Let me begin by saying thank you for all of the encouragement I received over the past week. It truly is amazing to have such supportive friends that always have your back. As far as how to proceed with the challenge, I’m going to take the suggestion of simply picking back up where I left off.
This week’s project has been a long time in the making, eleven weeks to be exact. Two mailboxes for a commercial building in the Bishop Arts District. I’m uncertain where they have been collecting their mail, but appreciate the patience and faith in me. I must also tip my hat to two other extremely talented individuals as one created the metal work and the other laser cut numbers. Despite the simplicity of the design, there is a tremendous amount of planning that goes into the construction and assembly process to create minimalism.
In addition to the design, I love the romance of their function. They allow people to connect with each other in a tangible way. In a day and age where we spend so much time in a virtual world, it still touches me to receive or send a letter on actual paper with rich, real ink. My favorite writing instrument is a fountain pen. The way the ink flows and dries on paper is magical. And call me crazy, but it makes me happy licking an envelope and stamp knowing the letter is almost on its way.
This has been a good project to ease me back into the shop. For this piece, it is far less about creativity and much more about math, mechanics and precision. I am really pleased with the end product and teamwork design. It is strong and will withstand the day to day use and abuse without being overly constructed or bulky.
Oh how I’m looking forward to my mornings in the shop again as it sets the tone for my day. I love the smell of the wood, the problem solving, the creativity and that I’m crafting something. There is also a renewed feeling that anything is possible.
“Everyone you meet is doing the exact same thing you are: trying their best to live through a day they’ve never been to before. Give some damn grace.”