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Hats off to Jay for being so brave to attempt a new way of doing murals. Not only did he come up with a new way, but a very intricate way at that. With all the problems that faced him he never stopped and kept his shoulder to the wheel. The results are great and Lodi has a beautiful mural for the bank. I was honored to have been asked to work with him. I thought it was funny to be able to say he asked me to give him a hand, and I wound up giving him two. (That is the hands I painted)
-------------------- Bill Riedel Riedel Sign Co., Inc. 15 Warren Street Little Ferry, N.J. 07643 billsr@riedelsignco.com Posts: 2953 | From: Little Ferry, New Jersey, USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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My mind wanders. And that's not a good thing, 'cause it's too small to be out there alone. Posts: 3129 | From: Tooele, UT | Registered: Mar 2005
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Hey Russ! Tony just posted that Jay will be back to finish up the mural on Saturday. He also talks about the progress of the other murals that were unfinished as well. I don't know how to link to the post, but it's towards the top.
I'd love to see the finished product as well. I wish I could have stayed longer to help.
-------------------- Tracie Johnson Signovations Ventura, California Posts: 444 | From: Ventura, California | Registered: Nov 2005
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I worked with Jay, most of the day on Monday and when I left (with crippled knee that swelled up like mad the next day...Blew out steppin' off a curb saturday). The Mural was about 80% done. So happens that there was some unexpected RE-Do's that sloowed the progress by a day+ some hours. Jay, is a gas to work with and full of questions from this Old Turd, to fill in some stuff about the old days. He is great to be around once the pink shorts change so ya aint blinded from the glow.
CrazyJack
-------------------- Jack Wills Studio Design Works 1465 E.Hidalgo Circle Nye Beach / Newport, OR Posts: 2914 | From: Rocklin, CA. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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What I want to know is did he wear pink shorts or have a motorcycle wreck this time? I remember working on two of the walls at the first one and I got very SUNBURNED. I didn't think that happened above the Mason-Dixon line. Sorry I couldn't be there this year but I do know that Jay is one of the finest human beings on the planet and has more talent than the law allows.
-------------------- Ricky Jackson Signs Now 614 Russell Parkway Warner Robins, GA (478) 923-7722 signpimp50@hotmail.com
"If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Sir Issac Newton Posts: 3528 | From: Warner Robins, GA | Registered: Oct 2004
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-------------------- Kimberly Zanetti Purcell www.amethystProductivity.com Folsom, CA email: Kimberly@AmethystProductivity.com
“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” AA Milne Posts: 3722 | From: Folsom, CA | Registered: Dec 2001
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Jay pulled off one of the most intricate murals in history! I was privileged to work on the wall with Bill Riedell... lesson two of shades and highlights.
Jay is also an awesome good sport in things slightly competitive. He is so passionate about his craft and life in general. I always learn when I get to hang around Jay!
Thanks bud. The pink hat will proudly hang in my studio to remind me of good times.
-grampa dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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Duncan spent quite a bit of time on the mural, adding shadows, pulling lines and avoiding descending lifts. A priceless moment was the "I came two thousand miles to weed vinyl?" look on his face when a bunch of stencil was dropped off for him to weed and premask.
-------------------- David Harding A Sign of Excellence Carrollton, TX Posts: 5089 | From: Carrollton, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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"Jay is also an awesome good sport in things slightly competitive." Slightly! We survived a pressure packed weekend rife with heckling sorties via convertibles and antique vehicles. Wall captains chasing each other around. And even one attempt at a leadership coup by a neighboring project! Not to mention a continuous flow of subversive messages delivered by seemingly innocent people. Jay will chide me for buying into the competive energy at a letterhead meet, ironically however, while we didn't exactly finish first, we probably set and even obliterated several walldog meet and industry records.
1. Most vinyl prepped in the field 2. Most paint mask ever used on a mural 3. Most confounded looks by fellow walldogs 4. Most phone numbers collected resulting from "work" attire. 5. Most pink ever worn on a jobsite
If Grandpa or anyone else has evidence that these "records" can be topped please submit them.
Thanks to everyone at the meet for reinvigorating the Letterhead spirit for me. In many ways it was a meet that brought together the local and the national spirit, and it was beautiful.
-------------------- Steve Vigeant Berkeley Signs Oakland, CA. Posts: 55 | From: Oakland, CA, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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In order maintain our hard earned reputation of being 'slightly' competive...
The wiggly line team also set a number of records in Lodi
1 Most number of walldogs and honorary walldogs working on a mural 2 Most creative heckling 3 Most wiggly lines ever painted at a walldog meet 4 Most number of names hidden in a mural at a walldog event 5 Most fun ever while actually painting too!
