First I want to say thanks to Joe Cieslowski and his wife Diane for putting on the meet. What a tremendous amount of time and work they put into making the meet a success. The food, housing and welcome atmosphere was wonderful. (Diane, I think a trip to the jewelry store is in order).
My story…
About a month ago I got a call from Joe Cieslowski asking if I would be interested in joining his Chisel Jam VII. I jumped at the chance. I knew Joe was an excellent teacher because, in December, I had attended his carving workshop at Atlantic City.
So, after talking it over with my wife Betty, I told Joe to count me in. I’m so thankful for my wife’s support.
I had been aware since the early 90’s of the Letterhead movement and always wanted to attend a meet but frankly was just too intimidated and lacking in self confidence. The work coming out of the meets and the people attending the meets were top in this field. Here I am, a part time carver / signmaker rubbing elbows with these experts… I just couldn’t bring myself to even consider it.
Then, after getting to know Joe at Atlantic City, lurking on the board for a while and getting up the nerve to post once in a while, I finally came to the conclusion that you all would accept me and teach me.
So, now that I have the nerve and the OK from Betty, off I go to Joe’s.
I arrived the night before and awoke Friday morning to 2 inches of snow already accumulated on my car and it was still snowing like a blizzard. The closest (reasonably priced) hotel (Joe’s house was full already) I could find was about 25 miles away so I drove through the blizzard and made it to Joe’s safely. Thank goodness for SUVs.
The meet was better than I imagined. First of all, it was small in terms of numbers of participants, so it was much less threatening. Second the people that attended were warm, friendly people. I felt comfortable immediately.
We had 6 participants – unfortunately 2 others couldn’t make it at the last minute. The attendees were Alan Akerson, Dale Akerson, CJ Williams, Mark Neurohr, Joe Abner and me), one teacher (Joe Cieslowski) and one local “sign consultant” (Phil Ghi).
Because the meet was small, Joe was able to spend time with each of us and concentrate on varying interests and skill levels of carving. For me, I needed help in learning to carve a ribbon so Joe worked with me on that. I’ve been doing incised letters for a while but my other carving is pretty limited.
In addition to working with us individually on various types of carving, Joe taught us his techniques for the entire production of one of his house markers, from work flow through the various machines, to “wood theory”, to carving, to finishing. The meet was packed with so much info that my brain hurt.
If you have any interest in adding carving to your repertoire, Joe is the guy to see! I strongly recommend you attend his Atlantic City class or do a private class. I have personally taken two other carving classes and Joe’s is my favorite.
Of particular interest to me was Joe’s sharpening class. I’ve always had trouble keeping my tools sharp (now I know why). Joe’s method is totally based on fact and physics. I always thought it was some sort of black art that only a few people could do.
Joe also shared many photos, the original patterns and the production story of the French Kiss a Brush panel. My hat is off to Joe and all of the artists that made this amazing piece of art.
We were also fortunate to have two visits from Phil Ghi, a local sign shop owner (I know from a picture on his shop wall that he hosted a meet so you all know more about him than I do). Phil made each of us an unfinished Chisel Jam VII memento panel from HDU foam on his CNC router. Also, Phil gave us a demo of fast gilding and a demo on smalts.
Saturday night we took our field trip to Phil’s shop. On the way Joe pointed out the signs that Phil did – very beautiful work. Phil gave us a tour (very cool shop) and answered our questions. And, what a nice guy! – this seems to be a recurring theme for sign people.
One of the things I personally enjoyed most was meeting each person and looking at his portfolio. I learned sooooo much by doing this. I’ve never seen so much nice sign, pinstriping and airbrush work – sort of like looking at a couple of years of SignCraft all at once. I learned multiple ways to hang signs, how to do very snazzy looking backgrounds, what kind of airbrush to buy, some great design tips, etc. etc..
Also, I won the raffle!, a book “Manual of Traditional Wood Carving”!
