Things I've helped build

 Turning fire hoses into art for an Austin, TX, fire station. That's a fire hose, They are much heavier than they look! and these are post-modern pillars. How did that happen? Our concrete funnel for each and every pillar, designed and assembled by your's truly. Pack it in! Did you know that you can stain concrete even before it's poured! I didn't. Installation in progress... Messy work! After these first cuts, I had to go home. My clothes and skin were covered with wet, stained concrete--a walking toxic waste dump. The next day I wrapped my body in thick plastic--a DIY rubber hazmat suit. When donning that suit and then using it for more cutting, my coworkers' opinions of me went from 'he's weird' to 'wait, that's really smart.' I wish I had a picture, but you'll have to use you imagination. Back to McKenna's Portfolio

 What was once a public piece of art called Ghost House, became a studio and a shed which are both quite alive and this side of the veil...well, mostly. Half a ghost house The other half... Where are the ghosts supposed to live now? Studio takes shape. Long ladders and such. Zip siding system...instructions not included. Real live doors and windows, ain't we got class! Don't forget the shed! Replete with barn lofts! Ooh, that's nice!

I'm not an electrician, but I have pulled a lot of wire and figured out a few rat's nests in my time. For this house, I was the puller of wire, driller of holes, and follower of instructions. Lots of romex, high ceilings, many walls, long days. Later, I installed many outlets and switches.               Unraveled a few rat's nests too. A few aftermarket car stereo installations: problem solving and soldering.                 And one really huge, super fancy LED display...never again!                

A full remodel, and I was part of a crew of 'jack-of-all tradesmen' doing all manner of tasks. It's hard to keep doing the job AND remember to take photos. So, here's a sampling. Know that this project started by sweeping up the needles from the floor of the building that used to be here. Ship-lap cedar panel, spray stained by yours truly and attached one at a time. A team effort for sure! In process...don't underestimate how tricky the underside can be! Floating shelves! What's holding them up? Big ass screws, that's what!  You know, getting all those acoustic panels to fit snugly between ceiling joists that we not parallel was no easy feat. Neither was the tight fitting wall paneling. Shelves getting drilled for hanging. Nice paint job! Oh, so many planks! Hung a few windows. Oh, this door! All three of us to get that one in! See? Heavy!!! (and tight fitting) That's me. Living the dream, I suppose. It was March in Austin--not too hot yet--and I was hav...