Blade-of-the-Moon's Art

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

I want a Minature of Doug The Chasmosaurus

Maybe a certain awesome sculptor will make one?

Well Doug is certainly a beautiful dinosaur!

When I first clicked the link to your comment I thought you meant Doug as in Doug Watson.

How many dinosaurs do you have total? You do a really thorough job for the amount you make. Way better than the dinosaurs I see in other parks that have kind of a droopy look. Yours seem so alive.

lol actually I named this one for Doug who helped me out in creating it.

Lets see... we have 45 diff species currently , but we have a current total of 69 including juveniles, hatchlings, mated pairs and packs.

Thank you, i try to make them as life-like as i can manage. I originally wanted to make this Chasmo rearing up like in GSP's art but it's a good thing I didn't , it was hard enough to get where it is without being overly tall, having balance issues ,cutting trees, ect.. lol

Does that number include your Resin Statues and your original creations?

Every dino in the park except the modern flying ones lol

[Simon]

Chris, this may be your best dinosaur sculpt to date.  Marvelous!  Amazingly life like, and (I haven't read upthread so this may or may not have been brought up already) - a fitting tribute to Doug Watson (I presume)?

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

Chris, this may be your best dinosaur sculpt to date.  Marvelous!  Amazingly life like, and (I haven't read upthread so this may or may not have been brought up already) - a fitting tribute to Doug Watson (I presume)?

Thank you and yes you are correct sir!  I hope Doug likes it, the best way I can show my appreciation.

[Mamasaurus]

Great work on the chasmosaurus and camarosaurus! They just keep getting better and better!

[ceratopsian]

Finally, I present you with Doug the Chasmosaurus :

An impressive beast!

[Lanthanotus]

Man, Chris, you should do that professionally, I mean, you do somehow, but someone should pay you well for it, those creations are better than a lot of stuff you see around in parks and so called museums.

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

Man, Chris, you should do that professionally, I mean, you do somehow, but someone should pay you well for it, those creations are better than a lot of stuff you see around in parks and so called museums.

Thank you all! 

The problem is people would rather buy a JP looking Raptor statue from Asia than pay for original art.  i grant it's a difference of say 1500.00 vs 5000.00  but they cast a piece paint it and done, I build from scratch every time.   but building them for the park here allows me to do what i love and lets people enjoy them without the expense. 

[ZoPteryx]

Outstanding work on the Chasmosaurus, it's really beautiful! 

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

Much appreciated, glad Doug is well liked! lol


had some news from the county today, seems they are wanting me to stop any public events now among other things , the email i received from the director of planning and zoning :

See you next Wednesday at 5PM, May 17th.  Please be prepared to speak on the progress and the reason for the extension.  I am recommending for another year as you have made a lot of progress.  Still concerned about you advertising for open public events.  This was prohibited by the Board of Zoning Appeals in the beginning.  They specifically told you that you could have private parties, like school groups and parties based upon the number of parking spaces.  You cannot advertise on your Facebook and website for open public events.  That is what got you in trouble in the first place.  I'm sorry.  Keep in mind Chris – you are not zoned commercially nor paying commercial property tax.  We must be fair and constitutional about this.  You are not an amusement park.  While this is a special place, you are zoned A-1, which allows for farming, single family residential, open space and a home-occupation.  The crafting of the dinosaurs is your Home-Occupation.  You were granted Special Exception/Conditional Use permission from the Board of Zoning Appeals to keep the trail, park and private parties.  You are not zoned like a mini Dollywood.  I hope you understand this.

If you wanted to be rezoned to AR (Recreational Zone) you would have to build a huge parking lot, which you do not have room for.  You would have to obtain signatures of approval from EVERY property owner that touches your grandfather's property, including across the roads.

So to keep things simple and less stressful – please adhere to the original conditions of approval.  Absolutely no public advertising for special events.  Please remove those from your Facebook and website.

The building official is also very concerned about the Dinos in the Dark exhibit.  The structure is made of black tarp and pallets.  This is not structurally sound, does not meet building codes.  We discussed this many times in person when you gave me a tour.  What are your plans for this exhibit?  If you want to keep it, you will need to rebuild the structure to meet building codes.  Employees/volunteers and the public should not have access to it at this time until you satisfy the building inspector.  I know reusing pallets has become popular, but you cannot build a structure out of pallets that people will walk through.  One big heavy snowfall or heavy rains will crush people inside.  Please block this off immediately.

