Fun at work

[rf33]

Harv, your work is a true sight to behold. You really seem to be one of a dying breed of true craftsmen. I have a saddle maker friend who you remind me of. Seen him get almost done with a saddle, and then tear it back down because it didn't "feel right". I think that in the slap it together, disposable world we live in, it is a refreshing change to see someone who both takes a great pride in his workmanship, and is willing to share his knowledge with all of us here. I for one count myself lucky to have you around this board.

 

[wroughtn_harv]

It seems like forever let me tell you. A pair of doors like that I'm gonna have to figure on two months the next time around.

I just came up to the house for lunch. I've clamped and tacked some of the pieces together this morning.

What blows my mind is how you can start off with this picture in your mind that's out of focus and distorted with shadows. Then you start making what you can see clearly. As you're doing this your mind is going in fifteen dozen different directions trying to adjust and allow for mishaps or errors that weren't obvious.

Then you start putting together these pieces you made cause they were clear only from the perspective that the other things weren't. Every now and then you step back and look at what's happening. It's then you realize in your heart of hearts that you're not the captain of this ship. You're just along for the ride.

I think what's helped me so much in projects like this was observing those painters on PBS. Especially the afro haired white guy with the great running conversation with his subject matter and materials.

Sometimes you do something like hammering the material to tone it and you feel a big oops cause you're not following a pattern or you realize you are following a pattern and that's not what you wanted. Discouragement starts climbing up your leg wanting to get on your shoulder to make that arm really tired.

It's then that I reflect on how that old boy on the tv will dab a color here and there and it makes no more sense to me than going kite flying without string. He'll comment on how it's this little tree for the birdies or some such nonsense and I'm staring and thinking he's dipped into the thinner one time too many.

A little bit later after he's done more talking and dabbing etc all of a sudden there's this [censored] tree right there in front of your eyes real enough to have live birds.

That's the way things happen for this old boy. I have to wonder if painters find themselves marveling how that works too.

I do know there are times when the sense of appreciation for being in the loop when these things happen is really overwhelming.

 

[StoneHeartFarm]

Harv
You got way too much energy. If you ever figure a way to compress it and send it over the internet, I want some. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

SHF

 

[wroughtn_harv]

Here's some real fun.

 

[wroughtn_harv]

Another shot of a grin generator one oh one.

 

[wroughtn_harv]

But real fun is riding the <A target="_blank" HREF=http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/wroughtnharv/vwp?.dir=/The+Dome+aka+labor+of+love&.src=ph&.dnm=old+man+playing+peter+pan.jpg&.view=t&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/bc/wroughtnharv/lst%3f%26.dir=/The%2bDome%2baka%2blabor%2bof%2blove%26.src=ph%26.view=t>ball on a crane.</A>

Heck someone had to do it. I had the most senority.........

 

[wroughtn_harv]

And I knew it was plenty safe. But just in case I took off my boots. Real men don't die without their boots on, right?

 

[MDNY]

I am not worthy, I am not worthy. But seriously. For me I would need a clean pair of shorts after that ride in the sky. Looking good though.

 

[MrP]

I'll second that... We're not worthy...

 

[blurrybill]

Harv,

You're an artist, and I think you know it. The way you describe the materials in your hands taking on a life of their own is reminiscent of artists' descriptions of how their work evolves - whether in visual arts, music, or crafts like yours. We all appreciate the craftsmanship. Don't be too coy; I think you're "dumb like a fox." Like many, I truly appreciate your ingenuity, skill, artistry and craftsmanship. Enjoy the adoration; you deserve some. One request; don't let this love die -- find some youngster with heart and soul and teach him. I fear our culture is reaching low tide -- you can help.

Bill