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Boston Art Knife Classic - The GOOD stuff!
- Thread starter SharpByCoop
- Start date
It looks like the knifemakers came through big time for Owen and Paul.
Great to see such a cosmopolitan collection of makers too!
I know a lot of work went into this show, and it appears that the effort
has been duly rewarded, despite the challenging economic conditions.
Well done guys!
Great to see such a cosmopolitan collection of makers too!
I know a lot of work went into this show, and it appears that the effort
has been duly rewarded, despite the challenging economic conditions.
Well done guys!
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2005
- Messages
- 519
Despite the unfortunate events created by the Fish and Wildlife intrusion Paul and Owen still succeeded in having a first rate show. Some of the highest quality pieces I have seen in some time. Being my first Invitational the format took me a little time to get used to. Most of the pieces were at the event for viewing. If you wanted to really see a special piece by and large you were afforded the opportunity to do so. I had a lot of fun and made some new friends, always a good thing. Looking forward to seeing some more fine pics.
Jon
Jon
braillediver
Gold Member
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2007
- Messages
- 3,075
Wow. Each piece would take hours of study- all at once would be overwhelming.
Thanks for sharing the pictures Coop- absolutely amazing.
Im glad I have no idea what theyre worth.
Thanks for sharing the pictures Coop- absolutely amazing.
Im glad I have no idea what theyre worth.
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2001
- Messages
- 12,348
The Show and it's format really had many of the finest moments and objects in oour world. This IS about the good stuff.
Here's a quick panoramic composite of (5) images of the showroom, about fifteen minutes after the show started.
Tonight I will resize and post the faces I took. If anyone else has show photos, I have no objection to them posting here.
Marcel: You are absolutely right about missing Arpad Bojtos' work. I am remiss in not realizing Francesco Pachi had not provided me with his catalog image. I will ask him for it. Francesco, who was there, came by often and we talked 'shop'. He is in admiration of my skills as am of his. We are appreciative of each other's styles.
I have not mentioned how my Show Studio work has gone yet. I had the privilege of working alongside my wife Susan (who only comes to the larger shows with me), and Buddy Thomason. Buddy is the Yin to my Yang. He brings in a calming voice and astute study of the work needed, and takes care of talking with the clients as I am allowed to do my thing behind the tent. Having him there to discuss layouts and helping shift lighting, REALLY helped me move along.
Susan acts as the clerk and enjoys every one of the interactions, and knows the beauty of the knives firsthand, too.
We were able to complete about twenty other knives, which I have barely transferred to my computer. They will take over a week to be able to get to, but they will be mindblowingly worthy!
Now off to my other job. I'll return tonight.
Coop
Here's a quick panoramic composite of (5) images of the showroom, about fifteen minutes after the show started.
Tonight I will resize and post the faces I took. If anyone else has show photos, I have no objection to them posting here.
Marcel: You are absolutely right about missing Arpad Bojtos' work. I am remiss in not realizing Francesco Pachi had not provided me with his catalog image. I will ask him for it. Francesco, who was there, came by often and we talked 'shop'. He is in admiration of my skills as am of his. We are appreciative of each other's styles.
I have not mentioned how my Show Studio work has gone yet. I had the privilege of working alongside my wife Susan (who only comes to the larger shows with me), and Buddy Thomason. Buddy is the Yin to my Yang. He brings in a calming voice and astute study of the work needed, and takes care of talking with the clients as I am allowed to do my thing behind the tent. Having him there to discuss layouts and helping shift lighting, REALLY helped me move along.
Susan acts as the clerk and enjoys every one of the interactions, and knows the beauty of the knives firsthand, too.
We were able to complete about twenty other knives, which I have barely transferred to my computer. They will take over a week to be able to get to, but they will be mindblowingly worthy!
Now off to my other job. I'll return tonight.
Coop
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2002
- Messages
- 1,705
Here are a few related images illustrating the show location - the historically significant hotel, statuary in the Public Garden (founded 1837) and Boston Commons, fall foliage and show photographer Jim Cooper:
Had a blast working with Jim & Susan in the photography studio! Be patient as Coop has some truly wonderful knife images from the show to share shortly.
Also attended the show as a collector and will offer just a few observations. In spite of the customs issues I believe the show was a success. Paul Shindler and Owen Wood, show promoters, did an admirable job of keeping themselves and the show together under exceedingly difficult circumstances. Lots of blades sold. I can't provide an accurate total but am confident total dollars spent exceeded 100K.
I'm not worried about the European (or American) makers whose knives were unable to be displayed. An enthusiastic ground-swell of support by many collectors ensured the makers affected did not go home empty-handed.
The "bottom line" expressed by a number of makers I spoke with at the show sounded like this: It's time to tighten up and start following the letter of the law (in the US and abroad). This was bound to happen - and so it did. Everybody has been lucky for way too long. Proper documentation would've avoided this unfortunate situation and it is the maker's responsibility to provide it. Failing to follow the rules impacts all of us negatively.
There were some makers that did not do well. The reasons undoubtedly vary, but at least one reason may have been that several simply brought more of their same old stuff and seemed to have made no effort to push themselves. As good as their stuff might be, it can still become stale in the eyes of some collectors. My dollars went to makers who were excited to show me (and everyone) that they are moving on, not just hanging on.
