The Materials

Working with all locally sourced materials the creation of the Hiker Flagstonian was an incredibly fascinating process. The volcanic malapai rocks all have these very unique shapes and features that if you look close enough... you will quickly begin to see facial features or body contours that resemble humans. Although the Flagstonians are not meant to be humans I wanted these "creatures of the forrest" to be familiar to us, so I got a rock collecting permit and headed off into the forrest and began the hunt for the magical combination of stones that would perfectly bring to life our first member of the tribe! Not knowing exactly what I would find I just started having fun and let the rocks that wanted to be used call me! Easy enough right?

The steel was made by digging up some iron ore and adding a small amount of carbon then formed into big heavy bars... but I didn't do that part... I bought it from a local steel provider. :) But that's it! Just local stone and steel. A medium that suits the Flagstonian and that will last for hundreds if not thousands of years!

The Making

Once I had gathered all that I needed, I began the process of forging the hands and feet. Using 2" solid steel is no joke and it took many weeks of hammmering and grinding to bring out the perfect balance of just enough detail, to fit the creatures simple stone body and head, and not overdo it with too much realism. Abstract is so much harder than realism!

Then the assembly came and the magic really started to happen! The holes needed to be carefully drilled into the stone, with a diamond plated hole saw, and each limb needed to fit securely before melding all the pieces into one. The moment I removed the straps on saw the hiker standing on its own was so exciting!

After that, I welded a two foot cage under each limb and walking stick that would eventually be underground and become the 300 lb foundation on which it stood. I didn't want any concrete to be seen and wanted the Flagstonians bare feet to be walking on the earth so careful attention was made in achieving that and it worked out great!

The First Day

Finally, the hiker was loaded up onto a trailer and taken to its new home on the FUTS's Karen Cooper Trail in a beautiful little grove of young Aspens just north of the Ditch Pool. It was hoisted into position and concreted in it's new home! Waving at pleasantly surprised passerbyers the hiker enjoyed it's first official day on the trail!

What's Next?

I'm currently working with the city of Flagstaff to create a full series of Flagstonians to begin engaging the public and having a little fun with perhaps a clue at each one on how to find the next member. A bit of a treasure hunt!

If you would like to follow this journey then follow me on my facebook or instagram page @joshuameyerart and I'll be sure to keep you updated!

I'd love to hear from you so please drop me a note if you have any questions or comments! Also, if you would like to know more about where this idea came from then click this HERE.

Thanks,

Josh