Sunday, January 24, 2010

2010 Winter Olympics Third Rock!

Well it has certainly been an emotional time. I left home last week on Wednesday for the village where I grew up. I was head for the ICU bedside of my elderly mother who had been involved in a car crash. She broke and dislocated her arm but the real problem was the pulmonary embolism that formed later. On the seven hour trip I was contacted about confirming the order for the Olympic Third Rock for the Winter 2010 games in Vancouver BC. I explained that the piece was started but not anywhere close to being finshed and that I could not meet there timeline which was essentially - we need this now! Although a great compliment and something I was very eager to do there was no decision to make and I just kept driving. I did however offer to return, if all went well with Mom, Sunday and to work thirty hours over two days to complete the piece. And they agreed! This made me very very happy and put considerable pressure on my performance -as you might expect. Mom made steady improvement over the five days I was there and I felt very comfortable leaving here in the capable supervision of the staff at the hospital and my sister Beverly who is a nurse. I did return and worked diligently and was extremely pleased with the outcome. I modified the fire pit to be capable of accepting a 150,000 gas burner and raised it about ten inches from the normal height plus added a round base plate. It has been crated up (put those carpenter skills to work) and headed out for the Olmpic Village where it will reside at an inner courtyard surrounded by the athlete's residence. If my family and I get security clearances we will go visit and be certain - we will take and share some pictures!

PS Mom is getting stronger and is now back in her home, thanks for your prayers and cards!

Friday, January 22, 2010

Fire Pit Art at The Pigg Pin

Kevin,
Thanks for posting your Fire Pit from Fire Pit Art on your blog The Pigg Pin.

Best,

Rick

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Artist's Fire Pit To Be Used At Olympics

LEBANON, Tenn. -- When the Winter Olympics begin in a few weeks, a family from Lebanon will be glowing with pride.

Rick Wittrig, the owner of Fire Pit Art, made a steel globe that will burn brightly at the Olympic Games in Vancouver.

His fire pit will be the centerpiece in the courtyard where the athletes are housed. A 150,000 British Thermal Units flame will burn in the pit. Wittrig said his company started after an accident.

"We wanted a fire pit for our family, and I bought one at a yard sale. I took it home, it fell apart and caught the yard on fire, which was really exciting but not what we wanted. So, I made one for myself and our family," said Wittrig.

When friends saw his fire pit, they wanted one. Wittrig started going to art shows, set up a Web site and the rest is history.

Some of his vendors helped get him in touch with Olympic organizers. It took Wittrig 30 hours to create the fire pit that will be used in Vancouver.

The games begin Feb. 12 with exclusive coverage on Channel 4

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Bringing the World to the Olympic Games

A world of thanks Hillary Trenda and the Lebanon Democrat for reporting on the making of the Olympic Third Rock. We are so grateful for this incredible opportunity.

The Olympic Third Rock images

This has been an Olympic week. I have added some images of the Olympic Third Rock in the making at firepitart.com and my facebook fan page.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Fire Pit Artist, Rick Wittrig commissioned by The Vancouver Olympics

Fire Pit Art will ship The Olympic Third Rock on Tuesday to be placed in The Olympic Village for the Athletes of the World to enjoy. Words can not describe our excitement....