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The Studio:
I moved into the studio in october of 1995. In that time, I experimented with many different art
related businesses and some not so art related choices. We started in 1993 designing T-Shirts out of my friend's home.
When the opportunity for us to get studios revealed itself, we took it. We also did some computer animation and did an introductory
promo for Quebecor Printing, Co. in Atglen. This short animation was to be played at the beginning of all their trainning
films. At the time, I was also sign painting for many local business. This led me in the direction of higher end signs
on the computer. Promo Point had a large studio space above me and specialized in high end signs and banners. So this became
my new means of business.
By 1999, the animation jobs dwendled and I was loosing intrest in the T-Shirts.
It seemed they were labor intensive with a small profit margin. Through the computers, I was led to commercial
art, mainly logo design and promotional material. This included, but was not limited to, logo design, brochures, package design
and appearal. Appearal would include: T-shirts, hats, patches and jackets. By this time, I would design the art then
sub-contract it out to my partner.
In 2000 I started exploring picture framing. This decision was based on the need to
have my own works framed cheaper. This frame business exploded as the word got out. Most my clients are other artist and
gallery's.
Over the next couple of years I needed equipment for the frame shop. Among some of the
pieces I was able to aquire. Where a 23" guillotine and a 32" board shears. Both of wich are also used in book binding.
Well this just seemed a natural progression. Before I knew it I was teaching myself Book Binding. I started taking on small
binding jobs and now find myself doing small repair work, Rebindings, New Bindings. Along with blank Journals and
Sketch books that I produce.
The Equipment
Over the years, I have aquired some interesting pieces of equiptment. Many
of which I would not be able to operate my studio without.
Above all, the most interesting tool is my board shears (ck out pic.) made by the
Hickok Manufacturing Co. in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 1913. They are still in business and operate out of the same
building. At one time, there may have been upwords of 500 employees. Now-a-days, there maybe 40-50. Today, it is
mostly a machine shop, longer a top manufacturer of bindery equipment. Although, they do still produce some equipment mainly
round cornering machines.
When I recieved this machine it did not cut. With the help of the Hickock Manufacturing Co.
I restored it to working condition.
Other pieces in my collection.
A 23" Chalenge guilotin from from Michigan
A
Nipping Press
A Time Clock circa 1960 ( One of my favorite peices)
Current Projects
My wife and I are working together on "A Common Man
In Changing Times". This is a book my Father inlaw has written about his life as Seal. He is an ex-Navy Seal and member
of the Underwater Demolition Team before Seal Teams were ever created. He wrote an autobiography several years
ago so that he could be remembered by his family and loved ones. Well.....after my wife edited it, he rewrote it. She
then re-edited it and he added to it. It was edited again and ..... hey let's bind it. Then he says "I want
to add this to it", so we edited again and now were at just binding it. Finally, she reviewed the final
draft and now it's up to me. I however have my own creative editing so that it will actually look like a book. This is what we
call pre-press. I have to layout the individual pages, add the pictures, page numbers, title page and all the things
that make a book....a book.
Click on the picture at the right for updates on the book.
| Sam and I |
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| Click here for updates of " A Common Man in Changing Times |
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