I concur Tom!
Mike, I recall you sharing some of your absolutely stunning hand drawn designs in earlier conversations. Would you happen to have anything you’d be willing to share? You’ve got Tom and myself on the edge of our seats!
I concur Tom!
Mike, I recall you sharing some of your absolutely stunning hand drawn designs in earlier conversations. Would you happen to have anything you’d be willing to share? You’ve got Tom and myself on the edge of our seats!
Thanks for thinking of me, guys. I wish I had kept a few pieces from the 70s, but everything I had, or made I sold from inventory or gave to family or an ex-wife. My sister might have a couple of pieces I made for my mother. Will check with her, and see if she still has them. Sadly my collection of Navajo rugs was stolen out of my camper van (in Albuquerque of course), but I still have some Papago and Navajo baskets, dye charts, Peublo pottery, Zuni Kachinas, etc.
Still have lots of photos of jewelry made in the 80s. Will post some of those when we get around to an 80s thread
Mike, did you ever get into buying/owning Native American jewelry for yourself?
It pains me to hear of the theft of your weavings, not that it matters, but was this recently?
Even if we need to start a new thread for relevancy, I personally would be very interested to see anything you’re willing to share Mike. Especially the kachinas, basketry and pottery. There is so much more than jewelry to appreciate from the Native cultures, some of the most important, (to me) can’t be photographed.
I‘ve always appreciated and admired really great Native American jewelry, Tom, but have never been a collector. My end of the industry was always buying and selling, or being involved in working with Native silversmiths on the creative end producing jewelry for sale. Work I‘ve always found engaging, challenging, and extremely gratifying.
Most of the early stuff wasn‘t documented, but later on, in the 80s I began photographing some of the more unique higher end pieces we made in the workshops, some of which was really groundbreaking in its time, and still influences contemporary works we see today.
I‘m certainly continuing in that pursuit, and currently working on new designs, techniques and processes to make them which is really where my passion lies.
Changing gears, the theft of the rug collection wasn‘t recent, Aaron. But was highly instructive!
I‘ll photograph some of the stuff I‘ve been hanging onto for years. Honestly nothing compared to the great items the serious collectors here on the forum, including you and Tom are posting
Good morning Mike. You may not have ever gotten into collecting jewelry, but you’ve certainly amassed quite the assemblage of experiences. The knowledge you’ve earned, as well as the experiences you share, are always a pleasure to read. I’m very much looking forward to seeing anything that you’re willing to share. Design work, tools, photos of workbenches and craftsman at work really get me going. I’ve a passion for the “behind the scenes” aspects of all of my interests.
I understand you probably won’t be too inclined to share much of the design element, I just wanted you to know that I consider the doodles, completed prints, and overall ideas on paper artwork in themselves.
We certainly learn the most from the worst. I think most of us can attest to that.
I’ve never been one to discriminate, especially of someone’s interests or passions. What’s marvelous to me, probably doesn’t mean squat to the next person. That being said, I appreciate and respect it all, all the more so if someone I respect treasures it!
I’m not so sure I’ve earned the title of “serious collector”, Mike, but thank you for your considering me in that category. Coming from you, it means alot. I’m just a bit off kilter in the head, I feel, passionate if nothing else!
Mike, the fact that you’re not a Native American jewelry collector, but you spend time here enjoying the collections of others and sharing your knowledge, speaks volumes about your passion for the art and the techniques that create it. You’re a collector of knowledge, skill, experience, and a pursuit of excellence in your work, which is a much greater achievement than my little collection.
Very nice…I had to look up Globe Wernicke Bookcases but once I saw the entire piece I recognized it. Very collectible. Antique furniture has come down in price since younger people are not choosing to put it in their homes. It is a a shame since they are well built, solid and last a long time. I think they will eventually make a come back. I enjoy East lake furniture but have not acquired too many pieces. I’m looking forward to seeing some of your Northwest pieces.
As is certainly the case with jewelry on this forum, I’m certain some of our members have lovely furniture, your Eastlake pieces included!
Both the Alaskan story as well as the Washington/Oregon venture are long tales, but I’ll put them together in the Introduction and Chat cateogry soon. Thank you, again, for your interest and kind words!
I grew up in the 70s in Oregon, still luve here and that was all common, not any longer. I miss the 70’s
Very nice! I especially like the squash blossom.
Thanks, @here4turquoise! I am still undecided about wearing the squash blossom. It’s heavy, long, and not exactly my style, but maybe I can come up with something cool? LOL Same with the cuff/ring piece. QQ - should I post information on the pieces with the photos? Most are signed and I have some info, but didn’t want to bog down the read, either. Figured I might post that in a different thread, but wanted some input.
Yes, if you post them please put the info with it. And maybe just don’t put all of them in one post. But we always love to see people’s stuff! I’m with you on squash blossoms. I will probably never wear any cuz they’re too heavy for me, but I think they look great on people. If you don’t wear it you could always put it in a shadow box, and hang it on the wall; I’ve heard of people doing that.
…or send the squash to me and I’ll take photos of me wearing it in different areas, kind of like Flat Stanley, but instead it will be Punky’s Squash
just kidding
it’s quite lovely.