Samples!

Plenty of sample signs line the walls of our studio and shop. These signs fulfil many functions. The signs are a testing ground for new ideas, methods and materials. Building them hones my skills. The sample signs showcase all the things we can do for our prospective customers. I couldn't expect my customers to understand my ideas without showing them what we can do.

I've had anidea for a new sample rattling around in my head for quite some time. Now at last it is time to begin work on the project. It will happen over the next month or so, a few minutes at a time as I can squeeze it in.

The sign was inspired by a visit to an old abandoned mine on Quadra Island more than forty years ago. Little from the actual mine will make it onto the sign save for the name "Lucky Jim's Gold Mine".My project began with a quick sketch in my book. I wasn't worried about type style or even scale at this point - just capturing the feel of the sign.

I decided to start with the wheels and track first. The mine car would determine the scale of the sign. The wheels were routed as were the pieces of rail. The ties were hand carved. I finished the basic assembly tonight of the first pieces.

Stay tuned as the fun begins...

-grampa dan

Learning through doing!

Tonight I was reviewing old posts and came across one dated March 25 of last year. Relevant then and even more now I thought it worth posting. Phoebe (my very favorite grand daughter) who is currently seven years old is now spending more time at our house which means I am constantly being educated by her. This post summed up my thoughts then and now.

On the day my grand daughter Phoebe (now six) was born I got to hold her for many hours. Her momma and dad were a little tired after a rough night in the hospital. While I was up late, excited about the news, I slept great, with the realization my life would never be the same. I was determined to be the very best grampa in the world. As I held her that first day I knew I was the luckiest man alive. Little did I know what was in store in the next years.

Through the last six years I got to see little Phoebe a lot. In the first months she often slept in my arms as I sat at my desk and pretended to work. She spent many, many hours playing in my studio, most often with me on the floor beside her. The rocking horse I made for her lives here. Phoebe's toys are often scattered on the floor. Stuffed animals litter my studio. And her drawings are taped in various places around my desk. Out in the shop her playhouse takes up considerable floor space. Phoebe's massive rock collection lines the top of our retaining wall. Her bike is parked on my porch. It's immediately obvious to anyone who comes that a kid spends lots of time here.

Phoebe knows her way around my toolbox and often 'works' in the shop. Her favorite job is painting although she will try anything I need to do.  We have invested countless hours into our relationship and we have enjoyed many, many adventures together. Like my kids did when they were young (and beyond) she helps me often. I've learned it only takes a little longer if a child helps.

The payoff is immeasurable for me. The most horrible day is made right in an instant with a hug from Phoebe. Her endless chatter and questions cheer me immensely. Through her eyes I enjoy the limitless wonder of a world seen for the very first time. I daily discover the joys of making clouds of dust, watching various colors of paint run together, see dragons in the sky, learn to fly and a thousand other adventures.

Phoebe has also taught me things about myself, She's brought to me a clear understanding of who I am now and who I was growing up. Through her I have discovered what made me different. In a good way.

Phoebe is full of curiosity. And while every child has this characteristic, with Phoebe it is overflowing to the maximum possible. She sees EVERYTHING around her. She has to try everything, touch everything, and figure out how it works. For Phoebe every day is much too short, for there are far too many interesting things to learn about, to experience. In watching her, my own life became crystal clear.

I was labeled the bad kid in our family - the one who was always at the center of trouble. I remember clearly always getting into trouble, but never considered myself a bad person. In watching how Phoebe operates I now understand how it was. I was simply being me and I had no ill intent. Like Phoebe, the instruction to not get dirty, not to go somewhere, or to not touch was simply impossible. Really impossible. I too was that kid.

A while back Phoebe's dad poured a resin countertop. Phoebe received very clear instructions to NOT touch it. The countertop was suddenly as appealing to Phoebe as a candle flame would be to a moth. She kept one eye on the countertop all evening. Each time she got close she was warned off. And all through the evening she asked endless questions about the process. She wanted to know what it was, was it sticky- was it dry? Just before she went to bed her mom noticed little Phoebe was doing an extra good job of washing her hands and was thankful. The next day as the countertop was being packed up her dad noticed a small rough spot in one of the corners, wondering how he had missed it... but on closer inspection he could clearly see a child sized hand print. Phoebe had eventually succumbed to her curiosity and touched it, unseen. She immediately got the answer she was so desperately seeking. In seeing the hand print the next day I was secretly glad, for I knew that when I was her age the hand print would undoubtably have been mine.

And watching Phoebe operate on a daily basis made me realize this was me growing up. I had to know everything, how it worked, what it felt like. I had to experience everything for myself first hand - even if my parents or other adults in charge expressly forbid it. 

Today, Phoebe and I helped my dad move. We worked hard but it was a tough job made easier with Phoebe's 'help'. As usual, while we worked we were in search of new knowledge, new discoveries. How high could we stack the boxes on the dolly before they fell over. What would happen if every button in the elevator was pushed? Phoebe was in charge of the elevator and she made a few extra trips up and down by herself. One of those helping was tempted to be a little upset with the wait as she travelled up and down, stopping on every floor without a doubt, but the joy on Phoebe's face as the doors opened made it clear the experience was nothing short of awesome. On each trip back to the truck Phoebe rode the dolly with great delight.

With Phoebe's help moving day was transformed from a necessary task to a wonderful adventure. I learned once more (as I do each day I am with her) that when playing is mixed in with work great discoveries can take place.

I know when I grow up I want to be even more like Phoebe.

-grampa dan

Going LOCO

More than twelve years I was privileged to design a small theme park in Penticton, British Columbia called Loco Landing. It was a fun little park with the theme based on the rich railroad history of the area.

The owners built the park themselves and changed a lot of things from what I had designed. Through the years the park has prospered and expanded greatly. The park looks great, especially the lush landscaping and flowers.

Now, twelve years later, the park is under the ownership of the next generation and it is time to rethink everything through the park, visiting the original plans and developing new ideas to take the park into the future. In the next weeks and months we'll be developing plans that will be phased in over the next five years. 

It was great to see the park after all this time and wonderful to talk with the new owners about their vision for the future. This is going to be fun!

-grampa dan