Lodi was one fun meet. It was superbly organized and promoted allowing us to simply have fun!
-grampa dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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Speaking of 'pink'... Jay's son Evan didn't fall far from the pink tree either. Apparently there's some kinda 'Sisterhood of the travelling (pink) hat' going on amongst some of the Lodi WallPuppies. Sometimes we don't realize just how influential we are on our kids...
-------------------- Nancie W. Phillips White Dove Painting Studio 74 Dacula Road, Dacula, GA 30019 678-887-3339
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How very kind of you all. (You too, Ricky!!) Yes - I surely did try to do something innovative - or as David Butler referred to it, "insane". That's why I was asked perhaps - because I would try to do something different. And yes, it is done now. I'll let you know how in another post. It's an inspirational story.
I'll start here talking about Lodi as I know you all did last week. But like always, I have much more to say. I'll start with just this post.
Jack Wills is one sign man that is to be deeply respected by our profession. This man is 67 years old - and knows a computer and computer design backwards and forwards. He thinks I was full of questions. Well, why wouldn't I be?
His experience is NOT to be underestimated - nor underappreciated. Sure he's a nice guy - but how does one not measure ability at the same time? Questions MUST be asked because of his wealth of experience.
Jack chose to NOT become a dinosaur in this industry. Trained as a brush letterer, he chose to survive by learning the computer because he was wise enough to understand that once computers were introduced to the profession, they would change it forever. I couldn't get my Mom to accept or use computers (even just email!!) - and have heard from a number of people who have experienced the same thing in regards to anyone over 60 rejecting computers.
Not Jack. This guy is amazing. He truly lives up to his name Crazy Jack - but it is his calling card and without it he would be just another talented guy with no familiarity. He pushes the envelope in everything he does - everything!! I was HONORED to work alongside a true legend. I was told that Jack hasn't worked that hard (as he did on our wall) in many years and that I should feel privileged.
I already was. That picture of us doesn't show how proud I was to stand next to such a talent.
Jack, I'll pick your brain until the day one of us quits asking questions. Fair enough? As I mentioned in Lodi, why walk in fresh snow when you can step in someone else's footprints who has walked there before you? All that you get on a new path with fresh snow is cold, wet feet. Sure you can stray off every now and then to try a new view or path - but still best to follow the direction of those who have walked that path, lived longer and know more than you. That's why I asked so many questions, Jack. And I've thought of more since.
Dan Sawatzk'eh - I refuse to call you Grampa Dan because you show no signs of "grampa-like" behavior. When he and I wrestled each other in the doorway to the lunch hall I realized this guy is solid muscle. He has energy from morning until night - and his body is a reflection of his work ethic.
Think about how you feel after a brisk walk - or exercise. You feel energetic, peaceful and enthusiastic - not to mention happy from all the endorphins. If you want to have Dan's spirit, then work like Dan does - and love what you do. You'll be better for it.
The whole "competition" thing was all a ruse from the start - and really gave us something to be distracted by when we were all working so hard. The "theater" was just part of the weekend - and Dan was even creative in that. We all had such a wonderful time laughing and pranking. I had troubles on our wall and Dan never let up. That was a good thing as it kept anyone from being overly frustrated on our wall - especially me.
But Dan was one of the first guys there on Sunday morning to work on my mural - after his mural was done. I had told someone Thursday night that he would do that and they reminded me of that at the Monday lunch. I knew it all along - even without trouble on my wall, Dan would've been there. He would have found something to race me with - but we still would've been working towards the same goal. He even brought Duncan with him that day and I can't thank the two of you enough for what you did while I was "fixing" our problems.
Dan, we'll always be friends. I want to work with you again. We'll stay in touch - and I know that. Duncan, next time we'll work side-by-side. I owe you - and I thank you. You were an animal on a lot of other walls and that is what the project leaders need. Thanks for your spirit - on all our behalf.
David Harding was like Duncan and Dan and Jack. When the chips were down, he was there helping. Thanks, David. I look forward to spending a little more time talking next time. And thanks for letting me blow off a little steam. That needed to be done privately - and you allowed that to happen. Thanks for the ear.
Steven Vigeant - you are a master signman and designer - and a great guy. I got lots of compliments on your rendering of the building - from some very talented people. You should be proud. I am. Jack Wills was the person who painted the IOAFS on the building - and I couldn't have asked for a better "crown" on your work. How lucky am I to have had such talent helping me? While many described me as 'crazy' or 'insane' or other adjectives questioning my attempt or sanity, you chose 'revolutionary' - and it really made me feel good. Thanks for that!!
