The June 2014 Fabric-Forming Sink & GFRC Concrete Countertop training event just wrapped up, and we wanted to share a few photos we snapped during the class. The next 2.5 day workshop will be in August, click here to learn more or to enroll.
Our Roots
Buddy Rhodes (left) and Brandon Gore (right) in San Francisco at Buddy Rhodes Studio, ca. 2004
Buddy Rhodes (center), Brandon Gore (left), and Jon Schuler (right) at World of Concrete in Las Vegas, 2014
As we prepare to receive attendees of the May 6-8, 2014 2.5-day Fabric-Forming Concrete Sink + GFRC Workshop, we reflect back on our beginnings.
I (Brandon Gore) have only taken one concrete related class, and that was with Buddy Rhodes of Buddy Rhodes Studio many years ago. Buddy's shop was huge, employees were everywhere, mixing, placing and polishing concrete; it was as if he and his studio were the Willy Wonka of concrete.
Thinking back, I can recall the excitement and possibility of this burgeoning industry; it's as palpable now as it was then. Concrete sinks and countertops were just coming onto the scene. GFRC hadn't become the standard and fabric-forming was unexplored. Anything was possible, which was good and bad. Decorative and interior architectural concrete hadn't gained a foothold yet, so the thoughts of failure were visceral - could a small studio make it? That was uncharted territory.
A decade later and that question has been answered, and it is a resounding 'YES!' Small studios can not only survive but thrive. The materials, tools, technologies and processes have gone through a quantum leap since then, but the entrepreneurial ethos remains a constant. The sustained heartbeat of this industry comes from the artisans and craftsman that care deeply about the quality of each and every piece they create by hand. It is in this spirit that we welcome the attendees of the May 6-8th workshop, and we hope to see them grow along with the industry in the coming decade.
Fighting the Burn
Steel + Wood Sculpture by Brandon Gore, ca. 2008
Concrete countertops and sinks are a lot of fun to make, but concrete veterans often time struggle with staying excited. They get stuck in a rut and lose sight of the magic that comes from creativity and design. How can experienced concrete craftsmen stay motivated and enthusiastic? One way is by attending a training course at Concrete Design School. Learning a new method or approach can reignite passion.
Don't get burned out. Get your concrete mojo back. Get energized. Get the best training available - Concrete Design School.
How to Transport Heavy Concrete / An awesome class by Michael Karmody
Slay Your Concrete Leviathan
Casting a large piece of concrete is one thing, moving it is another story entirely. The battle begins a few days after casting. You stare at the behemoth before you, racking your brain trying to figure out the most effective and safe method of flipping it. If you happen to get it flipped without damaging it, your equipment or person the next phase begins - designing, building and transferring the concrete to a transport cart. Once on the cart you have to get it into a truck, secured, moved, unloaded and finally placed. Ah yes, placement of this concrete titan, most likely with the client and other onlookers watching, judging, suggesting; the pressure is immense.
Michael Karmody can help. In this premiere workshop, Michael will take you through the thought processes, strategies, methods and mechanics of accomplishing the above described tasks in style and with panache. Sign up today and slay your concrete leviathan.
What is Concrete Design School?
GFRC training attendee learning how to properly spray a face-coat for a concrete sink
Concrete Design School is the continuation and progression of training workshops that Brandon Gore of Gore Design Co. and Hard Goods has held since 2005. The objective of these workshops is to elevate the industry, to raise the bar of what can be done with concrete and increase expectations from the public at large as to what good concrete should be. Over the last decade we have taught hundreds of individuals, many going on to launch award-winning leading decorative concrete companies. We look forward to the future of concrete!