Wood and brass and glass. Approx. 6feet tall created by my father. An addition of branches, golden moon and acrylic painting by me. The painting is patterned after a very old museum drawing of Adam and Eve. Click to enlarge for detail.
My father could build anything. He built my crib and even fashioned the springs by hand. One winter he sat down and sewed tweed coats for my sister and I. My fondest memories were of watching him finish furniture...shellac and sanding! He built an A-frame cabin when he was around 70 and before he turned 80 he built four of these clock cabinets, one for me, two for grandchildren and one for himself and my mom. He asked me how I wanted it finished and I said "very light finish", at some point he decided he would stain it dark so in reaction I decided to paint Adam and Eve...we both had our own ideas and both stubborn. His occupation was in accounting but he had grown up in difficult times which required that he be self sufficient. I believe he was a true artisan but he saw himself as just simply making things for his family. He would just shake his head when attending some of my shows but he loved me and he would smile and say I was the one with the imagination. He was kind, good, funny and yes, Taurus stubborn. I still miss him and his wonderfully funny remarks...!
What a wonderful clock! How lucky you are to have a memento from him. I don't think I own one thing from my father except his dog tags from the service. I wish I had something from him; a connection to him. I love the "Taurus" connection since that is me! I totally understand that term "stubborn".
ReplyDeletehow absolutely wonderful that you have such a thing of beauty from your father - aside from the beautiful memories - so sweet of you to share - have a wonderful evening - jenean
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely work! Now we know where you get your wonderful talent. I adore your Adam and Eve painting at the foot of the clock. So unique. Just perfect.
ReplyDeleteThat was a beautiful story but don't give up on your compass series entirely. They are very comforting to me. I hope you are well. I am hanging in there:)
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Wonderful post Mary Ann...loved reading about your Dad...he sounded amazing...building cabins at 70 and clocks at 80!!! But what I absolutely loved, was the image in my mind of your father sewing tweed coats for you and your sister that Winter, so special.
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Sigh...I miss him too. Great memories of a strong man who loved his family dearly - and one whose eyes would sparkle at the sight of pony. Thanks for the great post - you know I loved the Adam and Eve when I first saw it.
ReplyDeleteTeri, How fun you relate to the "Taurus" stubborn streak...not so bad to be stubborn!
ReplyDeleteJenean, Thank you, it was fun to share his story...a good man.
Willow,Thank you. I was really nervous painting on my father's finished work but it turned out fine!
C. Thank you. I will get back to the compass series but first a sidetrack to a favorite place of emotional rest...the oasis! holding good thoughts!
Jo, Thank you, I actually have a photo of my sister and I standing proudly in our coats (with room to grow)! He once made me a purse out of an old leather ammunition box! ha
ReplyDeleteKaren, Your grandfather had the soul of a cowboy and yes, I remember his twinkling blue eyes looking at Silverado and Sheba!
Mmmmmm. Love hearing you talk about your dad. He sounds wonderful.
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Nice post..I think we always miss our Dad. You have some wonderful memories.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous story, and what a fabulous man!
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll post about the coats he made, I loved hearing that, and would like so much to see the photo!
You always bring so many memories of my childhood to mind. How Mama re-made hand-me-down prom dresses for my sister and me,,,,by hand.
Your painting was the perfect finishing touch for the clock. I'm not sure I'd have been so brave,,,good for you!
a beautiful clock! what a wonderful memory of your relationship with your father - your addition in response to his choice makes me smile :)))))))
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful and special to have a clock made by a loving father. And I really like what you did with the painting. I approve wholeheartedly with the total package. The story of the staining sounds like your father was an artist. he saw his "project" in a certain way and "by gum" it would be that way!
ReplyDeleteThe Adam and Eve painting on this beautiful clock is just perfect. Such a wonderful memento. Your dad sounds like quite a character....as for the tweed coats....priceless!
ReplyDeletePat, He was a great father...not perfect but very close.
ReplyDeleteKatelen,I have good memories...thank you.
Babs,Shared memories are great remnders of our own...I bet your dresses were wonderful. I will post the photo down the line of our tweed coats.
Jeane, As I said before, painting on his finished work was so scary...it is a nice clock.
Robyn, My dad was quite a character, a tall man but not overwhelming...in fact a quiet person to the outside world...my mother was outgoing...family dynamics!
What a rich post full of good memories Mary Ann. I enjoyed the stories about your Dad, especially sewing your coats.
ReplyDeleteLeslie, Thank you...I'm now on a search for that photo of my sister and I in our coats!!
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