Paper...

Here at Wood Lore studios this week, we have been taking a thorough look at Art Paper.  The sample boxes we have been perusing contain offerings from all over the world - and I do mean every corner of the Earth. There are so many beautiful papers being made!  (I used to think that the title, Art Papers, meant paper to be used by an Artist- now I know that the papers themselves are works of art).  But that's only half of what impressed me this week.  The other part is that most of the papers are constructed using both Old World techniques AND natural fibers (grasses, bark and a myriad of other fibers).  Certainly technology is a good thing to have - but when balanced with ancient techniques and materials, it doesn't (in my book) get any better. These papers have this sort 
of balance and soon, I will be incorporating some of them in my work. Can't wait! Stay tuned...

A good Florentine "...sta sempre a bottega".

"A Good Florentine is Always in the Shop"

- A saying from early-Rennaissance Florence, Italy

If you look closely at the image from a 15th Century engraving (above) you will see that very saying being carried out in everday life.  On both sides of the street, craftsmen and artisans can be seen working happily away in shop spaces that are open to the air and to the public.  They are busy creating and making their wares - and yet are also available to sell, answer questions or, if the spirit moves them, have a 'chit-chat' with passers-by.

This idea appeals to me in a big way.

Perhaps the appeal comes from the place inside us where we find it such a pleasant thing to do to stop by an outdoor espresso cart and grab a latte - watching the barista perform magic while discussing whatever comes to mind.  Or break for a coney dog from a mobile vendor - not ordering our condiments and having them put on in the kitchen, but slathered on right there before our eyes.

I recently viewed a movie about a gentleman reported to be perhaps the best sushi chef in the world.  He is an artist.  Yes, people come to eat his excellent food but they also want to watch him make and serve it.  His restaurant is in a building, but what would be so different if the Sushi counter was outside?  Customers would still be transfixed - as they were in the movie - by watching a Master at work.

People want to see what artisans do.  When they are given the opportunity with food or coffee, they flock to the venue.  Drawing from my experience with ourtdoor art fairs, I believe we are slowly moving back to an 'Always in the Shop'/Open-Air-Spaces scenario.  It is already happening in certain places - so, it's just a matter of time....  I know I will enjoy it to the 'max'.  The shops where I have worked (even my own) have offered wayyyy too much isolation and solitude.  Maybe that works for ice sculptures, but not warm, friendly, beautiful, elegant wood..

Press Release on Wood Lore Invention!

"Gazer-Lazer Energy Systems, LLC"

I am both pleased and excited to make the following announcement.  Lori is taking the ball and heading for the 'endzone'!!!!

In the very first blog for this website, I mentioned our invention.  Soon it will go into full release, but today is definitely a milestone.

I took the initial phase and did all the preliminaries - developing one of the two components that form the 'core' of the invention.  I applied for a Design Patent (said Patent is now pending) and finalized and refined the object which will be patented.

The other - and equally important - component is what we are calling 'The Owner's Manual'.  AS OF TODAY, Lori is taking charge and taking command of all steps needed to finish it and publish it.  Although I will 'reign in my horse' and stay calm, I am more than eager to see her work.  She brings to this table all her experience and expertise from many years of work in Television News, Radio Broadcasting, Video Programming and Directing and Event Coordination Management.  And THAT is why I know it will be awesome!!!

I think it is fair to say a little about the invention itself - and I will, without giving too much away.  In the Design Patent application, it is identified as a 'Psycho/Spiritual Device'.  It is made of wood (of course).  It can be owned and enjoyed by anyone and everyone.  And that is enough for now....

There you have it.  My wife is in the house doing her magic and I am going to get into a little oiling on some products, design-building on others and, generally, making a lot of noise and sawdust (my favorite).  Have a great day!