This work week is going to be a fun one as Peter and I work to create the four pub signs. Our design work is largely done. I've got a bit of a jump on him as my first one had already been carved on the MultiCam CNC router. It's time for some hand carving on the sign plus some welding of the framework and bracket before we get to final assembly. Then I'll do the hand sculpting of the mushroom and then onto the paint. While all that's going on I'll have the machine whittle the second sign.
Number and sign
I spent a good part of my day at the dining room table. I was signing limited edition prints of a Climax geared locomotive. The prints are to be sold in an effort to raise money to restore the locomotive. I donated my time and the rights of the drawing.
As I sat signing the 200 prints many memories came back to me of when I first started my art career. It was back around 1979 that I produced my first limited edition prints which were a series of five old barns. I had done the five original drawings and then had the prints done. There were 200 of each print. I signed them at our dining room table. I remember commenting to my mother-in-law about how there was $40,000 dollars sitting on the table (the retail value of those prints) She smiled and shared some wisdom with me. Her brief comment was "They are only worth that when you sell them." It was her way of reminding me to not count the money until it was in my hand. The truth was that I only got half that $20.00 each when I sold them wholesale to the galleries. I also had to buy the gas to drive around and deliver them plus all of the other costs involved. Some of that edition sold out but I still have a few of those prints to this day. My mother-in-law was very correct with her comment.
Over the years we produced more than 130 editions of prints, meaning I numbered and signed many thousands of prints. They helped us make a good living for many years. If you are interested in buying a copy of the limited edition print contact the BC Forest Discovery Centre.
Golden view
One of the nicer aspects of our work is that our studio and workshop is in our backyard. The daily commute is always only a three hundred foot walk to the south. We arranged the buildings on our property to best take advantage of the gorgeous and inspiring views. The mountain is always changing with the light, weather, and seasons. This evening as I was out doing chores in the backyard, the view was brilliant with the mountain trees just starting to show a tinge of fall color. - especially visible in the golden hour of the setting sun.
