Post #68991 by Benzart on Mon, Jan 12, 2004 1:12 PM

Meanwhile they had set me up a spot under a large Willow tree right at the exit from the Casino to the Gardens.It was really nice. The first 2 days, they had someone watching me all day long making sure I drank Lots of water ( Desert,Heat of 104 degrees)and also to make sure I was not goofing off and that I was really doing what I was paid to do.
After the 2nd day, I was on my own. It was really a Nice gig. I'd work a few Minutes and talk to customers. I would get engrossed in my work and all of a sudden hear Very loud clapping. I'd look up to see 100 or more people crouded around inspired by what I was carving....(you carvers out there know how you get caught up in your work and tune everything out? ).
Anyway after the first week of carving palms, Don promised he would try to find some real wood which made me happy.then he took me to his office and told me to find a truck load of wood and get prices and order it after confirmation.
I ended up with the 4 Redwood Logs.
The Hotel was really great and went out of their way to get me whatever I needed or wanted. In return I gave them an honest days work and a Lot of Nice Artwork.
I had explained in the beginning that I would produce a Lot of Quick Low detail Tikis,(This one took only 6 hours)

and would do some with more detail taking more time.(While this one took 2 days..)

That was fine with them as long as I kept Puttin'em out.It worked out to a nice balance since a lot of the Trees they had saved were Really not that good and did not deserve any time with.Some carvings came out "On their Own" leaving me shaking my head saying "How did I do that"
like this one
Las Vegas is Home to Many Polynesian Peoples, Many of which found their way to me and there became a Connection somehow to the Old ways and and the Old, ancient carvers in some of my work there, not all or most but Some was done by Them, Not me. I fully believe that I just held the tools for them some times.
It was truly a Magical experience and very humbling for me.
Well enough of my ramblings for now. LAter.

[ Edited by: Benzart on 2004-01-12 13:15 ]