Victorian cakes were a very serious proposition: the device for serving them is called a cake saw, a piece which resembles a knife. On the top of the blade are indentations for both scoring the cake and for actually sawing away at a really tough one. The blade has a point, useful both for probing for nuts and fruits, and for nudging pieces around, moving them from serving stand to place plate. These wonderful devices became obsolete around 1910. Frequently, cake saws exhibit some of the most elaborate fantasies available in Victorian silver. These make ideal wedding gifts for cutting the wedding cake.
In the course of my treasure hunts, I have found a number of fabulous cake saws, but my favorite is neither the most rare nor the most beautiful. It came to me with a note attached that reads, "Found buried under an oak tree in Minnesota."
Sunday, September 20, 2009
eBay feedback: How Meridenmor does it
A while back, eBay changed its rules for feedback. The most radical change was that sellers are no longer allowed to leave anything but positive feedback for buyers. This did not affect me much, as my buyers are 99% a pleasure do work with, and I would leave them positive feedback anyway. However, some confusion has resulted, and this is the ideal venue in which to explain my policy on feedback.
To protect my rating, I leave feedback only after feedback has been left for me. If you are waiting for me to leave feedback for you first, one or both of us might grow a beard before this issue gets resolved! :) I need to be sure that you are pleased with your purchase and plan to keep it before I leave feedback. Thanks in advance for your understanding on this.
I also ask that you attempt to resolve any problems BEFORE leaving feedback. Give me a chance, just as you would want me to give you one if there were a problem on your end. A while back, a buyer used feedback to complain that she did not know that an item was monogrammed. The problem is that the auction description clearly stated that there was a W monogram. Had the buyer reread the description, or asked me about it, there would have been no need to leave unfair and denegratory feedback for me. Should I be penalized because the buyer did not fully read the description?
Just a reminder: please read the ENTIRE description before bidding or buying. There are multiple reasons for the length of the text, and all is stuff you need to know before you bid. If you do not like to read, please skip my listings altogether, as neither of us needs a problem transaction.
Once again, many thanks to all those who express their appreciation for the research and work that goes into my descriptions. Your kind words make my day.
To protect my rating, I leave feedback only after feedback has been left for me. If you are waiting for me to leave feedback for you first, one or both of us might grow a beard before this issue gets resolved! :) I need to be sure that you are pleased with your purchase and plan to keep it before I leave feedback. Thanks in advance for your understanding on this.
I also ask that you attempt to resolve any problems BEFORE leaving feedback. Give me a chance, just as you would want me to give you one if there were a problem on your end. A while back, a buyer used feedback to complain that she did not know that an item was monogrammed. The problem is that the auction description clearly stated that there was a W monogram. Had the buyer reread the description, or asked me about it, there would have been no need to leave unfair and denegratory feedback for me. Should I be penalized because the buyer did not fully read the description?
Just a reminder: please read the ENTIRE description before bidding or buying. There are multiple reasons for the length of the text, and all is stuff you need to know before you bid. If you do not like to read, please skip my listings altogether, as neither of us needs a problem transaction.
Once again, many thanks to all those who express their appreciation for the research and work that goes into my descriptions. Your kind words make my day.
Those who do not like to read
I have had a couple of amusing emails lately from those who do not like to read. To each his own. I am a retired teacher, a lifelong avid reader, but aware that there are many who do not fit this profile. I am pleased to leave them in their blissful state, but I wish they would not feel the need to write and tell me all about it.
When I was active in real estate I would sign nothing until I had read every word in the contract, because I knew I would be held to the terms of that contract. I wanted to know every word, every jot and tittle, because I did not want to embarrass myself at a later date by having to admit that I had signed something while ignorant of its content.
Some people complain about having to read a paragraph. If this is beyond your skills, the good news is that eBay is full of descriptions in other forms. My writing is geared to those for whom reading is a pleasure, not a chore. One of the joys of self-employment on eBay is being able to do what feels right for me, and the freedom to say no to those who want me to do things their way instead. Happily, there are more than enough buyers who like what I do and the way I do it, allowing me to make a comfortable living.
eBay policy states that the auction description is a legal document, binding both the seller and the buyer to its terms. I take my time when writing my auctions, and I include everything that the prospective buyer needs to know BEFORE making a purchase. I also include information of an educational nature in my descriptions. I love researching and writing about old things. After all, what is the point of it all if one does not enjoy one's work to the hilt?
