12__Grassroots Networking

If there's one advantage to my job, it's that I see most of the customers several times a week. I've grown to know what many of them do, and have met a few great resources for my own design work as it just begins to leave the drawing board. They have a really eclectic skill set between them from interiors to boat building to welding, but each has given time to answer questions that would otherwise linger without some guidance. Here's a little free (yet pretty worthless) press giving some background on their fields... any press is good, right?



There's Jenn, the owner of Gather - a gem of an art gallery in Columbia City. Exhibitions have featured everything from neon sign artists to a grandma who sewed a 100 dresses for her (then) toddler of a granddaughter. Hmm, not much foresight in making them all the same size. This is art where least expected, which makes it that much more striking to view. Jenn and I spoke about possibly helping her build some casework for her exhibits, as they change monthly. An exciting thought at the very least.



Pete, an independent craftsman specializing in boat building and interior remodeling, seems much like a mentor for my work. I've been able to ask him countless questions about how to use/approach this or that, and he's taken the time to sit down with me in his shop and show me proper techniques first hand. Check out his personal collection of boats. Incredible detail!



Just about my favorite regulars are Jack and Barbara, they're among the first I see most mornings - and always help make that slow first half-hour breeze by. Barbara works on commercial interiors for DesignTex, a large company based out of New York. Jack was kind enough to offer that Nicole and I join them for Christmas dinner when the airport was in havok and there was legitimate uncertainy as to whether we'd actually leave the city before the holiday. It wasn't an empty gesture either, we exchanged numbers just in case.

Finally, Colin - who is our neighbor - works as a hobbiest welder. A part owner of Haulin' Colin, he welds bicycle frames and trailers. There's photos of people moving their furniture via bike - check out the link! His steady job at the Bikery (love this name) supports the hobby workshop space that he has in Georgetown. In mid-December we went to an open house at the shop. It's an incredible collection of 40 independent studios who share a warehouse. The was everything from fine furniture to blacksmiths to guitar crafting to painters. Quite a utopia, with the type of shared space to aspire to join in the coming years. Plus, the possibility of welding a frame or legs to a piece opens an exciting new realm for future design work.



There's much more exciting news to get to! I'm backlogged with about a half-dozen posts I want to share. Another update very soon I promise.