Page 20 - HIWT Winter 2013 World of Welding

THE WORLD OF WELDING http://www.welding.org

INDUSTRIAL ART

(Continued from page 19)

The Welder by Judy Crawford is shown on the right. Judy is
known for bringing her works to life by capturing the spirit of
the subject. She works with various mediums. This particular
one is charcoal and white on Conte paper.

Working the Steel by Judy Crawford is displayed on the left. This one is
oil on canvas.

Sam also tells about a destination known as the Industrial
Revolution Eatery and Grille in nearby Valparaiso,
Indiana, pictured on the right.
Owner Mike Leeson says, “We aim to connect with our
guests by telling the story of our nation’s inspirational
past while serving them delicious classic foods favored
by the American worker. This unique environment, which
we call Upscale Industrial, is meant to inspire diners with
inspirational stories of both famous and ordinary people
who have made great contributions building our country as well as the risks taken that best exemplify greatness.”
Inside and out, their building creates the industrial theme as shown by this sculpture atop their restaurant. Lunchtime on Top of
a Skyscraper was influenced by a 1932 photo by Charles Ebbets featuring eleven ironworkers eating lunch on a beam, 800 ft.
in the air, during the construction of Rockefeller Center in New York. It is amazing to note that the men have no safety cables.
Sculptor Sergio Furnari who was fascinated by the photo, began work on the sculpture in 1999. When the attack on the World
Trade Center took place on 9/11, he was just finishing the piece. He placed it at the site during cleanup of the Twin Towers.
The sculpture was then taken around the country on tour. Leeson, who has worked in the steel industry and also owns Synergy
Steel Structures in Lansing, Illinois, has an appreciation for art and decided to purchase the piece. This life-size sculpture may
be seen on the top of his restaurant. (above right) (Continued on page 21)

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