The best part of what I do is hearing from those many buyers who are happy with their purchases, especially those who are thrilled to have learned something from my auctions. As a former teacher, that is the best reward anyone can give me for my efforts.
Those who read everything in the description are not only in danger of learning something new; they also know the exact condition, size, shipping cost, and other necessary details. I try to be thorough enough that no additonal questions are needed, although I am happy to add any info not included in the description.
Someone sent a message demanding that I restate certain information in a way that is not "wordy". My response was that the wordy parts are all things you need to know before buying. Obviously, my caveat to read the entire auction description before bidding was lost on this individual. Another wanted me to read the description for him, piecemeal, in a series of emails. My response was the final teacher word: NO. His response made my fingers itch to type, "Do you want cheese with that whine?"
Now the part of me that is not naive also wonders why anyone intelligent enough to be interested in what I sell would want to be ignorant of the basic facts of the transaction. The answer is not pretty, but it seems pretty obvious to me. The potential buyer wants a problem transaction. There is a need for a target for some anger and frustration. I know that sounds crazy. However, I have had people buy something without reading the text, then complain about the monogram, or scratch, or heel dot that is clearly described, and demand a refund because they didn't read about it! OK. Here it is: it is my job to describe everything in meticulous detail, and it is the buyer's job to read it all! If the buyer chooses not to do so, and I have done my job, then the buyer must accept the consequences of his/her choice. End of discussion.
I have gotten to where I can smell a problem transaction a mile away. If I sense one coming, I try to encourage the potential buyer to go elsewhere to buy. Neither of us needs the aggravation of a transaction that does not close quickly, pleasantly, and smoothly.
This is a good opportunity to thank the thousands of buyers who do just that. They provide a smooth, pleasant transaction every time. I love ya all!!!
If you do not agree with this, or you do not like to read, do not bid on my auctions or buy from my store. Better yet, if my wordiness annoys you, don't even look at my sale listings. That way we will both be deliriously happy. :)
When I was active in real estate I would sign nothing until I had read every word in the contract, because I knew I would be held to the terms of that contract. I wanted to know every word, every jot and tittle, because I did not want to embarrass myself at a later date by having to admit that I had signed something while ignorant of its content.
Some people complain about having to read a paragraph. If this is beyond your skills, the good news is that eBay is full of descriptions in other forms. My writing is geared to those for whom reading is a pleasure, not a chore. One of the joys of self-employment on eBay is being able to do what feels right for me, and the freedom to say no to those who want me to do things their way instead. Happily, there are more than enough buyers who like what I do and the way I do it, allowing me to make a comfortable living.
eBay policy states that the auction description is a legal document, binding both the seller and the buyer to its terms. I take my time when writing my auctions, and I include everything that the prospective buyer needs to know BEFORE making a purchase. I also include information of an educational nature in my descriptions. I love researching and writing about old things. After all, what is the point of it all if one does not enjoy one's work to the hilt?
The best part of what I do is hearing from those many buyers who are happy with their purchases, especially those who are thrilled to have learned something from my auctions. As a former teacher, that is the best reward anyone can give me for my efforts.
Those who read everything in the description are not only in danger of learning something new; they also know the exact condition, size, shipping cost, and other necessary details. I try to be thorough enough that no additonal questions are needed, although I am happy to add any info not included in the description.
Someone sent a message demanding that I restate certain information in a way that is not "wordy". My response was that the wordy parts are all things you need to know before buying. Obviously, my caveat to read the entire auction description before bidding was lost on this individual. Another wanted me to read the description for him, piecemeal, in a series of emails. My response was the final teacher word: NO. His response made my fingers itch to type, "Do you want cheese with that whine?"
