The Artist-Patron Relationship

Hey, let's not take this too seriously. We are all professionals. Sometimes posts can be taken in the wrong light. I been there.
Enjoy what you are doing.

Good night.
 
Speaking as a patron, I can tell you that my perception of the experience is directly related to my expectations. When the knife I buy is expected to be one of many, a part of regular business, then I expect the project to be treated in a business-like fashion. I paid you for a piece of work with certain delivery and quality expectations, and I expect them to be met. Of course, I consider this to be a business transaction first, it may also be, but is not necessarily an artist-patronage relationship.

When I work with a maker on a one-of-a-kind art piece, then I expect artistic perfection.
Artistic perfection is subject to the circumstances in the artist's life, and subject to when the muse is upon him. I don't want a maker working on my art pieces when they're tired, cranky, or distracted. I don't want an apprentice handling things when the maker is busy or sick. I'll wait the time it takes for my piece to receive the level of attention and enthusiasm I'm patronizing.

Suffice it to say, I don't enter into these projects with a maker I don't know and trust to not take advantage of my patronage.

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AKTI Member #A000832

"That which does not kill me just postpones the inevitable."
 
what a bunch of baloney...how about the customers who order a knife and then back out, and dont tell me that doesnt happen.. I have two finished knives (with deposit in the bank i might add-waiting for four months for the guy to send the rest!!!!!) like tim said "whats the point?" We are individuals, doing what we want to do....thats what the world is made up of, people...everyone unique. dont put me in your box and i wont do it to you....sincerely....tom

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http://www.mayoknives.com




[This message has been edited by tom mayo (edited 02-12-2000).]
 
Outstanding Tom!!! It couldn't have been said better! Take care! Michael

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<A HREF="http://www.nebsnow.com/L6steel
"Always" TARGET=_blank>http://www.nebsnow.com/L6steel
"Always</A> think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!"
 
I am always sad to see a breakdown in civility and professionalism, whether between the Artist and Patron or between fellow members in the field. But there are all kinds of individuals involved in this world that we love, and for many an investment of one thousand dollars is a considerable sum. I would hesitate to disparage another person’s business practices without walking a mile in their shoes, or hammering an hour at their forge.

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James Segura
San Francisco, CA
 
I have a deep respect for the ability of most knifemakers and the professionalism. I have recently ordered a couple of knives from Jerry Hossom and has received a very professional and courteous service...
On the other hand I have been shafted royally by a Danish knifemaker. Not only did he receive payment up front, he also exceeded the agreed upon delivery with three years! Now, I can handle 6 months, even a year, but three years?? When I asked him how come he hadn't finished my knife yet, he replied casually that the kind of knife that I had ordered was something he would do when he was in the mood for it. Now this was not an art knife, it was my own design, but not a damn art knife... The worst part about this is that I considered him a friend that I could trust...Imagine my disappointment
frown.gif

The Maker/ Patron relationsship can be an enjoyable one or it can be hell for both parties...Keep it courteous and professional on both sides and everybody will get happy.
Personally, I hope that I have made a friend out of Jerry and that he will consider me the same. I know that I will buy more knives from him as I enjoy the dialogue with him and his professional attitude... I can only recommend him to you patrons out there.

Regards

Joshua "Kage" Calvert



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"Move like Water, strike like Thunder..."
 
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