Last week I was in Indianapolis doing my workshops for National Business Media. As usual, I stayed over an extra day and drove down to Bloomington to visit with my great friend and hero, Gary Anderson. Every year, I spend the night with him and his wife, Linda, and they are gracious hosts. Gary is an excellent chef and always cooks me a delicious meal and Linda bakes me my favorite pie - Coconut Cream. Spending time with Gary is always inspirational and I come home with my battery charged because of being around him and his fantastic creations.
This year, he greeted me with a surprise that just blew me away. He had created a sign for me using his famous "restaurant series". His studio is filled with samples that he creates for fictitious restaurants.
Needless to say, this is one of my most prized possessions. Thanks Gary.
Posted by Jay Allen (Member # 195) on :
Yawn . . . another incredible piece from Gary Anderson . . . ho-hum . . .
Man, you are lucky, Raymond. That's a killer - and the personal nature of it makes it even better.
I presume everyone in Gary-land is all well and good? The 'Dogs all missed seeing him in Arcola - but he obviously stuck around home to hang out with you.
What are we now? Chopped liver?
I'd be proud of that, too, Raymond . . .
Posted by David Harding (Member # 108) on :
Jay Allen Chopped Liver is on the menu...
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
Sorry about that Jay, but we all have our priorities. I guess Gary just had to make a decision on what was most important to him. Actually, there were other factors that played into him not being able to be there...and it wasn't me making a visit to Bloomington.
The Andersons are doing great and planning on retirement in the next few years. His work is still fresh and on the cutting edge. Just sitting and talking with him is an education all by itself.
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
This is one of those pieces than you can stare at for a long, long while and still find surprises. It's that great in a photo... imagine in real life it is even better!
Awesome piece from an awesome guy!
-grampa dan
Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
All I can say is WOW - for many reasons......
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
The abstract looking steer head is covered with small found objects and toys that depict Texas. There is even a small rhino head, which is Gary's trademark.
The word "swell" is a running joke between the two of us.
The background is an actual piece of leather that came from an article of clothing that Gary has had for years.
Almost every inch of the design has some significance to Texas and/or our relationship. To say that this is "priceless" to me is an understatement.
Posted by Deri Russell (Member # 119) on :
Man thats a keeper Ray. Great work, great friend great time. What more can you possibly ask for? You are a lucky man.
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
That I am, Deri...that, I am!
Posted by Mark Fair Signs (Member # 289) on :
simply beautiful.
Posted by Bob Sauls (Member # 11321) on :
Raymond we all know the time investment in just making a panel for a friend....the fact that he made it so very personal speaks volumns to his regard for you. I am thinking that you're both top-notch stand-up kind of fellas. Salute.
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I guess Gary just had to make a decision on what was most important to him. Actually, there were other factors that played into him not being able to be there...and it wasn't me making a visit to Bloomington.