Now the part of me that is not naive also wonders why anyone intelligent enough to be interested in what I sell would want to be ignorant of the basic facts of the transaction. The answer is not pretty, but it seems pretty obvious to me. The potential buyer wants a problem transaction. There is a need for a target for some anger and frustration. I know that sounds crazy. However, I have had people buy something without reading the text, then complain about the monogram, or scratch, or heel dot that is clearly described, and demand a refund because they didn't read about it! OK. Here it is: it is my job to describe everything in meticulous detail, and it is the buyer's job to read it all! If the buyer chooses not to do so, and I have done my job, then the buyer must accept the consequences of his/her choice. End of discussion.
I have gotten to where I can smell a problem transaction a mile away. If I sense one coming, I try to encourage the potential buyer to go elsewhere to buy. Neither of us needs the aggravation of a transaction that does not close quickly, pleasantly, and smoothly.
This is a good opportunity to thank the thousands of buyers who do just that. They provide a smooth, pleasant transaction every time. I love ya all!!!
If you do not agree with this, or you do not like to read, do not bid on my auctions or buy from my store. Better yet, if my wordiness annoys you, don't even look at my sale listings. That way we will both be deliriously happy. :)
Christmas Tree dinnerware
Each year about this time, I begin to plan my strategies for holiday season selling. This involves, at some point or another, opening up that dreaded box. No, not Pandora's, although the end result sometimes feels like it. I am talking about the box of Christmas Tree china.
From time to time, I find this pattern by different makers, although I tend to zero in on Spode and Cuthbertson. The pattern itself is still in production by Spode and other makers, and this year's end-of-season overstock can beome sought after items a few years down the road. Since I don't celebrate Christmas, I buy these items for resale. Ever the eternal optomist, I visualize the plate or cup and saucer or trio going on happily and smoothly to its new home.
Reality: not. Instead, the scenario goes somthing like this.
Email from Meridenmor (seller) to FlipFlop2008 1/2(buyer) : Hi. Just a note to let you know that this auction ended 10 days ago, and as of today, I have not received payment of $18.45. I would appreciate hearing from you soon.
2 days later, no response.
Phone call from Meridenmor to FlipFlop2008 1/2.
Meridenmor: Hi. I am the eBay seller of the Spode Christmas Tree cup and saucer that you won 12 days ago, and I am calling because I sent an email regarding the payment for this auction, and have not heard back from you yet. Perhaps my email did not reach you?
FlipFlop2008 1/2: (after 45 seconds of silence). Who are you? Why are you calling me?
Meridenmor repeats the above text.
FlipFlop2008 1/2: How did you get my phone number?
Meridenor: From eBay.
FlipFlop2008 1/2: How dare they give that information to you!!
Meridenmor: Well...we do have an open transaction. Have you sent payment yet? Perhaps it got lost in the mail?
FlipFlop2008 1/2: Listen, I just bid on too many things this season. I can't be expected to buy everything, you know.
Meridenmor: Good point. But a bid is a commitment, and eBay does expect-
FlipFlop2009 1/2: I don't care. I have too many problems. I had surgery on my great toe last week, and the dog threw up, and my boss has shingles. I can't deal with all this! I am hanging up now, and don't you EVER call me again!!!!!
Meridenmor then files a non-payment dispute. FlipFlop2008 1/2 replies.
FlipFlop2008 1/2: I can't believe you are doing this to me. Stop harassing me!!! I am going to report your behavior to eBay, you skunk!
30 days later, no payment having been received, eBay credits Meridenmor with a refund for the listing fees, and dings FlipFlop2008 1/2 for non-payment.
The next day, Meridenmor's answering machine recieves this call at 2:01 AM.
FlipFlop2008 1/2: I can't believe that you went after me for only $18.00!!! Don't you have anything better to do than revenge yourself on innocent people for such trivia? Get a life, buster! Now eBay has suspended my bidding privileges for a MONTH because of you! Now my bid for the nuclear powered bottom scratcher that my mom wanted for Christmas has been cancelled, and it is all your fault! I can't find another in time for Christmas! This is all your fault, you grasping, scheming, revengeful snake! I hope you are happy now that you have ruined my entire life!!!!!! I HATE YOU!!!!