I'll relay my rationale behind my design in a separate post. It made sense if you chose to look at it like all the project leaders did regarding their given subject matter. Robin chose her red background color to symbolize the arson fire at the high school. Mark Oatis chose the 3 ladies to represent the 3 railroads merging back in the 20's. So much more than meets the eye at these things - and you Walldogs help bring it all to life. As was the case many times before, I am in awe of this whole non-organization and the spirit so many of us share. Remember that word: Share. I'll explain later.
Tracie - you jumped into a hornets nest and stayed right there to help. You're a brave girl!! Thank you immensely for helping on a day when so much needed to be done. Bless your sweet heart - and thanks for being there when I most needed the extra hands.
And Bill Riedel. Papa Smurf. The most energetic, enthusiastic and youthful 70+ year old I've ever met. This man has boundless energy and the spirit of a child - one of wonder and excitement for what each day brings. He teaches by example - and doesn't even realize it.
Like I said above about Jack Wills, you paved a path for other people like me and no expression of thanks would ever seem sincere enough. So many things you try - and so many things you suceed at.
You'll always be dear to my heart - and certainly to my wife's heart as well. She loves you to pieces and is so happy that you and Rondi have found such joy in life after having been through so much. God truly grabbed both your hands, put them together and put you on the dance floor to be together for the rest of your lives. T'was fate, my friend. I found it in my life also so I know that you know how lucky you are.
We will forever be friends, sir. Please keep your health in good order so we can keep pushing ourselves like we did in Lodi.
To my son, Evan: I was never more proud of you when you jumped in on a tough day and withstood all of Dad's crabbiness. You took it like a man. Though I'm highly prejudiced, Evan is more mature than any 14 year old I've ever met. I received some truly incredible comments/compliments about him and am here to tell you, he worked his butt off to get to Lodi so he could participate.
He screwed this year during his Freshman year of H.S. and had to bring his grades up (2nd semester) to no lower than a 'B' or he couldn't go and the plane ticket would've gone unused - but paid for. Needless to say, he made it. I am so proud of his effort. What a fine young man.
He escorted my travel-anxious wife out on Saturday morning and she couldn't say enough about what a man he acted like. When Tony told me I wasn't welcome in Lodi on Tuesday and that I was to go to Yosemtite with Jody and Evan as planned, he couldn't have said anything better. It allowed me to go guilt-free with my family - and it was truly spititual standing in the spray from Bridal Veil Falls being 'baptised by God' in the spray. What a moment for a father and a son.
I love him more every day for the man (and gentleman) he is becoming. He truly was a Walldog while he was there. When Mark Oatis said some incredibly kind words about me to Evan while we were eating in Lodi Brew Pub, I was overwhelmed. To be described so favorably by someone of Mark's stature (even though he is a good friend anyway), and to be so generous about his feelings to my son really made my day and week. How proud I was at that moment.
More to come - but let's just sign off on this rather long response and impressions of Lodi for now.
Thanks again for the kind words. I am honored to be a Letterhead and Walldog - and apparently in very good company.
Peace.
-------------------- Jay Allen ShawCraft Sign Co. Machesney Park, IL jallen222@aol.com http://www.shawcraft.com/
"The object of the superior man is truth." -Confucius Posts: 1285 | From: Machesney Park, IL, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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And........Thanks for your kind words Jay, a true sportsman ye be at that as well and beyond. I felt priveleged to bust a move, what little I did on the mighty "F&M" wall. Kinda felt good being on that JLG for a bit. Wasn't nothing like being on a 75' skyhook for days or the 55' snorkel that was handed to me at HARDIN,signs in Peoria,IL.,but it truly had a fun side.
Thanks, JACK
-------------------- Jack Wills Studio Design Works 1465 E.Hidalgo Circle Nye Beach / Newport, OR Posts: 2914 | From: Rocklin, CA. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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No...I learned how to pick on you from picking on Dan. Sawatzky is just my trainee getting in some practical experience. I'm very proud of how well he is coming along.
Kinda brings a tear to your eye to know that the next generation will carry on the old traditions.
Jay - I've been told that you were full of it...thanks for clarifying the situation.
[ June 06, 2006, 12:32 PM: Message edited by: Raymond Chapman ]
-------------------- Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas chapmanstudio@sbcglobal.net Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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As your son....im telling you...you talk to much ...yeah living with this guy is crazy...he has to much creativity for his own good...so he sets upon using the house as his test subject...Steve Vigeant may call it "revolutionary" but many others have called him crazy...i tend to be somewhere in the middle...he is an amazing designer..although i am just as biased towards him as he is towards me...but he also bites off more than he can chew as was evident in Lodi. But had there not been those three or four little screw ups he would not have had to work again saturday...and yes Mrs. Phillips i am taking after him with the pink...your daughter and the percells daughter along with myself have started a little gang...any other kids who are in their teens are welcome to join it...we have a group on myspace...also: random and off topic - you parents yell at us for our myspace...but you are just as bad on this forum :}...yeah anyway just thought i'd give my input since im a little closer to him
Evan Allen
-------------------- Evan Allen - Son of Jay Shaw Craft Sign co.
