I enjoy reviewing the projects found in the Reader’s Forum, but by far the most interesting woodworking projects I’ve ever seen are found at www.owenmagic.com. No, I don’t work for them but I’ve appreciated Owen’s fine woodworking for many years, and I think their shop would make a wonderfully interesting article. Their website cannot do justice to the beautiful turnings they produce – and their most miraculous work is hidden within the secret mechanisms contained therein. The owner and operator, Leslie Smith, is a fascinating character who, well into his 80s, still produces the most amazing items. Check out their 100th Anniversary Items (http://www.owenmagic.com/100th/Ann_items.html) for a sample, or click on their Classic and Collector’s peices on their main page. Again, the website does not do their work justice. Also, Owen’s is not only the oldest magic manufacturer in the business, but they represent the height of integrity, creativity and workmanship. Their items are instant collector’s peices. I would love to see them profiled in your magazine.
Replies
Ok,
I perused the website and I have a couple of questions. Generally questions bother magicians. There is some interesting stuff on the first website. And I'm certain there is a great deal of mysterious ingenious stuff that we'd revel in.
My first question is would the article have any content? Nifty neat and "priced per application" and we can't tell you how it works would go over like a fart at a tea party in this forum.
Frankly we are all about quality and illusion. Fooling the eye and amusing the spirit are part of the charter. The designs may be great but if no information is transfered then it is merely an advertisment of which there are already too many.
If you have the inside track and have found a manufacturer that would illustrate even one significant trick that could be wonderful. In the FWW analysis if the article doesn't cover all the bases of assembly and answer the "Why cocobolo? " questions they won't print it. I hope.
Poof
Poof,
I disagree that FWW is primarily responsible for telling us how, because some of us are inspired just to see the work. You know, a picture can speak a thousand words. I, for one, have gone beyond reading the text of most how-to articles, and yet I enjoy ALL articles for what I learn from the photos and art. The magazine is responsible for all us readers - you and me.
Gary
Sure, Answers are not required but then it becomes a gallery item doesn't it? What would an article tell us. About the company?, the craftspeople?, Materials.
I don't propose to speak for you or even the magazine, I only speak for what I see and appreciate in the magazine. I've been reading them since the beginning. Maybe someone wants to read it. I'm not big on secrets. Coyness is manipulative.
I've gotta leave for weekend in a few minutes, but I want to ask what you're talking about when you say, "I'm not big on secrets. Coyness is manipulative."
gary
I'm a salesman by trade. Electrical stuff to put it generally. I've been a participant in numerous sales training programs from Dale Carnegie to product focused sales training. selling as opposed to customer service (order taking) is based on finding a customer hook (interest) then a salesperson will ask questions and tailor the resulting pitch to answer the need. That is how you sell vacuum cleaners. Creating a need where there was none.
In answer to the question. Coyness in my mind is manipulative in that the person being coy by definition is not forthright. They are directing the discussion rather than letting it flow where it would normally go in open discussion.
So being coy is a small concern, but as a salesman I'm tweaked to look for the other shoe to drop.
Edited 12/14/2002 10:05:36 AM ET by Booch
I enjoy reviewing the projects found in the Reader's Forum, but...
Um, don't take this the wrong way, but whenever I see someone with only one post, made on the same date as the "member since" date, breathlessly linking to another web site that just happens to sell stuff, making suggestions for the magazine and sounding like a regular (with a marketing degree), I get a little suspicious. Maybe it's just me. Sorry in advance if I've offended. It wouldn't be the first time I was wrong.
Be seeing you...
TDKPE, sorry I don't work for Owen's and I don't have a stake in their operation,and I've certainly never worked in advertising/marketing. I don't plan on writing an article either. I just suggested it as a topic. I first learned of Owen's when I was 12 years old when I was a budding amateur magician, and I later worked for them in highschool during the summers as a shop boy. I was fascinated by their work. I owe them a huge debt of gratitude for teaching me, and helping me appreciate, woodworking. I wouldn't be interested in woodworking were it not for them. I also think that their work goes unappreciated. They're humble people, with no ego, and a lot of integrity. I admire them very much. That's all. I left magic years ago, but occasionally, when I can scrape up enough extra money, I buy one of their props and put it into my collection.
Looks and smells like a shameless plug to me - that's not what this site is for - we've been spammed!
Don't you take this the wrong way, but why can't we first trust that Aliensaver merely likes the art he saw on the Owen Magic site? You know, "innocent until proven guilty" - your evidence is circumstantial. I'm glad he posted the link, because Owen's work is fun and indeed might make a great story.
Namaste, Gary
Edited 12/13/2002 1:33:52 PM ET by Gary Weisenburger
Owen's whimsical pieces remind me of Craig Nutt's work, which was featured in the January/February, 1991 issue of FWW, issue #86. You can see some on his web site at: http://www.craignutt.com/.
Gary
Thanks for the post. Craig has some terrific projects. This type of creativity and ingenuity is exactly what I think the magazine's readers would find interesing. I marvel not only at how Craig does this work, but the amount of time and dedication he's devoted to his craft. Great site!
You're welcome, and I invite you to continue enjoying the Knots forum and hope you continue posting, especially links to work like the artistic pieces of Owen Magic Supreme. So, it sounds like you're a collector, a patron? That's great!
Gary
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