Jay and I love to have a friendly competition. Looking in from the outside it might seem on occasion as if we are locked in mortal combat... but the reality is that its all just in fun.
Last week I challenged Jay to a speed mural painting contest... He declined... on account of his still licking his wounds from Lodi I would surmise.
But he went on to challenge me... and I quote Jay's challenge from that post...
quote: Hmmmmmm . . . we both do 3D signs . . . any ideas there?
Whatever 'it' turns out to be, it just can't take too long..
Well it has been a while... but I had to wait for Joe to send me the logo vectors... and then it was the weekend... and here it is Monday afternoon already... Haven't seen your comeback yet... but here's a sneak peek at my 3D sign for the meet... fresh off the router...
... still paint to come in Yarrow...
-grampa dan
Posted by Jay Allen (Member # 195) on :
Michael Clark just called my cell and left me a message about this post being here . . .
OK - you're done . . . 'cept for paint - so how in the heck can we compete now? Sounds also like Butler's design may take you a while . . . maybe mural racing could work . . .
You can do better in coming up with something competitive, Dan . . .
P.S. - what's with all the wormholes in the HDU??? Couldn't find a better piece of material? I though you did quality work . . . or is it 'cheap work, done fast' in the new economy . . .???
Quality. Like a fine wine . . . it's done when God says it is . . . no hurrying quality . . . no sirree . . .
And why not come up with your own design? Sheesh . . .
Bring it on Gramps . . . I'm ready . . .
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
So let me get this straight Jay... first you challenge me and then you think I won't take you up on it? Yeah right.
You know I can be a little competitive once in a while.... like any time you are up for it.
Those aren't worm holes in the Precision Board... I was tacking together the steel armature and the sparks from the welder made black marks... but don't worry the paint will take care of those in a hurry.
I figured since the Diaz bunch had come up with this most awesome logo for the meet it would be a good design to work from for our little challenge. They designed it to be printed and it was a bit of a head scratcher to make it work in 3D... but very doable.
In your challenge you stated "Whatever 'it' turns out to be, it just can't take too long... " so I figured this one was bite size for you Jay... I only spent a little time on it myself...
So I guess if you are givin' up on this one we need to move on to the next challenge... seeing as how I'm two for two... so far...
Let me know if I'm too tough on you Jay and I'll ease up right away... yeah right...
Waiting for the next challenge in Yarrow...
-grampa dan
Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
Jay, just do the same logo but make your feathers puffy. Dan's are (ahem..) flat. Like vinyl.
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
Donna... I thought you were on the good guy's side
-grampa dan
Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
Is this rematch going to include pink hats?
Posted by Cam Bortz (Member # 55) on :
Jay, you stepped in it bigtime. You should know better.
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
Jay, Jay, Jay....you'll just never learn, will ya?
By now you should know that no matter what happens Sowhatshisname is going to spin it so that he always wins.
I guess Dan doesn't have a lot of those paying jobs so he has the time to mess around with "play stuff". And we'll probably see the step-by-step in the next SignCraft issue.
Donna's right - looks kinda flat and straight to me, too.
Better sleep with one eye open, Jay.
Posted by Joseph Diaz (Member # 5913) on :
That is sooo awesome Dan!!! I can't wait to see it all painted up!
Posted by Jay Allen (Member # 195) on :
<Donna... I thought you were on the good guy's side>
Dan . . . Donna IS on the good guy's side!!! Mine!! Thanks, Donna . . . I may need you to 'spy' for me . . .
OK - here's my spin - then I'll participate in the charade - er, competition.
Art is subjective . . . one man's trash is another man's treasure. Nobody disputes that, or so I would presume. So how can one fairly judge whether Dan's 3D piece - or Jay's 3D piece - is "better"? What are the criteria?
An impartial panel of judges? Different judges will find different things to like. While I may take a different approach and do something OTHER than the meet logo (ie: original), does that rule mine out as Dan's piece sets a precedent by being 'out there' first? Or is a different approach better?