Summing it up, this was my first chance meet and get to know people face to face that have a passion for the craft of making beautiful signs – doesn’t get much better than that. Sort of like the Bullboard only in person…
And finally… Joe’s motto… our byline for the weekend…
One thing we all learned about Joe over the weekend is that he epitomizes the New England attitude of frugality or “making do”… We would ask him “Joe, why do you use that particular product” and the answer usually came back “because I get if for free”.
To Joe and Diane Cieslowski, and to Alan, Dale, CJ, Mark, Joe Abner, and Phil – I’ll never forget you guys and my first Letterhead meet.
Thank you!
-------------------- Steve Racz Racz's Handcarved Signs Posts: 1078 | From: New Jersey | Registered: Jan 2004
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Well, Steve...you've just stepped over the line and will never be the same. Going to a live letterhead meet is a very rewarding experience and you'll find that same spirit of sharing at a small meet like Joe's or one with 100 people.
Now, come on out to Oklahoma in March for Fred Self's meet! Tell your wife you really need to go.
Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Chips for taking great care of us all. It was a great time...again. All of the personalities just kind of meshed together for the making of a fun and personal weekend that was full of laughing and learning. Only one stab wound and slice that I know of!
The food was awesome. I went from being a rail to looking like a bowling ball on stilts.
Being such a small meet, it was great to get into details of the many, many things we covered. And the myths we uncovered. Nothing like a fresh smooth carved piece of Pine.
It was very cool for Steve to win the book as he will make the most of it. She's a beauty.
Joe Abners designs and carvings are very inspirational and are always getting stronger.
Thanks to Mr. CJ Williams for the Airbrush exercise tips. Your portfolio just blew me away! Can I say kick ass here?
Thanks Mark for all of the help you gave me throughout the weekend. It will go a long way. Plus you are too damn funny! You will be hearing from me soon. LOL
Thanks Phil Ghi for being there for us...again. Visiting your shop is an honor and a treat. The Smalts/Gold demo was killer.
The bag of tricks is getting larger.
And a quick thanks to the suppliers who donated materials to the cause.
Mom says thanks to everyone also. She is having Letterhead withdrawls. It's catchy.
See you all soon.
-------------------- Alan Ackerson LetterWorks Design and Graphics alan@ack2.com Posts: 776 | From: Oak Ridge, NJ | Registered: Aug 2002
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I was the dummy who drew first blood. The benefit of using sharp tools is the wounds heal fast and clean! We were waiting on a few others who didn't make make it and never set up the pool in time.
Hope you can make the next one. You won't regret it.
-------------------- Alan Ackerson LetterWorks Design and Graphics alan@ack2.com Posts: 776 | From: Oak Ridge, NJ | Registered: Aug 2002
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Sounds like a lot of people including myself missed out on a great time. You never will come home empty handed when you go to a letterhead meet. So keep going and learning from the best!
I had the pleasure of being in Quebec for some of Joe's classes and they are just as you said 'Top Notch'. Both the carving and sharpening were very finely tuned as to why Joe does things certain ways. Mostly because they work.
Joe, how are you keeping? Sounds like you are busy. I wasn't aware that there was a small carvers meet going on. I would love the opportunity to come down for a letterhead meet and to meet the family. What I have learned so far, I am slowly putting into practice. I have lots more to learn though.
Allan, hope all is well with you. You should be well charged up to tackle new projects and jobs.
See ya, Harry
-------------------- Harry Pinkse Sign Matters Mount Forest, ON Posts: 32 | From: Mount Forest. ON | Registered: Aug 2003
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Diane and I are glad everyone made it home safely.
As usual, I had as much fun as everyone else and learned or discovered new techniques as well as everyone else.
Harry, I call this type of gathering a "Stealth Meet"....it's under the radar screen They happen all the time....just nobody knows about them. I'll make sure you are on the invite list next year.
Didn't anybody take pictures? In all the hustle and bustle I didn't get many shots.
What a GREAT time!! Friends!
Joe, Makin Chips and Havin Fun!
-------------------- Joe Cieslowski Connecticut Woodcarvers Gallery P.O.Box 368 East Canaan CT 06024 jcieslowski@snet.net 860-824-0883 Posts: 2345 | From: East Canaan CT 06024 | Registered: Nov 2001
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I don't have a lot of time so I gotta keep it short. WHAT A FRIGGEN' BLAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks to Joe and Diane, what wonderful hosts!!
