This was a Christmas present for my girlfriend, Lora. She handles so much of the business part of what I do. I am at home at the workbench, sketching, cutting stones, and working the metal; but, when it comes to selling my work, I am just not comfortable standing behind a counter fielding questions. It sounds unusual that a guy who spends every day in front of a classroom full of kids discussing art and techniques would have such an issue with speaking in public. I calculated that I have had approximately 2,150 students pass through my public high school art classroom. But, there is something different about standing before all of these things that I have created and fielding questions. For each piece I remember the inner dialog, the cut and recut stones, the problems that arose, and the things that I learned along the way. Usually, these are things most people who are curious about my work aren’t interested in. The aspect that they usually want to know is value of this or that, and that falls into an uncomfortable realm for me. When it gets so busy in the shop that I have to come to the counter and help people, after a few inquiries into “why is this one more than that” I am reminded of the scene from the old Frankenstein movies where the monster freaks out when revealed to the public, and they end up chasing him with pitchforks and torches out to the top of some tower. Well, maybe it’s not that bad, but the thought skips a rock across the top of my fishtank.
Not only does Lora handle the aspects of business that I just lack the skills to deal with, but she is my muse for most of my work, and she is an excellent friend to conspire with, planning random trips, marketing ideas, and ways to include our kids in this or that. I will spare you on how she brings a twinkle to my eyes, LOL. I had to edit this of most of the mushy stuff :o) But, you get the point. I just felt that she is so much an unsung part of what I do that even after exchanging presents this Christmas that I should make her something special at the bench before all traces of the Christmas season are over.
I hear things, sometimes, that she says, and I try to make mental notes of them. Once at a small craft gallery someone was displaying stackable rings that could be bought and worn in any arrangement, changing the bands to fit whatever color happened to be worn that day. For my own work, I am not crazy about making something purely for accessorizing an outfit. But, I do realize that this is something that Lora likes to do occasionally. “Sigh, why can’t meaning override aesthetics?!” LOL.
We had also picked up a parcel of tourmalines while visiting a gemstone trader in Franklin, NC. This was 3 or more years ago. But, Lora had melted over these stones, so I set one aside and labeled one in a baggie to be used in something special for her one day. And, as I was cleaning, tending, and organizing my tools at the bench from the Christmas rush, I came across the little pink tourmaline in a baggie with her name on it. I remembered how she shivered at these glistening bits of pink ice. I also know her fondness for opals. So, I asked her to select one from a tray I have of opals.
These aren’t the most complex works that I have made, but it was fun to make. I didn’t want to focus too much dilly dallying around with weaving some other idea into the design, symbols and such. My objective was to just give her what she wanted. Besides, these are stackable, rearrange-able, and I can add more sculptural bands to it as we go. Hmmmm, or maybe just the idea that she liked stackable bands and the stones start the story off, and the idea of stackable bands is sort of a promise that I will add more to it as we go along.
Anyways, “Cheers and Merry Christmas Lora. I love you.”
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I hate to admit it, but I see things from time to time that makes me think, ” I could make that.” But, in truth, I don’t. Sometimes time is more valuable than money. It was the same when she showed me the stackable rings. I have been trying to just tell myself, “Go ahead and get them, I won’t have time.” But, I finally came through :o)
Yep, she likes them. I’m good on brownie points till Valentines, he he :o)
I really like Lora’s new rings Michael. I love stackable rings too, but haven’t got round to making any yet. Maybe one day. But I bet Lora was pleased as punch with them.
Thanks Mark,
I’d say you’re very successful. Sometimes, the best success can’t be measured adequately in dollars; something deeper, better.
And, I am just thrilled when someone loves my work. For each person out there in the world wearing one of my works is someone adding to a story or haiku of sorts that I started. It’s a great feeling. :o)
I’m a farmer of sorts as well. Planting these seeds of images, stories, connections. Well, maybe sorta :o)
Thanks again.
nice blog mike…the necklace you made for peggy is great…at heart peggy is a farmgirl…she fixes up real nice…but it’s muckboots and overalls for the most part…bling doesn’t do it for her…but your work struck a chord in her…and she has worn that necklace a bunch…more than anything else…anyway…when my ship comes in i’ll weigh it down with your work…until then maybe a piece here and there…peggy doesn’t like foo foo..she likes real and she likes art and heart and soul…keep up the good work, mark