Carved Books Again

A couple months ago I shared some of my artistic endeavors here on the blog as I was preparing for my show in the library of North Seattle Community College. Prior to this, I had a three pieces hanging in a shop in the Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle, but this was really the first time they’ve all been on display anywhere other than my own home.

I included my contact information in the exhibit, thinking that someone might want to get in touch about buying one, or possibly commissioning a piece, but the idea really wasn’t to sell as much as to get them out of my house and into the world. One thing I hadn’t anticipated were strangers calling me just to talk about the work. I’ve often been moved by art, but it has never crossed my mind to express gratitude to the artist unless he was standing right there with me. My god, what an incredible feeling it is to have strangers phone you as you’re cooking dinner or folding laundry just to reach out and say, “Thanks.” I hope it doesn’t sound like I’m fishing for compliments here, but I've fielded dozens of calls this past month, and after a particularly nice one last night, I’m blown away this morning by the kindness of strangers. And more than a little shamed by all the times I’ve been moved by a piece of art without sharing it with that unknown artist. It really is better than money.

Although money ain't so bad either. On a much lower level of existence, I’m excited to report that the show has resulted in a sale! It’s not the first one I've sold, but it’s the first one from a show so it’s something of a milestone. This is the one that will soon have a new home:

Pinocchino

I promised the buyer that she could have it before the end of the show, so I’m going in this week to trade it out for this new piece:

Le fraincais partout 1















This was the girlhood French book of librarian Elinor Appel who is responsible for the show being at NSCC in the first place, her name is even written on the flyleaf. I’d planned to give it to her as a “thank you” at the end of the show, but now I think I’ll put it in the display case with a card that reads, “From the private collection of Elinor Appel” and see if she notices. I know she sometimes reads the blog, so maybe she’ll see it here first. Thanks Elinor!

If I can find the room, I’m going to try to wedge this new piece into a display case as well:

Boy From Johnny Butte















And maybe this one:

The Seven Principles Of Golf

I’m also excited to report that I’ve recently received a commission, although not as a direct result of the show. I’m going to be carving a book for an old friend back east to give as a Christmas gift to her husband.

Back to preschool posts tomorrow . . .