While at the ISA show this past week, I got to meet a lot of folk. I don't know how many of you got the issue of SignBusiness magazine which had a picture on the front cover of an awning that Noel Weber did.
Well, I got to meet "the man" in person and shake his hand. He had brought some sample pieces he had been working on and a display piece based on the awning. The man is absolutely incredible.
He told me a little bit about the awning and the time spent on it (roughly 150 hours).
I'm just thankful I got the opportunity to meet one of my heroes.
Posted by Jeffrey Vrstal (Member # 2271) on :
It's always fun to meet the ones that have inspired you in some way. Make sure that you go out of your way to at least say "thanks". That REALLY feels good.
Posted by bill riedel (Member # 607) on :
Funny you should say that Glen, several years ago Noel recommended me to help out a friend with a gold leaf job on glass in NYC and when telling the story to Dusty Yaxley, he said that it was like getting approval from God.
Posted by Steve Barba (Member # 431) on :
I met Noel about 6 years ago. His portfolio made mine look like a coloring book. Incredible talent.
Posted by Joe Cieslowski (Member # 2429) on :
I was running around the ISA show all day introducing folks to a new sign board...many of the folks I talked to hadn't heard of the letterheads and it was through the movement that I was connected to the sign industry. At the very end of Fri., Bob Parsons asked me to show the product to a fella and his wife. I gave the demo and asked if they had heard of the letterheads? I gave him my card and he gave me his.......Noel Weber! I about fell over! no where to hide! hehe...He was a perfect gentleman and meeting him was the highlight of the show! We had a chance on Sat. to talk a little and I can't wait to catch him at a meet. Joe, Makin Chips and Havin Fun! Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
Noel Weber is the probably the single greatest reason that the Letterheads exist today. He was the driving force behind those few guys getting together in Rick Flores' shop in Denver during the late 70's and sharing ideas.
I first met Noel at that initial Boise Barbeque in 1982 (wow, twenty years ago) and my feelings then were the same that have been expressed here. "Awe" does not begin to describe the deep appreciation that I had for him. Of all the Letterheads that I have met since then, Noel has to be the most humble individual I have ever known. He is willing to share anything he has and is genuinely interested in what you are doing.
Now, twenty years later, my feelings are still the same. He is truely one of the greats. On several occassions I have tried to tell him how much he has meant to our profession, but my emotions always get in the way and I can't get past the first sentence. He just gives me that huge, understanding smile, and hugs me. I guess he knows without me putting it into words.
The next time you stand amazed at what goes on at a Letterhead gathering, please reserve a word of thanks for Noel Weber.
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
Ray, thank you for expressing my sentiments so articulately.
Posted by David Wright (Member # 111) on :
Well said Raymond. Kudos to yourself for all the inspiritation and help you have given me through your Signcraft articles, etc. over the past 20 years.
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Noel at Rick's Conclave in California a few weeks back. Talented beyond belief and passionate about his art, he is in the same brweathe a kind, quet, unassuming man. Noel has a wonderful sense of humour too. And he is a family man.
Noel is one of my all time heroes.
I look up to him as a wonderful role model.
-dan
Posted by Mark Fair Signs (Member # 289) on :
i was fortunate to meet Noel Weber at the Mazeppa Muster back in 1999 at Mike Meyer's shop. what a nice guy as well as the way ray describes him above!(i couldn't put it better so i won't try)
for me it was the equivalent of meeting one of the beatles!
a soft spoken gentleman and great businessman and sign artist.
mazeppa remembered.
mark fair
Posted by Duncan Wilkie (Member # 132) on :
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