Either way, unfair to compare apples and sweet corn . . . both may be good - but which is 'better'?
So many ways to 'compete' - but I'm just not hearin' any 'definition' just yet . . .
Clarify, define, set the rules and restrictions - and I'll sign on . . .
And then kick your Can-eh-dian butt back over the border humiliated by your 'loss' to the guy from the country 'down under' yours . . .
Ray . . . no worries, here. I'll get eyeballs tattoed on my eyelids and he'll always think I'm awake . . .
Sawatzk-eh' . . . clean up the details and I'll start on your public humiliation plans . . .
My nation's pride is at stake . . .
Yours? Heck, we don't kiss the Queen's butt down here . . .
Game on . . . eventually.
Bring it, Gramps . . .
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
I'll volunteer to be an unbiased judge. Just send all checks to my studio address.
[ March 17, 2009, 11:56 AM: Message edited by: Raymond Chapman ]
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
Who cares who wins... its about the competition!
Poking Jay is just so much fun. I think he's finally awake now Let the fun begin for real.
As usual we are hearing LOTS of noise from the Jay side of the fence...but I don't see much action... sorta like in Lodi...
And by the way... I believe I'm winning in Yarrow...
-grampa dan
Posted by Jay Allen (Member # 195) on :
Ray . . . you can't use the word 'volunteer' - and the phrase 'send all checks' in the same sentence. I sure wish you could come help me on my wall . . . you've got the 'essence of Dan' down pat . . . I like the way you battle!
Gramps . . . I'll make you live up to that name in Pontiac.
I'll be doing something original, myself . . .
Now I'll have to find the time, though . . . that'll be the hardest part. Whoopin' up on ol' Grampaw will be the fun part.
This is gonna be 'one of those meets' . . .
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
Jay - Dan already knows who the winner is because he is the judge. You will find that there are subtle changes in the rules as time goes along - mainly to make sure that he comes out ahead.
Also, since Grandpa is not really human (he's a Disney experiment) he doesn't sleep and therefore has the advantage of time.
He is also independently wealthy so he doesn't have to work for living.
OK Dan...is that enough? If you would send me a bigger check I would be on your side.
Oh, it would be so much fun to be at this meet, but the piggy bank is bare.
Posted by Jon Butterworth (Member # 227) on :
Damn, cupboard ain't bare here, but circumstances don't permit the time away
Love to be there, and add some old Ozzie WallDog into the frey.
Have fun youse guys!
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
I think I can handle something original and 3D for Pontiac in June... if this is the real challenge Jay.
I think this meet will be a fun one for me... painting alongside my hero Dave while fending off my 'long time adversary' Jay once more.
Having Raymond there to record my win on video would be the icing on the cake... shake that piggy bank one more time Raymond!
Put on your running shoes Jay... you'll need them to keep up with me in Yarrow or Pontiac or anywhere else...
-grampa dan
[ March 17, 2009, 05:12 PM: Message edited by: Dan Sawatzky ]
Posted by Jane Diaz (Member # 595) on :
Man, I'm glad these murals are a block away from each other!! Can you just imagine them taunting each other from across the street!! Luckily we have Sonny in there between you two so I'm sure the blues will drown you out! Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
There's no way I would ever challenge either of these guys to a 3-D contest, but I'll sure kick both their butts on tunes - we got a new MP3 player loaded with only the finest in certified walldog brushstrokin', booty-shakin' blues, rock and reggae.
A subplot challenge is on. - I bet Dale's gonna want some of this action......
Posted by Jane Diaz (Member # 595) on :
UH-OH! Dale is across the street from Sonny!! NOW what! And Cam amd Rob, you are going to be in ear range!! Guess you will have to take turns....
Posted by Dale Manor (Member # 4858) on :
Somebody say tunes.....I only have 4000 songs on the mural juke box....I better go shopping! I see I'm going to need a bigger amp!
