Hi Everybody, Well it's been a long time since I officially dropped in . I must admit that I have been lurking in the shadows. For the last year or so I have moved into making videos and such instead of working on them. I recently decided to make a small documentary about sign painting and the people that did it and how the skill is no longer needed on a commercial level. I know a lot of you still practice the craft, but on the large scale it's been replaced by the computer. I have the good fortune to know a number of sign painters that would like to tell their story, so I decided to make a small documentary before they are gone. If anyone would like to contribute some photos or stories, that would be wonderful. If you live in Alberta or would be in the area in the near future, and wouldn't mind being interviewed I would do my best to tell your story (Your not that far away Duncan). I have posted a link to the rough opening to the Documentary below ( It will probably change a little, but you should get the feel for it). I'm not doing this for any financial gain, but more to tell the story of a vanishing craft and a way of life. If I use any of your photos or stories, all I can offer is a copy of the finished product. Once I'm done, I'll post a link so you all can see it. Like all new ventures, it will probably take longer than I think, but I believe it should be done. Talk to you soon.
Rick
Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
Yep, you're gonna hear from me.
Posted by John Lennig (Member # 2455) on :
That sounds wonderful, Rick! and just checked out the "trailer"... GOLD! You def. have the love!
Posted by Pierre Tardif (Member # 3229) on :
Nice trailer! Can't wait!
Posted by Neil D. Butler (Member # 661) on :
That is cool, I expected to see tumble weeds rolling along the roads.. I must see if I have some old photos... it's going to be great!
Posted by bill riedel (Member # 607) on :
You will be doing the craft a great service. I would love to help, but am quite a didtance from you. Bill
Posted by bill riedel (Member # 607) on :
Sorry about the misspelling. Bill
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
Great idea...good luck.
Posted by Tom & Kathy Durham (Member # 776) on :
I like it alot. Finish it and throw a copy down to the Walldog museum and the sign museum. I sure it would be well appreciated.
Posted by Dale Feicke (Member # 767) on :
Love it, Rick!!!! Especially the last shot....that's a great title for the whole project!
Posted by jack wills (Member # 521) on :
Thanks for the encouraging replies, I plan to start doing some interviews this week. Bill, the way I am going to shoot this is in a question and answer format, backed up with photos and footage. There's no reason that I couldn't send you the questions, and have the answers narrated and backed up with photos. Just a thought. You would be one of the people that would have a lot of insight to how much the industry has changed over the years. I know that a lot of you here have a long of history in the sign business, and would be good to include both the veteran and younger generations view on the industry. It won't be on vinyl or digital printing, but plan to touch on the subject just to point out the direction the industry has taken. The more information and photos, the better the Documentary. Thanks again for showing interest.
Rick
Posted by Pat Welter (Member # 785) on :
Rick, that sounds like, and looks like, an awesome project, and one that I wouldn't be apposed to paying for, to recieve a copy when done...
Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
I don't go back quite as far as the pics in the trailer, but would be glad to help any way I can. My mentor was an 80 year old sign artist named Mr. Pillsbury - the finest pictorialist I've ever known.....
Posted by Nevman (Member # 332) on :
Hey Rick - nice trailer.
Just curious - my mom & dad are in there. They are the 5th (I think) picture in standing in front of the Chicken Land store. Where did you grab that from? I think it's pretty cool.
That pic was taken in 1958 in front of my aunt's (dad's sister) grocery store.
Thanks for the memories.
Posted by Tim Barrow (Member # 576) on :
I'm with the others here,...if I can be of any help just hollar,...
Posted by Rick Janzen (Member # 7227) on :
Hi everybody. I'm trying to think of how I can get info from those that are interested in helping. Pictures aren't really a problem, but live footage or interview footage could be more challenging. If you're interested, maybe sent me an email and we could work something out. Pat Nevman, I found the photo on the web. I can't remember as it was probable for reference when I was painting signs on a movie. I'll give you a call and maybe we can work something out as it seems to work well in the trailer. Like I said in an earlier post, the opening will change a bit, depending on what I can and can't use. It was only intended to get the ball rolling. To Pat Welter, let me know if your going to be near Calgary in the near future, maybe we could talk ( with the camera rolling of course)and you get paid with a DVD.
Rick
Posted by Duncan Wilkie (Member # 132) on :
Hi Rick, sorry I haven't responded, I haven't even had a chance to see the trailer. I will have a look tonight.
Posted by Bruce Evans (Member # 44) on :
There's been another documentary in the works for some time. You can read a little on it at http://signpaintermovie.blogspot.com/ Posted by Rick Janzen (Member # 7227) on :
Well I checked out the other documentary site and it looks like quite the undertaking. It's been in production for almost a year and they say it will be a while before they finish. Because it looks like it will cover the same ground I think I'll focus my small documentary on the local sign history in my area (Western Canada). We have shops that have been around since the early 1900s and should make for an interesting story. I do have a group of older sign painters, ranging from late 60s to well in their 80s who have wonderful stories and views. I'll still cover the history, but will focus more local content. I'll keep you posted on the progress.
[ February 01, 2011, 01:59 PM: Message edited by: Rick Janzen ]