Many thanks,

Ambre M. Torbett, AICP
Director, Planning & Codes Dept.
Sullivan County Government
3411 Hwy. 126, Suite 30
Blountville, TN   37617
423.323.6440 main office
423.279.2603 direct line
423.279.2886 fax

[BlueKrono]

That's frustrating. Your park is every bit as entertaining as a mini Dollywood. I wish there was some way you could zoned for recreational, but that would necessitate buying land from your neighbors for the parking lot. Man, if I won the lottery I would definitely make it happen for you. That place is awesome.

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

I have to say it's getting me pretty upset. I've about had with all her stupidity.   She states things as fact and has no real idea.

The board said we could have events if wee stuck to the rules given, if those rules are followed what difference does it matter the label?

That is not what had us "in trouble" in the first place,  I've told her and the board 10 times by email, in person and submitted documents. We had one event, Trick or Treat with the Dinosaurs that blew up on facebook to 3200 people. we had never been this large before or since at any event. the last numbers were 500 or so for the previous year.  basing every requirement around it is ignorant.

What's fair and constitutional? I can't even figure that one out, sounds like politician jargon. 

I've never called myself an amusement park.

I appreciate the comparison, but i have no idea what a mini-dollywood is zoned like.  I don't have food, rides, or anywhere near those numbers of people.  Yesterday I had two groups, a couple from out of state and a family of four from out of state.  We made about 40.00 for running 12 hours, but they really enjoyed it. 

Another year won't mean anything if i can't hold these events to raise funds for us.  We make so little i'm barely covering bills.  The board members will be dead and she'll be out of office before i'm done.

We have no Dino Park in the Dark building, we set up tents for it.  I have no idea what she means here. the velociraptor pen? we removed the roof over guests heads per her demands.  Terrors of the Deep? It is not pallets, it's stick built construction, the roof is built like a bird cage,  or they way we build the dinosaurs, lightweight wire stretched over with thin vinyl on top.  it weighs nothing.

Really i'm annoyed, stressed and getting depressed with a good dose of anger tossed in.  I;m very tempted to tell her where to stick her rule book.  She lied to me, twisted things, and always comes up with new things.

[BlueKrono]

I can understand being upset, but it's never a good idea to try to "stick it to" the authorities. They'll just make it more difficult for you. I know sometimes zoning people use legalese which can be confusing for us common folk. I would politely ask her to clarify at least the specific things she refers to in her letter where you believe you are actually in compliance.
It wouldn't hurt to let her know that you don't charge anything and that events help cover your costs. Inquire about how you could bring more people in legally. I know I spread the news by word-of-mouth when I was in Johnson City, and at least one lady said she'd love to go, and bring her daughter. Could people other than you raise awareness of your dinosaurs if you are not involved?

[E.D.G.E. (PainterRex)]

We would be honored to help you with your youtube channel and any logos, posters, etc. you might need or want for anything regarding the park (using your logos for stuff of course). We would also be able to make videos for your Youtube channel.

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

I can understand being upset, but it's never a good idea to try to "stick it to" the authorities. They'll just make it more difficult for you. I know sometimes zoning people use legalese which can be confusing for us common folk. I would politely ask her to clarify at least the specific things she refers to in her letter where you believe you are actually in compliance.
It wouldn't hurt to let her know that you don't charge anything and that events help cover your costs. Inquire about how you could bring more people in legally. I know I spread the news by word-of-mouth when I was in Johnson City, and at least one lady said she'd love to go, and bring her daughter. Could people other than you raise awareness of your dinosaurs if you are not involved?

I should clarify , this my third meeting with her, upteenth email, ect..  She knows we don't charge, when the last meeting was held i explained to the BZA we needed events and they agreed to events with restrictions, now she's changing it to mean what she wants again.  i honestly think she is going to keep pulling things and adding other things so i can't do it. 

Yes I believe so, i was only told i couldn't advertise any events. 

We would be honored to help you with your youtube channel and any logos, posters, etc. you might need or want for anything regarding the park (using your logos for stuff of course). We would also be able to make videos for your Youtube channel.