And finally, the experience of going to any knife show as a collector is greatly enhanced by the presence of other collectors with whom one has built a relationship over time. Jon Klein and I found that out in Boston. Sharing our experiences, knowledge and observations with each other at the show was one of the big highlights for me. Thanks Jon!
I'd attend this show again in a heartbeat, as I would the AKI in California. They both provide similar experiences and opportunities.
Had a blast working with Jim & Susan in the photography studio! Be patient as Coop has some truly wonderful knife images from the show to share shortly.
Also attended the show as a collector and will offer just a few observations. In spite of the customs issues I believe the show was a success. Paul Shindler and Owen Wood, show promoters, did an admirable job of keeping themselves and the show together under exceedingly difficult circumstances. Lots of blades sold. I can't provide an accurate total but am confident total dollars spent exceeded 100K.
I'm not worried about the European (or American) makers whose knives were unable to be displayed. An enthusiastic ground-swell of support by many collectors ensured the makers affected did not go home empty-handed.
The "bottom line" expressed by a number of makers I spoke with at the show sounded like this: It's time to tighten up and start following the letter of the law (in the US and abroad). This was bound to happen - and so it did. Everybody has been lucky for way too long. Proper documentation would've avoided this unfortunate situation and it is the maker's responsibility to provide it. Failing to follow the rules impacts all of us negatively.
There were some makers that did not do well. The reasons undoubtedly vary, but at least one reason may have been that several simply brought more of their same old stuff and seemed to have made no effort to push themselves. As good as their stuff might be, it can still become stale in the eyes of some collectors. My dollars went to makers who were excited to show me (and everyone) that they are moving on, not just hanging on.
And finally, the experience of going to any knife show as a collector is greatly enhanced by the presence of other collectors with whom one has built a relationship over time. Jon Klein and I found that out in Boston. Sharing our experiences, knowledge and observations with each other at the show was one of the big highlights for me. Thanks Jon!
I'd attend this show again in a heartbeat, as I would the AKI in California. They both provide similar experiences and opportunities.
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- Joined
- Oct 8, 2001
- Messages
- 12,348
Thanks, Buddy, for your contributions. VERY cool!
Here are a bunch of shots I took inside the show, winging it with the Canon. This will give you a taste of the intensity and composure of the show.
Curt Erickson and Julie Warenski
Barry Davis, giving a big hug to an appreciative Walter Hoffman
Carlos Lopez looking closely
A now-healthy Scott Slobodian educating a woman in his methods.
Edmund Davidson was cheery and will also provide his own shots sometime.
..as was Jay Hendrickson and his lovely wife Nancy
A very pleased Ron Newton and his wife (forgive me for not remembering her name)
Here are a bunch of shots I took inside the show, winging it with the Canon. This will give you a taste of the intensity and composure of the show.
Curt Erickson and Julie Warenski
Barry Davis, giving a big hug to an appreciative Walter Hoffman
Carlos Lopez looking closely
A now-healthy Scott Slobodian educating a woman in his methods.
Edmund Davidson was cheery and will also provide his own shots sometime.
..as was Jay Hendrickson and his lovely wife Nancy
A very pleased Ron Newton and his wife (forgive me for not remembering her name)
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2001
- Messages
- 12,348
Walter Hoffman and Don Guild drew out the loupe for some VERY careful scrutiny.
Stephen Olszewski and Aaron (?) sharing views
Jody and Josh Smith.
A collector admiring Howard Hitchmoughs works, as he looks on.
Mark Straus and Joe Kious in dialog
Barbara Guild, Mary-Jo and Matt Lerch
Dave Harvey, Steve D'Lack, and Howard Hitchmough in an intense discussion
A final sculpture made by, and displayed for Joyce Minnick (who was not there but was once an original attendee)
Often, I tried to shoot from anything but dead-on head level. Just to mix it up.
BTW: Jack and Erica Levin were also no-shows.
They called in with a death in the family on friday morning. (The dog ate my homework?)
I'm editing knife shots now...
Coop
Stephen Olszewski and Aaron (?) sharing views
Jody and Josh Smith.
A collector admiring Howard Hitchmoughs works, as he looks on.
Mark Straus and Joe Kious in dialog
Barbara Guild, Mary-Jo and Matt Lerch
Dave Harvey, Steve D'Lack, and Howard Hitchmough in an intense discussion
A final sculpture made by, and displayed for Joyce Minnick (who was not there but was once an original attendee)
Often, I tried to shoot from anything but dead-on head level. Just to mix it up.
BTW: Jack and Erica Levin were also no-shows.
They called in with a death in the family on friday morning. (The dog ate my homework?)I'm editing knife shots now...
Coop
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2002
- Messages
- 1,705
Nice people pics Coop! Ron's wife is "Angie" and he's always quick to point out how important she is to his work and in his life. :thumbup:
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- Oct 28, 2006
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- 13,363
Outstanding photos Coop and Buddy and thanks for sharing them here.
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2003
- Messages
- 2,498
Here are two of the Full Integral knives Edmund Davidson brought
with him to the show but did not display as the circumstances did not
allow it - just only because they had ivory handles...
All the best,
David Darom (ddd)
From "The World of ART KNIVES II" (2013)
with him to the show but did not display as the circumstances did not
allow it - just only because they had ivory handles...
All the best,
David Darom (ddd)
From "The World of ART KNIVES II" (2013)
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