Announcement

Hello, As you can see by the posting dates I have not been very active on this Blog account. I would like to let you know that I have been directing my efforts to my other websites and invite you to visit them.

http://www.strongmanchrisrider.com

http://www.handbentdesigns.com

Check back with these sites regularly as I have a lot of new content being added as well as a shopping cart featuring strongman souvineers such as adjustable wrench pen holders, horseshoes twisted into hearts, T-shirts, and my limited edition series of framed and un-framed prints that feature my steel bar sculptures to name a few. I am also working on several DVD projects, some of which are in collaboration with Dennis Rogers and 88 Pound Productions.

If you have any questions for me or would like to schedule an appearance, performance, or personal / group coaching session in regards to Oldetime Strongman direct your email to chris@strongmanchrisrider.com .

Thank you and best regards,
Chris

Horseshoe Fish

Another one of my designs.

Well Said, Sir.

Screwdriver Scrolling

I thoroughly enjoy scrolling steel. The bends are complex, and they work the fingers and hands in different ways. Plus, once you're finished you have a one of a kind work of art.

Drywall Hammer

Sunday afternoon fun, that blade was nasty.

3/8" x 12" "S"pike

Last week I posted a 6" spike that I had bent into an "S" design. Early this morning I decided to attempt this style of bend with a 3/8" thick by 12" long steel spike as well. Shown in the photo is the 6" spike and a U.S. quarter for scale along with the 12"er.

The year is almost complete. There is not much left of 2008. Did you make this past year a productive one? Are you ready for the challenge of improving yourself in 2009? As great a year as it has been for me, I'm looking forward to conquering new challenges and advancing all the more in the coming 12 months. Now is the time to make that commitment to yourself!

"S"pike Bending

My good friend and fellow strongman John McGrath sent me a few spikes recently and said "Can't wait to see what you do to them". I had thought about that for a little while and wanted to do something special for my friend. I decided that since I'm known for bending assorted items into an "S" shape like hammers and adjustable wrenches, why not a six inch spike? Here is the result, what do you think John?

Double Twist "Paperclip"

I was feeling good today and decided to have some fun with a horseshoe. I bent this solid steel horseshoe around two complete times before finishing it off with my signature "paperclip" move.

Perspective

One of the things I really enjoy about doing scroll work is the diversity of every sculpture. Take this one for example. It began as three 20' lengths of straight, flat steel bar. Over the course of several hours I twisted, coiled, and bent the steel together into the form now seen.

Now lets take a look from a different angle. Looks completely different doesn't it? By slightly changing the way we look at things, a whole new vision is created. From a mass of twisted steel, to an abstract, yet more recognizable figure.



Now, how do you look at things? Are you seeing only the surface or forming your view from only one angle and ignoring the potential that is truly there? What could you accomplish with a slight shift in your outlook? What goals would move within reach from a small change in perspective? It can mean the difference between being stuck in the same old rut and achieving true happiness and success.

The Mark Of...

For some reason today, I was remembering watching the television show "Zorro" as a kid. Zorro would go around leaving his "mark" on nearly everything he came across. He would take his sword and carve a letter "Z" to show that he had been there.

This got me thinking, I wonder what a horseshoe would look like the shape of a "Z"? I decided enough thinking about this, it's time for action! I proceeded to grab a horseshoe and leave a "mark" of my own.

Twisted Twice

I've been asked if I ever attempted to twist a horseshoe twice. Yes, I have done this several times. The end result is quite unique looking. I have named this bend of mine "The Horseshoe Shoe". What do you think - resemble a shoe?

Artistic Touch

They say a picture is worth a thousand words...

A Sculpture of Steel

I also practice a form of scroll work with long lengths of steel bar. The picture to the left shows a bar that began as a straight piece of 1/2" square steel at a length of 20 feet. Over a period of several hours I twisted, coiled, and bent this piece into the flowing work of art now seen.