There's an old saying that we are often at our very best when we face the greatest odds - when we are challenged the greatest. I've long been a believer in that.
I've also heard the old adage that we should hold our friends close... and our enemies closer yet. I'm a believer in that saying too!
In an effort to do just that I talked with Jay today... and as those who know him well also know a chat with Jay can go on a while. In that talk I heard the real fear in his voice... he's worried... BIG TIME... that I will once again get the best of him... and it is with good reason too!
I LOVE a good challenge as does my friend Jay... and I firmly believe we will have both met our match. There are no rules - no holds barred this go around... and no mercy either.
The mural painting may well have been where this challenge started but its just the beginning of things yet to come. Jay wants to battle in 3D. He has reason to be afraid...
I'm firing up the router and breaking out the Magic Sculpt in Yarrow...
-grampa dan
[ April 09, 2009, 08:33 PM: Message edited by: Dan Sawatzky ]
Posted by Steve Luck (Member # 5292) on :
You can almost hear the theme song from "Rocky" all the way down here in Illinois. Run Jay while you have the chance!
I'm getting advanced tickets to see this matchup in Pontiac!
Sign-cerely, Steve (the real Sign Magic!)
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
Well, well, well. And they're off!! This is really getting interesting. The competition has left the walls of Pontiac and gone into a completely different realm.
What Jay has planned will not benefit him (other than bragging rights over Dan) but will bring great attention to the Letterheads movement.
Since it seems that Sawatzky has become more aware of the ground rules, it's going to be fun to sit back and watch the fur fly.
Posted by Jane Diaz (Member # 595) on :
Now I'm getting a little worried....you realize we have to LIVE here after you are gone, right! Posted by Jay Allen (Member # 195) on :
Jane . . . whatever reputation y'all had left will be just fine . . .
Sawatzk'eh . . . that wasn't fear. One, it was just my normally open mouth rattling off the normal garbage - hard to discern between rambling, excitability or fear . . . Two, I have no reason to be fearful of any feelings of inadequacy in this Battle Royale . . . my project will stand on its own merit . . . and even if you pull them on over your jeans, those pink shorts will be on your butt like a white flag of surrender poking up out of a foxhole . . .
And you'll be proud to wear them . . . and stand beside me for pictures while I have mine on.
You have my solemn vow . . . bring it, Gramps . . .
Jeez . . . I think he's a bit nervous, Raymond . . . this seems to have consumed him after your added message board taunts . . .
Ray's a well qualified judge, Dan . . he's been a judge many times before. Hard to argue with an expert . . .
Smiling smugly in Illinois . . .
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
While Jay makes a mighty wind (as per usual) we see no actual proof ANY of REAL progress or even a start of something from Illinois. Here in Yarrow the router is busy churning out the next 3D project for Pontiac... it' a fun one that Jay should enjoy! Meanwhile between all the other things going on, steady progress is being made on the first 3D sign started a while back.... the logo that the Diazs' created for the meet.
It's coming along nicely and I post a pic too as proof we are NOT just flappin our gums in Yarrow...
We are still waiting on the 'challenger' for pics of any real progress...
-grampa dan
[ April 10, 2009, 02:37 PM: Message edited by: Dan Sawatzky ]
Posted by Jay Allen (Member # 195) on :
No disrespect meant . . . but ya' missed a few spots . . .
The tortoise and the hare . . . remember the story? Here's my first posted picture of what I am doing - just so you know I'm working:
Top that . . . ain't no Wacom tablet necessary . . .
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
I don't think Jay is going to show any of his cards.
Nice job there Mr. Sawatzky....or should I say Bec? Design by Diaz, paint by Bec. I'm sure your "real" project will be your creation...right?
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
I think its pretty hard to show something when you haven't actually done any work on it... I'll be that Raymond 'judged' a concept and probably a vague description at that... here's hoping the real thing is as good as the idea.
And the painting on the meet logo is all mine... under Bec's close supervision.
And not to fear, the current project will be all mine... design, fabrication, sculpture, and paint.
Not just dreaming but working too in Yarrow...
-grampa dan
Posted by Bec Bermudez (Member # 8219) on :
I don't touch any of the "special" projects... I want the glory, fame... or maybe the blame... to be Dad's alone!
Posted by bill riedel (Member # 607) on :
This sounds like more fun than Lodi, I hope I can make it and get to help with both contenders. Wall doggin is always fun, but this should be something very special. Bill
Posted by Jay Allen (Member # 195) on :
Bill . . . if you come, you know you have to work on my wall for at least a little while . . . then you can go see Sawatzk'eh . . . ya' gotta have some 'national pride' first with a fellow countryman.
Otherwise I'll hide Jody from you . . .
See if any Letterheads close by are going . . . you could travel with them!! Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
There's still a long time until Pontiac...for all contestants. For those that have real jobs to do it takes a little longer.
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
Hey Bill! I'd love to see you in Pontiac! If you need a chauffer again I'll be happy to give you a ride where ever you need to go - even to Jay's wall. And of course we'd be delighted to have you help paint on our wall mural. We'll be using the awesome tricks you taught us last time with shades and highlight bevels on all the trim and scrolls.
-grampa dan
Posted by bill riedel (Member # 607) on :
Now how could anyone refuse two great invitations like that? It would be a best time of the year to work with two very special people. Bill
Posted by Jay Allen (Member # 195) on :
Greatest and most stable weather weekend in Illinois, to be precise, Bill . . .
Odds are with us . . . about a 1 in 30 chance of rain based on history.
I like those odds.
Posted by Bill Diaz (Member # 2549) on :
I guess technically that means Jay is ahead in the mural department... unless our wall is already prepped and ready. Knowing Jay he'll sneak down there in the next couple of weeks and get started too... but no fear... we'll beat him on all counts when the dust settles.
See y'all in Pontiac!
Waiting paitiently in Yarrow...
-grampa dan
Posted by Bill Diaz (Member # 2549) on :
Dan, they haven't started on your wall yet, but I expect they will very soon as the city awarded the contracts last week. I will put the video on for that too.
It's been a little cold yet for outdoor painting, but tomorrow and the next day will be in the 60's F.
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