And to the rest of you Knuckleheads,..... wasn't the company really, really COOL??!! My face still hurts from all of the smiling and laughing we did!!
I just got home last night around 7PM and it'll take me WEEKS to go through withdrawls from leaving all of you!! (So, we oughtta plan on getting together maybe over summer, Savie??)
Joe and Diane, thank you soooo much!! XOXOXO
Mark
CJ..... I'm stopping tonight to get my sharpening system. You guys send me your stuff and we'll try to put an edge on them (thanks for that too Joe)!
Gotta run..................
Alan, WE WILL MEET SOON BUD!!!
-------------------- Mark Neurohr "Ernest" Paintin' Place 141 Sunnyside Road Kittanning, PA 16201
Just trying to get there – Friday morning’s snowstorm.
The cast…
Joe Abner carves a ribbon. He brought a great panel he made for Joe C. (sorry I don’t have a picture – Joe A., please post)
CJ Williams (amazing airbrush artist) and Mark Neurohr (signman extroadinare and schoolbus racer). Oh-oh, looks like Joe has lost his head (thanks to Bill Reidel).
Alan Akerson (beautiful portfolio and unbounded enthusiasm) and his Mom Dale (oil painter, carver, almost scratch golfer). I still think she’s his sister…
CJ, Mark and Fearless Leader.
Mark N. and our wonderful hostess Diane C. (XOXOXO)
The entire crew minus Fearless Leader. We call ourselves the Lightfingered 9 minus 2.
Phil Ghi giving us a lesson on fast gilding.
-------------------- Steve Racz Racz's Handcarved Signs Posts: 1078 | From: New Jersey | Registered: Jan 2004
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Those pics really bring back the memories...... That meet picture on Phils wall was the Megabytes and Mahlsticks Meet in '95....it was my first meet.
The funny part was when Mark had to pick his spot between the beams in the basement so that he could stand up.......yet CJ was the one always bumping his head
Pierre, I'm looking foward to seeing you and Geslain in NB as well, (Blind fold him and tie him up if you have to)
Thanks Steve, Nice Job!!!
Oh, by the way....the Design Board HDU arrived today.....by overnight Fed X....it was due on the 4th....overnight +7 lol
Jeff and Larry thought that the meet was canceled because of the snow....I screwed up....I should have given them a call. They are probably gonna come up next Sat. for the day...I guess I'll have enough foam samples, Sign Prime and Sign o Foam Ins. books for them. I'll just have to make up 2 more Fleur de lis for them....quick guild time
Joe, Makin Chips and Havin Fun!
-------------------- Joe Cieslowski Connecticut Woodcarvers Gallery P.O.Box 368 East Canaan CT 06024 jcieslowski@snet.net 860-824-0883 Posts: 2345 | From: East Canaan CT 06024 | Registered: Nov 2001
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Thanx again Joe and Diane, I can't thank you enough Joe. That was one jam packed week-end. It was nice meeting some new faces. Hope to see you all again. I got a whole new look at the north east and I like it. CJ
-------------------- Ed CJ Williams CJ Graffx Christiana,Pa. cjgraffx@comcast.net Just have'n fun.... Posts: 296 | From: Christiana,Pa. | Registered: May 1999
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Thanks for hosting Joe and Diane, and thank you again Joe for sharing your years of experience.
I can't add any more to what has been mentioned allready other than this was my second chisle jam and my second commute through a snow storm to get there....
Here's the group shot.
Back row: Alan, Dale, Joe and Mark Front row: Steve, CJ and me.
-------------------- Joe Abner Talisman Signs Middleboro, MA
"We are limited only by our perception of our abilities." Posts: 445 | From: Middleboro, Ma USA | Registered: Dec 2000
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(Diane, I think a trip to the jewelry store is in order).![[Smile]](smile.gif)
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Friends!
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That meet picture on Phils wall was the Megabytes and Mahlsticks Meet in '95....it was my first meet.![[Dunno]](graemlins/dunno.gif)
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