Now I wish I could say this is a nice piece of fiction, but the truth is that for some weird reason, almost every Christmas Tree transaction I have had in almost 20 years of eBay selling has been a no pay with more problems than Carter has pills. Is this pattern jinxed? Anyway, I wish I could write more, but Never Open Antiques just called, and they have gotten in a shipment of Christmas Tree, so I need to sign off and get over there!
The moral is: Hope triumphs over experience every time.
Cheers to all!
From time to time, I find this pattern by different makers, although I tend to zero in on Spode and Cuthbertson. The pattern itself is still in production by Spode and other makers, and this year's end-of-season overstock can beome sought after items a few years down the road. Since I don't celebrate Christmas, I buy these items for resale. Ever the eternal optomist, I visualize the plate or cup and saucer or trio going on happily and smoothly to its new home.
Reality: not. Instead, the scenario goes somthing like this.
Email from Meridenmor (seller) to FlipFlop2008 1/2(buyer) : Hi. Just a note to let you know that this auction ended 10 days ago, and as of today, I have not received payment of $18.45. I would appreciate hearing from you soon.
2 days later, no response.
Phone call from Meridenmor to FlipFlop2008 1/2.
Meridenmor: Hi. I am the eBay seller of the Spode Christmas Tree cup and saucer that you won 12 days ago, and I am calling because I sent an email regarding the payment for this auction, and have not heard back from you yet. Perhaps my email did not reach you?
FlipFlop2008 1/2: (after 45 seconds of silence). Who are you? Why are you calling me?
Meridenmor repeats the above text.
FlipFlop2008 1/2: How did you get my phone number?
Meridenor: From eBay.
FlipFlop2008 1/2: How dare they give that information to you!!
Meridenmor: Well...we do have an open transaction. Have you sent payment yet? Perhaps it got lost in the mail?
FlipFlop2008 1/2: Listen, I just bid on too many things this season. I can't be expected to buy everything, you know.
Meridenmor: Good point. But a bid is a commitment, and eBay does expect-
FlipFlop2009 1/2: I don't care. I have too many problems. I had surgery on my great toe last week, and the dog threw up, and my boss has shingles. I can't deal with all this! I am hanging up now, and don't you EVER call me again!!!!!
Meridenmor then files a non-payment dispute. FlipFlop2008 1/2 replies.
FlipFlop2008 1/2: I can't believe you are doing this to me. Stop harassing me!!! I am going to report your behavior to eBay, you skunk!
30 days later, no payment having been received, eBay credits Meridenmor with a refund for the listing fees, and dings FlipFlop2008 1/2 for non-payment.
The next day, Meridenmor's answering machine recieves this call at 2:01 AM.
FlipFlop2008 1/2: I can't believe that you went after me for only $18.00!!! Don't you have anything better to do than revenge yourself on innocent people for such trivia? Get a life, buster! Now eBay has suspended my bidding privileges for a MONTH because of you! Now my bid for the nuclear powered bottom scratcher that my mom wanted for Christmas has been cancelled, and it is all your fault! I can't find another in time for Christmas! This is all your fault, you grasping, scheming, revengeful snake! I hope you are happy now that you have ruined my entire life!!!!!! I HATE YOU!!!!
Now I wish I could say this is a nice piece of fiction, but the truth is that for some weird reason, almost every Christmas Tree transaction I have had in almost 20 years of eBay selling has been a no pay with more problems than Carter has pills. Is this pattern jinxed? Anyway, I wish I could write more, but Never Open Antiques just called, and they have gotten in a shipment of Christmas Tree, so I need to sign off and get over there!
The moral is: Hope triumphs over experience every time.
Cheers to all!
Measuring silverware accurately
An issue came up recently that reminds me of a few things that I should mention about old silverware. First of all, when I measure pieces I almost always turn them over on the ruler. This gives my old eyes a more accurate view of both ends of the piece. I use a steel ruler that belonged to someone who worked with precision instruments, for further accuracy. A less expensive ruler can be far less accurate. If you check the measurement on a wooden ruler or a tape measure, there may be quite a difference, as what you are using is most likely far less accurate.