If Sonny and I are only a block away from each other, it'll be the battle of the bands! Do the folks in Pontiac have any idea what they are in for?
These other guys can huff all the HDU dust they want, I'm just there to sling paint and rock'n roll...not necessarily in that order.
I've seen Mista Pink's mural concept art but so far nothing from the Butler - Sowhathisname camp???
We are just starting to have fun right?
Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
Game on - let's BOOGIE, bubba.........
Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
Explanation for the kids in the audience from a formerly hip cat who still uses outdated slang:
Game on - reference from "Wayne's World"
Boogie - to dance, gyrate, and party like it's 1984 (or much earlier)
Bubba - Southern term of endearment
Posted by Jay Allen (Member # 195) on :
You got it, Sonny . . . game on . . .
Ray . . . we'll put Dan in his place. Hell, I may show up with nothin' - just to take in the satisfaction of him working day and night just to 'win' . . .
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA . . .!!!! There's one idea . . .
We won't trouble Grampa Dan with drive-by taunts . . . He won't hear it anyway without his hearing aids turned up . . . right, Ol' Timer? If he could, we'd probably send him into cardiac arrest . . .
I have 3 more months . . . of this. <sigh>
Posted by Don Hulsey (Member # 128) on :
Hey Jay,
When you have those eyeballs tatooes on... be sure to have them tatoo some eyebrows too.
See ya in June.
Posted by Jane Diaz (Member # 595) on :
Jay, I still have my eyebrow prosthetic on my drawer here...want us to bring it?
Posted by Jay Allen (Member # 195) on :
<eyebrow prosthetic> HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Good one, Jane . . . Ah . . . such a nice memory.
The things I've done to solidify my basic human stupidity . . . my ego left me - ashamed - long ago. Age is good for one thing.
At least someone gets a laugh out of it . . .!!
Posted by Jane Diaz (Member # 595) on :
We love ya, Jay! But you have to admit, that WAS a hilarious moment... In that vein, I have been trying to describe to people in town here what a hilarious, ton of fun this group is and I just don't have words to describe it!!! Pontiac just doesn't know what it's in for! When you think about all the "CHARACTERS" that attend these meets, you just can't HAVE a more fun group! Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
Boy, there's alotta chest beatin' going on here! Silly boys.
Translation: yeah, I'm abit jealous...
Posted by Jay Allen (Member # 195) on :
Yes, Jane . . . I love you , too . . . And it really doesn't hurt to be the butt of the joke. I'm actually quite experienced at that . . .!!
Donna . . . so here's the deal . . . Dan's the only one beatin' his chest. I'm working on my regular client's stuff . . . so I need your help. You just post here with what Dan is doing for Pontiac - so that way nobody knows but you and me - and you tell me what secrets he has going . . . and then I'll do him 'one better'.
So you'll 'kinda be in Pontiac' - a willing participant, so to speak.
Shhhhhhhhh . . . keep it quiet, though. I don't want Sawatzk'eh to know. You have a digital camera too, right? Send pics . . . when Grampaw isn't looking . . . and not of Phoebe. Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
Hey Jay... I'll do one better...
I'll post progress pics of the projects (notice the plural) that we're doing for Pontiac here on an ongoing basis... then you'll be in the know and can do your best to keep up. Although we are also busy working on regular client's projects (also creative stuff) we are making the time to have some creative fun too. Once we get to Pontiac it will be gloves off and we'll leave you in the dust for good.... sorta like last time.
Anytime we get too far ahead of you just let us know and we'll ease up immediately... NOT!
The pics of CUTE grandchild Phoebe will come at no charge of course.
Gearing up for a Jay-whippin' in Yarrow...
-grampa dan
[ March 19, 2009, 05:43 PM: Message edited by: Dan Sawatzky ]
Posted by Duncan Wilkie (Member # 132) on :
I trust you two will curb the physical violence this time. If not at least have someone capture it on a movie camera. You guys aren't walldogs, you're PaInT Bulls.
Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
Hm.. what's in it for me again?!? Fly me to Pontiac and you have yourself a deal. (I don't come cheap)
Posted by Jay Allen (Member # 195) on :
Jeez . . . you guys have to armwrestle him before he'll let you stop for lunch?
Duncan . . . the guy is like a 200 pound salmon . . . all muscle. No violence this time . . . I don't want Grampaw to break a hip. I'm compassionate if nothing else . . .
I am doing a 'traditional' mural this time . . . on brick even. So nothing like the last time in Lodi!! (thanks again for your help) So Dan may finish 'last' if my team performs up to a comfortable pace.
But superior quality takes time, baby . . . anybody can paint a paint-by-numbers . . .
Posted by Bill Diaz (Member # 2549) on :
close to 80 signed up so far.
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
Hey Jay... Its not that I want to go faster... there's just so much fun stuff to do and so little time... especially at Letterhead meets. Its tough to get it all in... so painting fast makes more time for more fun!
Once you meet Phoebe you will understand. She's a cuty! Here's a pic for you to prove my point... When you get to be a grampa I'm sure you will understand... even if you have the SECOND cutest grandchild in the world.
We take plenty of rest breaks and lunches in our shop. When you and your staff work hard and get plenty done everyone deserves it.
And I'm more like a 167 lb salmon... British Columbia salmon.
And as far as the violence that happened in Lodi... well... I was acting in self defence... Jay started it. I'll be ready this time.
And I'm gad you will be actually painting this time on brick in the time honored tradition of walldogs - without masks I hope. If you get stuck come on over for some pointers. Hey I'll even loan you some of my brushes if you need them... or help you mix up the right color of paint or whatever. Friends do that for each other.
And remember Jay its not about the finish... but rather the journey. I intend to have more fun than you can imagine - all along the way.
Planning plenty of fun in Yarrow...
-grampa dan
Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
I hate to tell you Jay, but Dan is already recruiting people to ride by in his convertible and razz you. In deference to Letterhead solidarity and the respect we have for you, however, we'll all be wearing hot pink...........
Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
How do I work for that guy?!? Pretty easy. He travelled all the time. Instructions were, this is what needs to get done (with no how to's). Cya!
Then we went for platz and robbed his coke in total retaliation.
Seriously... working for Dan was one of the most positive experiences I've had. If you applied yourself, he knew and encouraged. I was about as green as they came and my last day there I felt like gold. And loaded down with plenty of coke and platz. (and a little Phoebe, win, fast too..)
Sorry, that was SO. OFF. TOPIC. Let the spit balling continue. Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
I was talking to Noella the other day... and may have casually mentioned the MURAL WARS against my good friend Jay.... seems she wants to join the good guys... she'll be riding in the convertable too.
I wonder if Bill Riedel is up for another ride... We got room for lots of folks and if there's too many we'll just have to keep going around the block with a different group each time...
Just warming up a little in Yarrow...
-grampa dan
[ March 20, 2009, 02:39 PM: Message edited by: Dan Sawatzky ]
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
Do either of you guys actually work?
And to settle the dispute...I have the most beautiful granddaughter (she's now 17)...and great granddaughter, plus a great grandson born this month. Can't compete with that, huh, Sowhatshisname?
Now I have to get back to paying jobs. You boys keep on playing.
Donna - just go over every few hours and pat Dan on the back and tell him he's the best thing around. Wouldn't want to get him all depressed or anything. He has to keep thinking he can do everything better and faster than anyone else. We won't tell him the truth.
Love ya, Grandpa. Posted by Jay Allen (Member # 195) on :
Time out for a spell . . . truly not wanting to bring anyone down and keep the friendly sparring up - but I have to suspend this playful banter - at least for a little while.
