Greetings, I’m inspired by Alec’s recent response to the poll as a newcomer to the work. I’d also like to use this as a way to introduce myself and maybe add a small piece or two to the mix.
- How long have you been at the bench?
40 years or 2. “Bench” covers a lot of ground for me. My work has spanned sculpture, architecture, machinery and now jewelry in the last couple of years. I’m especially loving the community I’m finding in the jewelry world.
- Do you make your living doing bench work?
Roughly 50%, I’m also a coach/therapist sort and for me the private commissions are actually therapeutic projects, a form of art therapy.
- Do you work for a retail jeweler?
no
5 . Do you work for yourself?
Yes, Nearly my entire career.
- Do you do both? ( outside / side work)?
See above - It’s mixed.
- How did you start your training?
Trail and error, dreams, a few lucky mentors, even some university classes. I learn most by being commissioned to make something I don’t know how to make.
- How do you continue your training?
Experimentation, classes, youtube, this group.
9 Do you see yourself as a designer?
Yes, although the project usually tells me what to create, my personal input I often see as secondary.
- Do you see yourself as having a viable and profitable future in this business?
Yes, working so far.
- What skill sets will improve your financial future?
Meditation. And probably studio management. I don’t think the particular technique matters so much as how much we love it and our capacity to be present with the work. I really enjoy fine chasing work and expect I will continue exploring that. I’m also interested in miniaturizing some of what I’ve designed for large scale performance venues.
- Who sets standards to whom you aspire?
Many of the people on this list, lots of others in various industries. Faberge, LaLique, Tom Herman, Some of the folks in Cirque du Soleil and Disney, Zaha Hadid, Santiago Calatrava, the list can get very long.
In what manner, do you see Ganokskin, as a community, forwarding your skills?
Simply following the list messages, seeing pictures of the work and discussions of process and technique are a terrific resource and inspiration to me. As my time opens up a bit Id like to actually participate in those conversations more. I’d like to meet more folks in person so perhaps an annual symposium? As if Seth isn’t busy enough…
Do you see the value in expanding the Ganokskin skill base?
I’m not quite sure what you mean by this, there’s of course always value in expanding, but if you mean is Ganoskin worth developing and growing? An emphatic yes. I see several currently valuable aspects and some potentially interesting areas of development as well.
The archives are tremendous from both an educational and a historical standpoint.
The network is excellent and I hope to make greater use of that as time goes one. (and contribution to as well)
Expanding the training aspect both online and in person is a great direction to head in. Also, a yearly symposium and industry prize I think would be a great addition. The Ganoskin, like the Pritzker but the pieces are smaller. 
How do you suggest this be accomplished?
I think collaboration with schools, universities and museums to provide restoration support, history and career development would be helpful. That doesn’t exactly tell you how though. The short answer is lots of talking to people, networking and going to various events. Perhaps a director of development. Someone with a deep rolodex that can open a lot of doors and might have fun doing it in their later years.
It’s a big question and I suspect the answer depends a great deal on particular personalities. Maybe we can chew on it over dinner in Tucson.
Thanks for reading, I also thoroughly enjoyed everyone’s responses and look forward to more.
-Lawrence