I always use the word "about" in the sales description for this reason, among others. I usually try to measure to the nearest 1/4 inch; sometimes, but not often, I measure to the nearest 1/8 of an inch. If I am measuring a plate with a wavy or ruffled edge, I measure the diameter at the widest point. If you feel that you must have accuracy in size beyond that, I urge you, for the sanity of both of us, to shop elsewhere! :)
Many people do not realize that silverware is formed by many sets of dies. The dies wear out and are replaced after a certain number of runs. The new dies may not be exactly the same in size and detail. If a pattern has been produced over many years (1847 Rogers FIRST LOVE from 1937 is a good example), one may find all kinds of differences, depending on the year of production. Sterling silver pieces may decrease in weight as well. Teaspoons made in 1906 can be much more substantial than those produced in 1922. So the spoon you purchase from me may not be an absolutely exact match to those in your set. This is a fact of life, and not carelessness or an attempt to defraud. Be sure to ask questions before you buy, so that there are no surprises when you receive your purchase. Once more the caveat: NEVER bid on any auction or store item without reading all the auction text and looking at all of the pics. Bidding based only on the title and thumbnail is a recipe for a problem transaction, something that neither of us needs.
I always use the word "about" in the sales description for this reason, among others. I usually try to measure to the nearest 1/4 inch; sometimes, but not often, I measure to the nearest 1/8 of an inch. If I am measuring a plate with a wavy or ruffled edge, I measure the diameter at the widest point. If you feel that you must have accuracy in size beyond that, I urge you, for the sanity of both of us, to shop elsewhere! :)
Many people do not realize that silverware is formed by many sets of dies. The dies wear out and are replaced after a certain number of runs. The new dies may not be exactly the same in size and detail. If a pattern has been produced over many years (1847 Rogers FIRST LOVE from 1937 is a good example), one may find all kinds of differences, depending on the year of production. Sterling silver pieces may decrease in weight as well. Teaspoons made in 1906 can be much more substantial than those produced in 1922. So the spoon you purchase from me may not be an absolutely exact match to those in your set. This is a fact of life, and not carelessness or an attempt to defraud. Be sure to ask questions before you buy, so that there are no surprises when you receive your purchase. Once more the caveat: NEVER bid on any auction or store item without reading all the auction text and looking at all of the pics. Bidding based only on the title and thumbnail is a recipe for a problem transaction, something that neither of us needs.
Amid all the doom and gloom and dire prognostication, there is a solid group of you who continue to realize that even in bad times, one needs hyacinths for the soul . I appreciate each and every one of you who continue to buy from me and leave feedback that indicates that you appreciate the love and care that I put into every item that I list on eBay.
God Bless you all, and I look forward to the day when we can all exclaim with sincerity, "Recession? What recession!"
God Bless you all, and I look forward to the day when we can all exclaim with sincerity, "Recession? What recession!"
Out of the BLue?
I got a call this morning from someone who genuinely believed that I had emailed him out of the blue to offer him 3 spoons. He was ready to buy, and I am so grateful that he chose to call me first, rather than just sending money to someone.
First off, I do not not email people I don't know offering them a good deal on silverware, or anything else. Secondly, I do not sell off eBay. Thirdly, I do not even have the "offered" items in my inventory at this time!
Obviously, this was a scam. I have a pretty good idea who is behind it, and this person is building up some really bad karma.
If you ask me to find an item for you, I am happy to do so, but I will list it with eBay and let you bid on it, or put it in my store as a BUY IT NOW. That way we both know the deal is legitimate, and we are both protected.
So, if you get an email through eBay that is supposedly from me or any other reputable eBay seller, asking you to buy an item when you did not previously send that seller an inquiry, please notify the seller, then report that message to eBay. You'll be doing yourself and all other honest sellers a favor.
First off, I do not not email people I don't know offering them a good deal on silverware, or anything else. Secondly, I do not sell off eBay. Thirdly, I do not even have the "offered" items in my inventory at this time!
Obviously, this was a scam. I have a pretty good idea who is behind it, and this person is building up some really bad karma.
If you ask me to find an item for you, I am happy to do so, but I will list it with eBay and let you bid on it, or put it in my store as a BUY IT NOW. That way we both know the deal is legitimate, and we are both protected.
