Post #317467 by Robin on Mon, Jul 9, 2007 11:07 AM

Thanks Ben...glad you like the finish. And my time in NZ was phenomenal...and the Pounamu part was better that that. I hope you get to go someday.

I always liked a softer sheen...even on my pots. It seems to suit jade as well....and it takes less time than high polish to boot! That's a bonus. I enjoyed using diamond sponges in varying grits, much like sanding wood, and equally as satisfying. Then 800 wet dry, then polishing compound, then a cotton buffing wheel with no compound. They were oiled too, which made the white in the grooves disappear for awhile, but it came back over time. I'd like it to disappear permanently.

Hey Timid...really nice smoke! Dramatic. Glad it worked out despite the thumb injury. The price breakdown was pretty funny. Looking forward to your next adventure.

Oh the ever present cost of labor...well it's rare that that equation ever works out in analysis. I look at like this...
'how long did it take?'
'my whole life.' Every piece is a culmination of learned skills and experiences. Can't put a price on it. It's the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic value. It is a great day though when people will hand you money for it.

Tama...Have read just about everything you posted. Your work is exquisite in every way.....can't say much more that that. And the information you have provided here is above and beyond. Would love to ask you some questions when you're available.

Paipo...almost all your posts too...really really fine work. I love the use of the natural stones. Seeing your forms with the absence of color, translucency, and surface pattern in the material let me look at them as pure sculpture. The play of light and dark was magical.

You Kiwi's really got it going on.

Robin