I have a sick dog. Our beautiful 5 year old Golden Retriever was diagnosed with cutaneous hemangiosarcoma yesterday . . . a rapidly spreading cancer common in the breed - but not typically this young. We'll need to put him down in the coming days - or if we're really lucky, weeks.
Sorry . . . we'll get back to it after I take 'that time needed' . . . I know you all understand . . . especially my friend, Dan.
Jay
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
Sad news. It's always hard to lose a loved pet - they are members of the family.
Your absence will be understandable. Our thoughts will be with you.
In the meantime I would be happy to step in and harrass Dan all you want. It's a lot of fun and I've had plenty of experience.
Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
So sorry to hear Jay. I adore my critters too.
Raymond, you may be slightly overqualified, however seeing that no one else has stepped up to the plate, I'd hire you for the position in a heartbeat!
Put on your hot pink hat and the deal's done!
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
As long as it's just a pink hat I think I can handle it. Couldn't go those pink shorts with the chicken legs sticking out, though.
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
Sorry to hear of your dog Jay... That type of thing is always a tough time... as we know too well at our house.
In your absence I have no doubt Raymond will pick up the slack... pink shorts or not.
-grampa dan
Posted by Frank Magoo (Member # 3950) on :
Jay;
My deepest condolences, as alluded to, it's not the easiest responsibility we share as pet owners, but it's the only honorable thing to do, they gave you their all, it's only fair, we as owners, give back...
I'm still stinging from loss of my beloved Scotty, over six weeks now and each and everyday, it's like it just happened, my heart goes out to you...
Posted by Jane Diaz (Member # 595) on :
SOO sorry, Jay and Jody. He was here last year for the mini meet and is such a big, sweet dog!! Hug him from us. It's so hard to lose a membr of your family. Our condolences.
Posted by Bill Diaz (Member # 2549) on :
Sorry to hear about your Golden Retriever, Jay. He is a lovable dog, and to his credit he got along fine with our little weiner dog last year.
Dog's are wonderful creatures who love us without question. When they have to go down it hurts, but to see them suffer -- hurts even more. There's not a good scenario, only broken hearts.
Posted by Jay Allen (Member # 195) on :
Sorry to hear about your dog Jay, some of my favorite Letterheads are dogs. At least I had the pleasure of his company, a couple days anyway. He's got a kind soul!
My heart goes out to you Bud....
take care
Posted by Graham Prinn (Member # 10642) on :
Sorry to hear about you retriever, looking at your pict's my heart got all broke. I'm a huge dog lover and have my own yellow Lab, call him my son, I tell my 2 daughters he's the best kid I ever had lol,So my hearts out to you mate. Graham
Posted by Judy Grossman (Member # 235) on :
OK...You Guys...I'm comin' in on this really late. I think I'm gonna be right in the middle of Dale and Sonny and their boogie wars. I just wanna be able to rock out while I'm paintin' faster than all you puffed up Boys. Speed Racer Rocker Dudette here. It's like Dan said...it's the Journey. Playing all the way to the last stroke. And lovin' every minute. But gettin' done fast for more play time...Yah! I got sick last year..ain't goin' there this year. Me, The Chief, Jesse and hopefully, my band of Merry Mural Madness Muses...C'mon gang...We're slingin' paint all the way from California...bringin it on! Wars and all...Fast and Feverish, Friendly and Fantastic, Fickle and Fun, Frankly Fabuuuuulous!
Posted by Judy Grossman (Member # 235) on :
I guess I missed reading the bottom post on the first page where Jay talked about his dog. I am so sorry Jay. I posted my last comment and it went in after all the condolences and I missed the whole thing. DAH! I am red faced. ..Or blue faced, if you will. Anyway, I want to extend my sympathies for your pooch. It is such a hard thing to do. One that everyone remembers doing and it stays with you forever...but so does your love for them and by them. And that is what we carry with us always.
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I'm ready . . .
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