So, if you get an email through eBay that is supposedly from me or any other reputable eBay seller, asking you to buy an item when you did not previously send that seller an inquiry, please notify the seller, then report that message to eBay. You'll be doing yourself and all other honest sellers a favor.
J C Penney Jubilee pattern silverware 1953
J C Penney started his chain of department stores in Kemmerer, Wyoming. When the Jubilee Anniversary of the business neared in 1953, the chain commissioned a silverplate pattern called Jubilee for the occasion. It was, of course, available in all the J C Penney stores and catalogs.
Julilee is a fancy Art Deco pattern that looks more like a 1930s offering that a 1950s one. The motif reminds one of the decor of an Art Deco cinema. This pattern is enjoying a renaissance in popularity, as many whose parents were married in the early and mid 1950s, and who chose this as their wedding pattern, are leaving sets to their children and grandchildren.
I once worked for J C Penney in the early 1970s. I was working in Interior Design at the time, and I went out to people's homes to sell custom window treatments, carpet, and furniture, as well as accessories. I considered myself lucky to have a job that took me out of the depressing, windowless, and rule-bound store itself. I met a lot of people, many of them very interesting, such as one of the first transgendered persons from Denmark, or the former silent film actress, who had her condo done up in 1920s Hollywood style. I also met a lot of people who were perfect candidates for the Ideal Loon Exhibit. None of them was as difficult to tolerate, however, as the higher ups in the store, who seemed to be totally lacking in spirit, imagination, and initiative. I was very happy when my 2 years there ended, and I went back to having a life again.
I did enjoy going to the anchor store in Wyoming when it was still a going concern. Originally, many of the stores had a complicated system of baskets that would carry cash from the customer up to the tills in the office, and send change back. Other stores used a more common practice of employing boys as young as 7 or 8 to run back and forth with money. The sales clerk, having collected money from the customer, would yell, "CASH!", and the child would run forward, take the money, and return the change with great speed.
I heard many a story about old J C Penney when I worked there. The most interesting was that he would, when hiring for his first store, take a prospective employee out to lunch. If the person salted his/her food without tasting it first, the individual was automatically a no hire!
If you want to know more about the working conditions in department stores in the 19th and early 20th centuries, I recommend the novels of Horatio Alger. Many are about the struggles experienced by youngsters in this harsh environment.
Julilee is a fancy Art Deco pattern that looks more like a 1930s offering that a 1950s one. The motif reminds one of the decor of an Art Deco cinema. This pattern is enjoying a renaissance in popularity, as many whose parents were married in the early and mid 1950s, and who chose this as their wedding pattern, are leaving sets to their children and grandchildren.
I once worked for J C Penney in the early 1970s. I was working in Interior Design at the time, and I went out to people's homes to sell custom window treatments, carpet, and furniture, as well as accessories. I considered myself lucky to have a job that took me out of the depressing, windowless, and rule-bound store itself. I met a lot of people, many of them very interesting, such as one of the first transgendered persons from Denmark, or the former silent film actress, who had her condo done up in 1920s Hollywood style. I also met a lot of people who were perfect candidates for the Ideal Loon Exhibit. None of them was as difficult to tolerate, however, as the higher ups in the store, who seemed to be totally lacking in spirit, imagination, and initiative. I was very happy when my 2 years there ended, and I went back to having a life again.
I did enjoy going to the anchor store in Wyoming when it was still a going concern. Originally, many of the stores had a complicated system of baskets that would carry cash from the customer up to the tills in the office, and send change back. Other stores used a more common practice of employing boys as young as 7 or 8 to run back and forth with money. The sales clerk, having collected money from the customer, would yell, "CASH!", and the child would run forward, take the money, and return the change with great speed.
I heard many a story about old J C Penney when I worked there. The most interesting was that he would, when hiring for his first store, take a prospective employee out to lunch. If the person salted his/her food without tasting it first, the individual was automatically a no hire!
If you want to know more about the working conditions in department stores in the 19th and early 20th centuries, I recommend the novels of Horatio Alger. Many are about the struggles experienced by youngsters in this harsh environment.
Have you met Pablo Rodarte?
If you haven't, here is what you are missing. A Denver native, Pablo started his career as a tap dancer and then switched to ballet. After graduating from high school, he fulfilled the dream of so many young and aspiring artists: he went to New York City, where he was accepted into a ballet company.
