Today the framers came to frame in the walls for our finished basement. There were seven of them. Six Amish carpenters arrived in a van with an "English" (term for non-Amish) driver. I looked, but no buggies, hence the driver who did nothing but drive them to and from our home. They are allowed to ride in cars for work. They arrived in straw hats, white shirts, black pants and braces (suspenders). They were extremely polite, very efficient and pleasant to have around. Among themselves they spoke Pennsylvania Dutch which is a dialect of German they told us. It is what they speak at home and to each other although they are taught English along with the German.
Our contractor told us that he uses them because of their strong work ethic, skill and efficiency. I wanted to ask them a million questions, but I thought it might be impolite. Instead I have spent some time online educating myself a little on their customs and beliefs.
Here is what the basement looks like after their industrious visit.
Small Studio sells the book "1000 Journals Project". At the 2001 Art Continuum we had a handful of these journals to work in. There is now an indie film about the books. I hope it comes to Cleveland and a city near you. You can find out more here.
In other news and updates:
The Carson Stamp Show takes place this weekend in Carson CA. I love this show and have been a part of it forever. Alas, I will not be working the Stampers Anonymous booth this time. The powers that be decided to use just local staff and I now live way out here in Ohio.
Speaking of Small Studio, watch our website for some new goodies. I am working on it!
I love projects like this!! Wouldn't it be great to see one of these finished journals. I have often shared around art journals (and need to start some more!) and love everyone's different ways of expression. I'm currently working on a 'self portrait' book - where those around me are drawing their own portrait inside. It has been a lot of fun so far. I think it will take a while to fill though - there's probably a few hundred pages in this one!!!
Posted by: Rachel Greig | Thursday, 08 November 2007 at 01:09 AM
Well, poop. You used to be here for the Carson show when you lived in Ohio. Doesn't Ted realize what a 'draw' you are? That millions of people flock to SA just to check in (or would that be more correct to say check out since you usually did duty at the cash register?) with you to say hi? Ted probably thinks that darling Tim is the main attraction but now he will sadly find out how wrong he is. *sigh* You'll be missed, Ginny.
How wonderful to have the framing done by the Amish carpenters. Too bad all their beautiful work will be covered. Take lots of pictures. Everything looks so straight and true. True craftsmanship and possibly a dying art.
Posted by: Anne | Thursday, 08 November 2007 at 12:23 PM
The Amish do amazing work, don't they? Too bad everyone doesn't have their work ethic. Oh, good I'm going to check out the website for goodies! I need more gaffer's tape!
Posted by: Randi | Thursday, 08 November 2007 at 02:16 PM