I appreciate that, i haven't time to do much anything.   I have a coloring book i'm almost ready to get printed,  i had wanted to shoot a video about the park to sell and make funds for us,  (something about each species, how we make them, then schools could even be given copies ) ,advertising for these events not  on fb or our website...really anything you have an idea for.

[Neosodon]

I don't really know what's going on but if the event is free then it wouldn't count as advertising right? It would just be an invitation, not really any different than advertising a bbq or something at your house. I'm no legal expert but it seems like that would be the case. And what are they going to do if you don't follow their so called rules. Throw taxes at you or shut your park down? Having a local attraction like a dinosaur park is something that would draw in tourism bringing in more money for the town so I can't imagine they would want your park to close. Well I hope everything gets worked out.

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

I don't really know what's going on but if the event is free then it wouldn't count as advertising right? It would just be an invitation, not really any different than advertising a bbq or something at your house. I'm no legal expert but it seems like that would be the case. And what are they going to do if you don't follow their so called rules. Throw taxes at you or shut your park down? Having a local attraction like a dinosaur park is something that would draw in tourism bringing in more money for the town so I can't imagine they would want your park to close. Well I hope everything gets worked out.

it's ok i don't pretend to understand it all myself by any means.   Apparently it's " your" property only as far as price and taxes go, the county, city, or state can do what they wish with it.   Specifically the BZA/ Planning and Zoning Director can condemn or bar anything she likes pending it meets her approval.  They can't really stop people from coming here, i can't either.  they won't station a cop here 24/7 but they can fine me for not doing what they want.  Not listening to a BZA decree is, in Tennessee, a Class C misdemeanor.  That is anywhere from a 50.00 fine -30 days in jail depending on the judge.  If they try to say i'm endangering the  public or some other insanity who knows.  I can't afford a doctor visit much less a good lawyer. 

It's funny she says i'm not a theme park, and i have never claimed to be such, i'm an artist whose work is immersive experiences   I would think i would help the local economy and i'm open to that, anyone can sell shirts, hats, food, whatever and i wouldnt care.   I think it's because i don't donate funds to the city, the county actually alters the roads here for the big nascar races ...

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

Had an awesome day yesterday.. my grandfather was buried in the morning, i met with BZA about the future of the park just a couple hours later , then i went out to clear boxes, busy day, made 20.00, and someone let their kid crap in the gift shop floor...the kid then walked through it tracking it everywhere! they also allowed their precious child to tear things off the shelves, open packages and toss them in the floor with the aforementioned doo doo. i just spent the past 45 minutes cleaning it up, bleaching, finding air freshener and throwing away gift shop items...some days it pays to stay in bed...

For anyone interested here is the breakdown of the BZA meeting

- need to look into becoming or partnering with a 501c3
- Restroom is the priority over the siteplan currently
- we have a one year extension
- i have to meet with an inspector at some point here to look over the Raptor Pen again, after we fixed it last year, that may not be enough and it may be getting torn down.
- parties and field trips are ok, events have to be private of limited like a field trip
The restroom is what they want to see done in the year given, some board members even discussed picking up tools and helping us out. I made it clear it was beyond our current earnings to afford and we needed financial/material donation help. I also have no idea how to go about building a restroom and would need a blueprint or something to even start digging.
The inspector which visited last week while i was indiposed was concerned about the dino in the dark exhibit, which i think is the velociraptor pen. he was concerned it was built incorrectly and should heavy rain, snow or tree fall on it , it could collapse with people inside. Been okay for years so far but i guess we'll see. It's not built from pallets ( a point made ) though it does use them for decor , again we'll see.
We can offer of events like Dino Park in the Dark but they will be reservation only like our parties and field trips so we do not overload our parking area and can maintain control.

[Halichoeres]

Good lord, that's an awful day. Also, disgusting.

[Pachyrhinosaurus]

That's awful. How parents/kids like that exist I have no idea.

Also if you're looking for legal help, you're gonna want to make your restroom T. rex-proof.

[Neosodon]

I don't even want to think about what that kid's house looks or smells like. Kind of ironic that it comes at the same time your trying to build a restroom. Depending on how you define a restroom, they can be quite cheap.