The Denver Sectional Aeronautical Chart circa 2005ish. One of Glen Harcourt’s old maps given to me when he was updating to new ones. It’s been hanging on the wall in my office(s) ever since…
Flying around this area in N9298X were some of the most incredible times of my life. I’m forever thankful for all of those experiences. Especially when Glen was in Yoda-mode (which was often) and would look at me and say ‘Jonathan, its your plane’. He was literally teaching me on the fly, giving me assistance only if I began to make mistakes. That dude certainly pushed my boundaries on a regular basis… ;)
One of two antique pocket watches my father has from each of his grandfathers. Oddly enough, they are both made by Elgin. This one was built sometime in 1906.
Such amazingly detailed engraving around the works of this little device. Very impressive craftsmanship indeed.
Jonathan Rummel
It won’t take much to get me in the running for the big prize. So, if you like my work, spread the love. Thanks.
Recently acquired antique tools from my paternal grandfather who passed away when I was young. I just learned that he was employed by a private engineering firm where he worked on (amongst other things) the RMS Queen Mary. Later in his career, he was a government contractor working on the Manhattan Project. He also built the house that my Dad grew up in. They say he had an eye for detail, a strong understanding of all things structural and mechanical, a creative mind and was a talented draftsman.
I suppose I’m somewhat predisposed to my line of work. My other grandfather was a master machinist and metallurgist. I often wonder if/how two men I knew only as a child could have passed some of this knowledge onto me…
{Exhibit A} 3” inside and outside calipers by the L.S. Starrett Company. Athol, Mass. USA. Approx. 60-70yrs old.
{Exhibit B} Model 3516 ‘Tru-Point’ Pencil Lead Pointer by Keuffel and Esser Company. Morristown, New Jersey. Circa 1960.
It always amazes me how sometimes the simplest improvements can have such an enormous impact on how something functions.
My 1992 Eames 14” twelve-ply birch snare (with even older Pearl hardware) received a long overdue tune up today which eliminated an annoying ringing overtone it’s had for many years.
The bottom hoop had become warped from over-tightening, which was apparently the source of the overtone.
I went with beefier cast hoops (as opposed to the original pressed steel hoops), new heads and snare.
The difference was immediately noticeable. Even a non-drummer would appreciate the sound quality. The action, feel and responsiveness were greatly improved and there is zero ringing overtone. Hallelujah!
Beyond the drum, this post is more so a statement on overall life improvement and recognizing milestones. I was recently bestowed my first digital camera from a kind professional photog friend. Having grown up the son of a pro, I have always been savvy with a camera. But, until my birthday in January, I had been shooting 35mm film. I can’t even begin to explain how this camera is changing my life… It’s doing everything I imagined it would. Its literally resetting my focus on how I view the world, my work, the built environment, people in my life, etc… I look forward to sharing images from my experience.
Use the force. Forge the future.
Dr Dog - Turning The Century
Dr. Dog- Turning the Century (2012)
The Bad Plus - Dirty Blonde
The Bad Plus- Dirty Blonde (2004)
Talib Kweli - Listen!!!
Talib Kweli- Listen! (2007)
Inspired, shifting gears and giving thanks
Yesterday I had the opportunity to speak with someone who has been a major influence and helped inspire me to pursue the craft of blacksmithing ten years ago. The first time I laid eyes on Daniel Miller’s work it opened my mind to the elegance, precision, balance and articulate expression that could be achieved through well designed and meticulously executed metalwork. From the finest detail to a complete project, he displays amazing control over a virtually static material using very refined joinery and shaping techniques; paying strict attention to every line and contour with every swing of the hammer.
I first met Daniel amongst a crowd of thousands of blacksmiths, enthusiasts and spectators in a sun soaked 95 degree Kentucky University parking lot at a blacksmithing conference in July of ‘04. Having first seen his work in print and online in early 2000, I recognized him immediately when we literally bumped into one other walking towards the same spot in a crowd around a demonstration that was taking place. I introduced myself and quickly explained how his work played a role in the formation and pursuit of a major passion and how I respected his approach to his work and what he was able to create. The conversation quickly rolled into the greater philosophies surrounding mindfulness, meaningful work and how life, work and passions can all be intertwined and continuous. Apparently, we both walked away from that eight minute conversation equally impacted; student and mentor learning from one another. Six months later, I received a sincere and heartfelt handwritten three page letter from him reflecting on our conversation and how much it meant to him that his work had impacted someone in such a way. He wished me the best of luck in all my endeavors.
A few days ago, I emailed Daniel an image of my most recent project, touching base for the first time since sending him a follow-up email in February of ‘05. I briefly explained our original conversation, his inspiring me and went on to describe the image of the sculpture in detail. My phone rang yesterday afternoon and I decided to answer the call from a strange area code. I’m very glad I did; it was Mr. Miller. Daniel said he remembered our conversation and like-mindedness very well and then had some incredibly deep and positively flattering interpretations and compliments about the piece. We jumped right back into the esoteric and philosophical dialogue about our work and also discussed various aspects of our businesses and processes. Halfway through this conversation, I realized that I was talking to both a peer AND a mentor; each having a strong appreciation and understanding of the others work. A great realization for anyone in any profession. A potent evolutionary step for anyone working in the world of art, design, craft and the built environment.
As you shift gears through your career, profession, trade or life passion, take time to reflect upon milestones as they occur. Fully appreciate where you have come from and all that you have accomplished, allowing it to inspire the launch into the next phase or tangent of your work, knowing that you are obviously on the right path…
