"Here there be Dragons..."

This lamp knocks me out. I found the root one day while rifling through my stock. It immediately reminded me of the way a dragon's foot might look, scarred and bent after an aerial battle. It had a very Asian feel and hence my homage to the Japanese lantern style in its design.

The shade is hand painted to reflect the soft, but extremely interesting tonal quality of the root. A metal base repurposed from our local metal recycler contrasts Mother Nature's handicraft and my enhancements. I must admit, this is my new favorite and I hope it will be yours.

Beaver chew -- destruction or beauty?

I just finished this lamp and marvel at its form. When gathering the piece for the arm of this lamp, I saw the deep teeth marks made by a beaver. While finishing it, I was amazed at the texture the chew marks created. The swooping shape made me think of a mission lamp's form, hence the downward facing shade, my first one like it.


It's really fun trying to see things in a new way. Why don't you try it? Close your eyes when eating a piece of chocolate, stand outside and just listen to everything...the smallest, sweetest sounds to the noisiest, most obnoxious tones. Then find the one you like and focus upon it. I guarantee you'll be smiling at the end.

Happy 2012 (almost)

Hard to believe 191 of you saw my last blog!  Hope you shopped "local" and found those exclusive Xmas gifts available from our saavy, art-oriented retailers.

Well, another mirror is winging its way to Ohio and should be delivered tomorrow. I am so gratified by the nation-wide sales of my work. And, if you have any thoughts about owning a mirror, now is the time. They are all on sale!  Call Abby @Palladin: 970-626-2500 for more info.

Happy 2012 and may the new year be healthy and prosperous for you all!

David

 


 

Shop Local for Unique Gifts

Hi everyone,


No bruises from pushy buyer's shopping carts. No mace in the face. Just relaxing, happy shopping that puts the "Joy" back in the season. That's what happens when you shop your local small businesses. No matter where you live, check out a small shop this week. I bet you'll find reasonably priced gifts that don't look like what everyone else gives. The owners of most small stores understand the concept of service or they would not be in business during these tough times. Find a distinctive gift, get to know some small business owners and your gift recipient will really know you care. My favorite Ridgway small businesses: Palladin, Lupitas & Resource Gallery.


And don't forget etsy.com...thousands of artisans creating outstanding work at great prices!


Happy Holidays everyone!


David

A old favorite finds a new home

One of my first driftwood and antler mirrors just sold...despite Char's protestations. An interior designer in Pennsylvania saw it and wanted it for a client's home. I must admit, like my wife, I miss seeing it in my entry hall.  But, hopefully it will reflect good health and prosperity to its new owners.


Happy Thanksgiving to all and don't forget my coupon code on etsy.com expires midnight Monday. etsy.com/shop/lightshipsart: 
15% off on Blessing sticks w/coupon 354114


David

Mirror, Mirror...

Here are some new mirrors I just finished. They are a departure from my ellipses and squares. I carved patterns from nature or Native American-influenced glyphs into some of the pieces. Hope you like them.

Mirror and antler hat rack with carvings 35"w x 21-1/2"h

56" x 35" driftwood mirror with green stripes and carvings

Carving on hat rack mirror

Yipes! Green stripes.

The Prize Inside

Mother Nature continues to surprise and inspire me. 
When I started working on the base for this lamp, the shape intrigued me. It was sturdy, yet flowing...ideal for a new lamp. So, I diligently cleaned it up and found the prize -- a triangular rock embedded inside with the wood growing around it. The wood seems thicker where it cradles the stone, perhaps like a scar. I look at the wood around the rock as a frame highlighting the texture of the granite and the beauty of the wood.


Contact me if you like it: Lightship Lamp #58.

Dave