‘Catalyst Sessions’ recap: Mark Aeling

The Catalyst Sessions got an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of MGA Sculpture Studio Friday, as master sculptor Mark Aeling walked through the sections of his latest work: A life-sized steel representation of the biplane “airboat” that took aviator Tony Jannus and a passenger across Tampa Bay in 1914, history’s first ticketed airline transit.

The sculpture is to be placed near the entrance to the new St. Pete Pier, close to the very spot where Jannus and St. Petersburg mayor Abe Phiel took off all those years ago.

“This is a fun piece, because for one thing it’s huge,” Aeling said. “So we have to build it in multiple sections. The engineering on it is just insane. Because this thing (the actual aircraft) was made of light wood and canvas, so it was never intended for hurricane-force winds.

“So we’ve got to take this design, and then modify – staying as true to the design as possible, but using stainless steel and design it so it can withstand incredible wind force.

“We don’t want this thing to fly. That would be a problem.”

The conversation also included illuminating discussions of Gladiolus Blossom and Shielded, the massive Aeling sculptures on view at the new St. Petersburg police station.

Aeling, a founder of the Warehouse Arts District and president of the Warehouse Arts District Association, talked about the district’s plans for the immediate future – including the long-awaited debut of The Factory, the 6.5 acre facility that will serve as a “cultural hub” for the area.

Next on The Catalyst Sessions (Monday, June 1): Writer Roy Peter Clark.

Streaming weekdays at 7 p.m. on the Catalyst Facebook page.