Uncle Eli’s Enormous Craft Problem

Episode 29 - Art institutions and MIG welding

I try to explain my wide angle view on art institutions and The Arts, then I focus in on the minutiae of welding. Listen to this while you weld for extra confusion.

Episode 28 - Bicycle brakes

I explain U-brakes, V-brakes and cantilever brakes in greater detail than you've ever needed to know. I do mention hydraulic brakes, but that is going to take another episode to explain. This is all about housing and the cable pull system of the standard bicycle.

Episode 27 - Hot glass cane and murrine techniques

I start to get into the specifics of cane and murrine work here, but I really only describe how to set up a pull. I thought I could get to how to roll things up, but it takes a long time to describe in detail the basics of cane and murrine setups.

Episode 26 - Woodturing on a lathe

Turning a simple shape on a wood lathe.

Episode 25 - Concrete

Have you thought a lot about concrete? I have. So much so that I thought it would be fun to talk for an hour about the technicalities of concrete, portland cement and aggregate. How silly! Now that I've recorded this, I feel like I could talk for another hour about all the things I missed. Advanced Concrete coming soon!

Episode 24 - Hot glass wrap techniques

A very specific sculptural technique of wrapping hot glass in a hot shop setting. If you've ever wondered about the very specific details of wrapping 5 pounds of glass around a hot glass sculpture, this is the episode you've been waiting for. If you've never wondered that, now's your chance!

Episode 23 - Donkey and goat toenails

Have you ever wondered how to take care of donkey or goat toenails? No? Have you ever wanted to take a nap? Yes? If you get comfortable, you can probably fall asleep before I go into too much detail about carefully trimming and cleaning stinky goat toenails, then you won't have to listen to any of it!

Episode 22 - Outlaw tattoos

I dig deep into my memory banks and describe the techniques I learned as a teenager to give myself and my friends tattoos. These are the tips and tricks you shouldn't copy, techniques that are not sanctioned, safe or sane. If you like good tattoos, you are going to be very upset when you hear this episode. Not recommended for sleep, unless you're already really sleepy.

Episode 21 - Advanced coldworking techniques: battuto and inciso

Now that I've covered the basics of coldworking, I thought it would be fun to go deep into more specific cutting techniques like battuto and inciso. Very long winded and detail oriented, but potentially accessible to all levels if you listen carefully. Also good for naps.

Episode 20 - Pancakes and Outlaws

This is a performance piece I recorded about being an outlaw and making pancakes. Very confusing and disjointed, but potentially the best sleep aid yet. I tried for my most sleepy time voice, so enjoy your nap!