TOOLS OF THE TRADE

We did a big clean up of the garage this summer. I was really excited to find a banker box that I knew stored art supplies I could use, now that my studio was set up. When it was unearthed, I was overtaken by so many memories and emotions. In the box were items I hadn’t thought about in many years, tools from my architecture studio courses in college and my days as a paste-up artist and designer in SoHo. Things that were essential at the time, now seeming like quaint relics of another era. Back then, I felt very accomplished and official, having my very own T-square, Schaedler Rules, Prismacolors, proportion wheel, Bestine can. I worked with my hands, and learned new things every day. 

By the time we moved to Seattle in 1991, computers were the new essential. I transitioned slowly away from doing design, finding that I really enjoyed managing it as a creative consultant. I kept my hand skills up, working on marketing and decor for my singing group’s auctions or the kids’ school fundraisers. But in our last move in 2007, that box of tools got put deep into the garage and I spent more time in the digital universe.

I love that things have now come full circle. I am again working with my hands, and again learning new things every day with my art. I use my T-square regularly, just tried the Prismacolors on a study, but may only just enjoy looking at the Bestine can and remembering the “thwocka-thwocka” sound it makes when you depress the bottom. I marvel at the amount of change since 1983 or so when I first bought some of the items – a completely different world! I am so grateful for the things I learned (and the people I learned them from), because I will always have those experiences. I also see my youth in the tools, which is a sweet memory. I couldn’t have imagined at the time they’d be investments (although they were expensive for a 20-something!), but they are paying me back in unexpectedly wonderful ways.