Progress Update: Mad Max Yard Art

Summary:

In short, the goal of my project is to produce an artifact inspired by yard art and a jagged, rusted aesthetic like the “Diesel Punk” that can be found in the Mad Max movies. Counterintuitively, I plan to cast this aesthetic of a sort of jagged tree onto the function of interactive backyard art and a way to enjoy local nature in the form a bird feeder and bird bath. I see my final artifact slowly rotating in my new yard, surrounded by nature that is novel to me (having recently moved), partly just to see if wildlife will come to enjoy a juxtaposing, eye-catching, rough aesthetic that is secretly meant for them over time.

Obstacles:

My primary points of concern have been limited time with shop access, and an unexpected slowness to pick up a new welding technique with limiting equipment. I have reached a stage where I want to have the main base and central shaft lengths of my construction in place so that I can move toward the actual additions and ornamentation. As it turns out, wanting to perform welds properly has been a surprising obstacle. With limited time in small portions in the shop, I have been tweaking settings and setting up or cleaning up more than actually getting something accomplished. My prior experience is limited, and stick welding is new to me, but I thought this would be the easiest method and would add to the aesthetic! Below are some initial (terrible) settings tests and following are some weld beads for setting adjustment made later.

Changes:

My main structure remains the same, but I have obtained the materials to potentially add a second bearing and shaft to add more rotation and make the artifact more transportable through disassembly.

Also, I have taken some inspiration from more steampunk and Mad Max imagery for this combination, plus some materials I found. I am thinking of adding some smoother shapes and vessels (see below) to contrast the rough finish, straight lines, and angles of the rest of the construction. This will diversify the aesthetic, and my real goal is contrast both within the piece and with its environment. Also, this will be a good opportunity to implement the aspects nature can interact with such as food, water, perches, and maybe even plant “pots.”

Steps Taken:

I have spent more time looking at reference imagery and attempted some more experimental sketches (see below). More so, I have been gathering materials for the artifact and working on the fabrication techniques. I would like to have sound welds, the ability to bend with sharp angles, and for my final product to be disassembled as mentioned.

Looking Ahead:

My main priority moving forward is to gear up for one main assembly effort over a weekend, where I have planned for longer periods with shop space. This will include finalizing materials, laying out the components of the final piece, and perhaps modeling them roughly to get an idea of the center of mass. In conclusion, I still have plenty of work on the execution of this artifact, but I am making good strides toward a final product I will like.

Sources:

Material Potos: Myself, April 2025

Image #1 and Featured Image:

Alexander., K. M. “Mad Max: Fury Road and the Art of Worldbuilding.” K. M. Alexander, 12 Jan. 2016, kmalexander.com/2015/06/24/mad-max-fury-road-and-the-art-of-worldbuilding/.

McLean, Michael. “How to Start Welding: Baker’s Gas & Welding Supplies.” Baker’s Gas & Welding Supplies, Inc., Baker’s Gas & Welding Supplies, Inc., 1 Oct. 2020, bakersgas.com/blogs/welding-tips/how-to-start-welding.