THE DERRICK FLOOR

Monumental Derrick Floor, 1 1/4 Life-size, Limited Ed. of 1 – Created in 2003 | Unveiled in Artesia, New Mexico the spring of 2004.

(Commissioned by Artesia MainStreet; for more information visit artesiamainstreet.com)

In 2003, Vic Payne was approached with the idea for ‘The Derrick Floor’ from the passionate folks at Artesia MainStreet. They envisioned a tribute to the many unsung heroes of the oil patch – the tireless workers who built the oil industry in southeastern New Mexico. These roughnecks, with their calloused hands and unwavering spirit, deserved recognition.

Vic was excited to accept this challenge as it was twofold for him: he wanted to capture the spirit of the oil industry while honoring the oil men who believed in him and invested in his own dreams in the beginning of his career.  So he began with creating a 1950’s drilling rig that he cut off at approximately 37 feet, a replica of the real thing. Vic didn’t want to focus on the drilling rig, but in the men and women who represent the beating heart of the oil patch. The four man crew of roughnecks faces are etched in determination as they toil against the backdrop of the towering derrick. Each minute detail was painstakingly sculpted from the sweat on their brows, to the creases in their work-worn shirt, all speak of authenticity.

On April 24, 2004, under the vast blue New Mexico sky, ‘The Derrick Floor’ was unveiled. It stood as a tribute to the 80th anniversary of the Illinois #3, the first commercial oil well in southeastern New Mexico and the inaugural well on state-owned lands. It was dedicated “to the men and women who take the risks and do the work to find, produce and refine New Mexico oil and gas.”

If you ever find yourself in Artesia, don’t miss the chance to stand beneath this towering oil derrick. Feel the weight of history, and perhaps, just perhaps, you might hear the whispers of those roughnecks who shaped the land.