Though he was successful, busy, and happy with his new life, there was still something missing. He had seen Jose Greco, and from that moment on, he wanted to be another kind of dancer. A flamenco dancer. Trusting to both talent and luck, Pablo set sail for Spain.
He arrived with only a smattering of Spanish, but with a solid basis in dance. He also could, thanks to his tap dance training, REALLY hit the floor. His teachers were fond of bringing others in to see the American dance. Now this was in the 1960s, when foreigners rarely studied flamenco, and seldom succeeded to a professional level. For those of you who have never attempted flamenco dance, it is probably the most difficult dance form on any planet.
Pablo worked hard, and studied with many maestros. It was not long until he was performing professionally. He continued to take lessons to perfect his craft. He took a sabbatical to open and run a dance school in Australia for 2 years. He toured the world and performed in such diverse places as Bagdad and Jerusalem, as well as Toulouse, France. I could go on and on documenting his success. When Pablo returned to the states after 20+ years of world travel, he joined the faculty of the dance department of the University of New Mexico at Albuquerque, where as a teacher, he turned out many a fine dancer and created much innovative choreography.
Now, you might ask, why is a silver dealer rhapsodizing about a flamenco dancer? Well, this silver dealer is also an aspiring flamenco dancer, and a pupil of Pablo at his dance academy here in Denver. He is a fine teacher and I am honored to have him as my dance mentor. But there is more.
Pablo Rodarte is also an artist in metal sculpture and a costume designer. When he produces a show or production, the fabulous costumes are often his own designs and hand made by him.
When he lived in New Mexico, Pablo became interested in the Santos, the folk art images of saints. He began creating marvellous sculptures in metal, some almost life size. When he relocated to Denver, he designed metalwork for a room in his house which recreates the feeling of the elaborate walls of the Alhambra. When the job was done, he had scraps of metal and glass jewels left over. Then he had an inspiration to create lamps which could hold candles, and which would evoke the art of Andalusian Spain.
Now the good news. One of these hand crafted, one of a kind lamps can be yours.
Though he was successful, busy, and happy with his new life, there was still something missing. He had seen Jose Greco, and from that moment on, he wanted to be another kind of dancer. A flamenco dancer. Trusting to both talent and luck, Pablo set sail for Spain.
He arrived with only a smattering of Spanish, but with a solid basis in dance. He also could, thanks to his tap dance training, REALLY hit the floor. His teachers were fond of bringing others in to see the American dance. Now this was in the 1960s, when foreigners rarely studied flamenco, and seldom succeeded to a professional level. For those of you who have never attempted flamenco dance, it is probably the most difficult dance form on any planet.
Pablo worked hard, and studied with many maestros. It was not long until he was performing professionally. He continued to take lessons to perfect his craft. He took a sabbatical to open and run a dance school in Australia for 2 years. He toured the world and performed in such diverse places as Bagdad and Jerusalem, as well as Toulouse, France. I could go on and on documenting his success. When Pablo returned to the states after 20+ years of world travel, he joined the faculty of the dance department of the University of New Mexico at Albuquerque, where as a teacher, he turned out many a fine dancer and created much innovative choreography.
Now, you might ask, why is a silver dealer rhapsodizing about a flamenco dancer? Well, this silver dealer is also an aspiring flamenco dancer, and a pupil of Pablo at his dance academy here in Denver. He is a fine teacher and I am honored to have him as my dance mentor. But there is more.
Pablo Rodarte is also an artist in metal sculpture and a costume designer. When he produces a show or production, the fabulous costumes are often his own designs and hand made by him.
When he lived in New Mexico, Pablo became interested in the Santos, the folk art images of saints. He began creating marvellous sculptures in metal, some almost life size. When he relocated to Denver, he designed metalwork for a room in his house which recreates the feeling of the elaborate walls of the Alhambra. When the job was done, he had scraps of metal and glass jewels left over. Then he had an inspiration to create lamps which could hold candles, and which would evoke the art of Andalusian Spain.
Now the good news. One of these hand crafted, one of a kind lamps can be yours.
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