Old men fight dirty-Jay Allen :) Posts: 5 | From: Belvidere, IL | Registered: Jun 2006
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LOL Welcome Evan! As the daughter of a "sign guy" I feel your pain! Hahahahahahahahahaha
-------------------- Kimberly Zanetti Purcell www.amethystProductivity.com Folsom, CA email: Kimberly@AmethystProductivity.com
“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” AA Milne Posts: 3722 | From: Folsom, CA | Registered: Dec 2001
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Well, my son on this BB!! Another 'newbie'. And writing better than his English grades would indicate.
And then calling us all out about this BB vs. MySpace.com? Well played, Evan!! You make a very valid point - and just 14 (almost 15) years old!!
See why I love him so much? My son - he's a teenager - but hasn't yet turned into the monster most teens turn into. I think I'll keep him - for now.
I was proud to have you alongside me in Lodi. And so proud of what a gentleman you were in escorting Jody through the airport. And these folks here needed to know that. Sorry if I embarass you - but that's what Dad's do!!
-------------------- Jay Allen ShawCraft Sign Co. Machesney Park, IL jallen222@aol.com http://www.shawcraft.com/
"The object of the superior man is truth." -Confucius Posts: 1285 | From: Machesney Park, IL, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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You will see the monstrous teenager i am after we move besides...im only a sophmore :-)...Im recruiting you to help me by projecting band names onto the wall of my room so we can paint them...I know you will enjoy it:)...but hey, you only have to live with Slipknot Banner....Mom gets to live with a room full of my "scary" bands...as long as megans mom doesnt think im satanic..its cool..hah...buhbye
-------------------- Evan Allen - Son of Jay Shaw Craft Sign co.
Old men fight dirty-Jay Allen :) Posts: 5 | From: Belvidere, IL | Registered: Jun 2006
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I'm gonna butt in a little......... Jay, had been in a wierd position bout his project from what I percieved in bits and as I can remember from times in my past when crap arose that slowed me down,I would get REAL crabby. I commend Jay, for not coming completely unglued at times and I commend Evan, for having big shoulders in many ways. That's family. The glass is never half empty for a cat like Jay, and his hat fits many heads of those around him. Bottom line?........S*#T got handled like Pro's do it.
-------------------- Jack Wills Studio Design Works 1465 E.Hidalgo Circle Nye Beach / Newport, OR Posts: 2914 | From: Rocklin, CA. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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Jay, I'm really pleased we believed in the dark wall and and stuck with it. It's a real accomplishment. I'm knocked out by the kind words. Don't forget Laurie Corl, Same Day Signs. She really saved us Bro. No joke. A real vinyl pro I'm proud to know. We're neighbor sign shops for life now.
I forgot to mention another record we tore up.
Most satelite internet hookups and file transfers used at a Walldog meet.
-------------------- Steve Vigeant Berkeley Signs Oakland, CA. Posts: 55 | From: Oakland, CA, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Oh I didn't forget her, Steve. She stuck with us all five days, bless her heart. Scooter also. My final thanks are yet to come. And everyone else who helped out that I haven't yet mentioned.
Just too busy for anything more just yet. We're still swamped here.
I'll add a new post over the weekend to complete my last thoughts.
On to the next thing.......
-------------------- Jay Allen ShawCraft Sign Co. Machesney Park, IL jallen222@aol.com http://www.shawcraft.com/
"The object of the superior man is truth." -Confucius Posts: 1285 | From: Machesney Park, IL, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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...yeah living with this guy is crazy...he has to much creativity for his own good...so he sets upon using the house as his test subject...Steve Vigeant may call it "revolutionary" but many others have called him crazy...i tend to be somewhere in the middle...he is an amazing designer..although i am just as biased towards him as he is towards me...but he also bites off more than he can chew as was evident in Lodi. But had there not been those three or four little screw ups he would not have had to work again saturday...and yes Mrs. Phillips i am taking after him with the pink...your daughter and the percells daughter along with myself have started a little gang...any other kids who are in their teens are welcome to join it...we have a group on myspace...also: random and off topic - you parents yell at us for our myspace...but you are just as bad on this forum :}...yeah anyway just thought i'd give my input since im a little closer to him![[Wink]](wink.gif)
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