake up, goodbye when I leave, and hello when I return.
Titanium Travel Chopsticks
A few years back my friend Sideshow helped me make a set of titanium chopsticks that separate like a pool cue. I used to carry them in my boots.
Bulletproof Titanium Flask
A few years ago I was lucky to get my hands on some leftover tubing samples from work. I made myself a bulletproof flask. I’m sure this thing is tough enough to survive being run over by an eighteen wheeler.
Thermal Shirt Mod: Experiments with an Overlock
I’ve been plying around with a serger. I got some XL sized thermals, and tailored them. Inspired by Hapto.
November 2010 – Our Town Show at the Nave Gallery
Images from the Nave Gallery ‘s ‘Our Town’ exchibit
December 2010 – January 2011 – Plenty Show at 13FOREST Gallery
The opening for the Plenty show was last night. The show will be up until January 28, 2011. There are 50 strong artists, with the theme of affordable art for the holidays. Come by the space and check it out if you can, there’s a lot to see.
Interior: Pictures of My Place
When the Somerville Scout was looking to do a story on people who do interesting things with their living spaces, they visited my place.
Hallowheels 2011
Hallowheels is a SCUL tradition.
Home Made Pizza Crust
My friend Asher shared her pizza crust recipe with me years back, but I’m just now beginning to experiment with baking. It’s great getting sticky and covered in flour, and it’s not nearly as finicky as I suspected. I’m very pleased with the difference it’s made from using store-bought crusts.
Trophies for BTWC 2010
I love making indestructible trophies, especially for cyclists.
Daniel’s Inspired Robots
I’m often reminded of how positive and Friendly the Boston Area really is, despite it’s cold reputation.
Stardust Class Rocketship: SRS Shooting Star
TIG welded Rocketship from recycled giant steel hole-saw, and bicycle parts. Bullet headlamp nosecone opens to hold action figure adventurers. Height: 25″ Custom-made for Google
Mad Rabbit
This is a new prototype for low power lightening field for a ship. 300 LEDs lasted the entire mission.
Portraits Under the Portal of Skunkatude
It’s not that often the Portal of Skunkatude moves, but when it does it goes to parties and gets it’s picture taken with fabulous people.
Marlon and Family
Marlon and his new family, Leanne and Brendan.
The Creation of Adam
Not that long ago, about 3 in the morning, I jumped up from a near sleep with a Eureka moment. About a month earlier Self Destruct, a friend and fellow pilot, suggested I make my robots poseable for stop animation.
Trophies for Independent Film Festival Boston
As promised, here’s a look at the trophies commissioned for IFF Boston.
Gzo and Visigoth
Gzo finds his forever-home with Visigoth.
Early Stages of a Protues Class Astrobot
Somewhere in a dark garage, a metal man is being made.
Career Achievement Award for Kevin Kline
The fine folks of IFF Boston commissioned me to make actor Kevin Kline his career achievement award.
2010 Somerville Open Studios Artist’s Choice Exhibit Reception
Stop by the Artist’s Choice Exhibit at the Somerville Museum for a chnce to preview the work of many SOS artists in a single location. With participating artists invited to submita one piece of their choosing, the show is ana enjoyable and convenient way to help plan your SOS itenerary.
Knightsaber Maintenance
One of the el drivers shorted. Must have been that battle with the sarlac on tatooine.
Cloudbuster Repair
Last season the ole’s Disko-Deth-Stah mast suffered from severe radiation exposure, and froze to one solid hunk of iron. Alphamission is upon us, so it’s scramble time until Sunday!
Cathy’s Robot
This photo was taken in December of 2008, when the robot traveled by T to Cathy’s office. Marisol thought the robot would be cold and she knit him a hat!
I… You… We… Robot on WBUR/NPR
Here’s the link to the news story. I said “sexy oily bits” on NPR.
I… You… We… Robot! Exhibition at Space 242
I… You… We… ROBOT!
Space 242
242 E. Berkeley Street
Boston, MA
The Birth of a Missing Link Bicycle Chain Creature
Skunk creates a Missing Link, a fantastic creature made from old bicycle chain.
Redbones Rocketship Install
This morning was the installation of the SRS Redbone, at Redbones. Things went well, thanks to Rob Gregory and the ‘do-it-all-guy’, PJ.
Bicycle Spoke Cake Topper
Available custom made to order. Welded stainless steel bicycle spokes. I made this triptych for a SCUL couple marrying Saturday. I can make yours at this scale and complexity for $60, less if you want something simpler. I have lots of ideas that are more complex.
Iron Cog 2009
The Iron Cog Award is the highest honor you can receive in SCUL. It is typically given to only one pilot once per season. Each Iron Cog trophy is different. I try to make each trophy suit the pilot. Sometimes they spin dangerously, and sometimes they are on fire.
SCUL: Maggot Dinners
It’s the last week of SCUL season, and there’s a lot to keep my busy. A great deal of it is classified, but I can talk about the two Maggot-dinners I’ve had.
SCUL: Admiral’s Log: Wrapping up the Season
MRC was very productive. DubbleU replaced the sonic disruptor dishes on Cloudbuster, and Treekiller upgraded the laser mounts for the Disco-Deth Stah. We also replaced some of the mast. Leotard got Lazarus put back together again: no small feat considering it split in two mission before last!
Collecting Metal at Broadway Bicycle School
There’s more to making art than the obvious moment of creation. You need to mine and collect what you make things from. Supply run to Broadway Bicycle School! Hungry robots need metal, and B-Way’s the place to get it.
Firefly Chandelier
This is one of those projects that sits for six months before starting, and then it only takes a day to execute. Leaves me wondering why I waited so long.
Runic Journal
This journal has been sporadically kept since 1985. I’ve been using a homegrown brand of runes to code it. There was a book making project at the Holliston High School art class, and we got extra credit if we illustrated it.