Napoleon

for the past 20 years, all of my metal working, for the most part, has been small scale and for adornment purposes. when i first began considering this proposal, i knew that the fabrication on these pieces would have to be farmed out somewhat. daunting for me since i had never made a piece of art that i didn't execute from beginning to end; production of my jewelry designs excluded. there were plenty of options, any of the reputable welders here in town, the guys at the metals museum, but i chose napoleon boyd of c&n welding and this is why.

about 10 years ago i met napoleon through a client of mine that i do restoration for. since that time, we've done some small projects together- he built the stands for our jewelry cases in the showroom, the stand for the work table that is bolted to the floor- that sort of thing. and i've seen other work that he has done for other clients.

what i liked about napoleon right off was that he was real. he was funny. he was serious about his work. loved his wife. loved his kids. proud of his land. but most of all, didn't see color, just as i didn't. we were on the same page. we were just people sharing an experience.

this was most of all the reason he first came to mind. but also- it was important to me that i had my hands dirty for as far into this project as i possibly could. i knew that he would understand that. and i knew that it was gonna be an experience of a lifetime and one i was thrilled to share with him, and he with me. in the end, i feel like i couldn't have done it without him. his sense of humor, his professionalism, his inventiveness, his craftsmanship, his appreciation for others, and his friendship are priceless to me and i cherish them all.

besides, how could you not love a guy that wears a hat that says "you can't scare me, i've got grandkids"