This little light of mine
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Gesticulator
 February 27 2023
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    I’ve gained invaluable insights and ideas from everybody posting on this platform, especially Dr. Jordan Peterson, so I figure this would be an appropriate place to share this.  I'm not entirely sure if even one person will see this since I've not been vocal on here. Largely because I'm not as articulate as most having the deep philosophical discussions. I understand this is a shot in the dark, but It would mean a lot if somehow this could be brought to his attention as I’d like to offer to gift him this project if it’s not too ratty for his keen eye.  Also if anybody is even willing to help with the logistics to transport the piece from Georgia, US. It would be a challenge since it can't really be broken down. He can use it as he pleases or re-gift it to one of his children if interested.  I understand there could be concerns since I’m not a qualified engineer or electrician with the ability to have something UL listed, but I was extremely diligent to ensure this lamp was built safely, as well as beautifully.  It’s a culmination of illumination I’ve received from countless people on this journey, I wish I could name everybody that’s taught me so much, but it would make this post a mile long, so I’m just going to focus on the lamp. 


    It started with an oak sapling from a pile of little trees I cleared around my Mother and Stepfather’s driveway.  I plan on making canes, walking sticks, and spears from the rest of the pile.  This crooked one that grew away from the light, and who knows; maybe stared into the abyss for a bit before making a beeline back to source— it really was the first interesting tree that grabbed my attention and made me realize I should make something from them instead of just ditching them.  The stone that the builder refused will always be the head cornerstone.  I imagined a neat little lampshade in the crook, and one thing led to another.  My father and I had salvaged some weathered cove crown from my Uncle's estate, and it jumped right out to me.  I’ve always had an affinity for the trinity.  3 has been my lucky number as long as I can remember, so I started with 30 degree slices for the skirt, and topped it with a dome made from the drops.  I capped that with a cutoff from a lathed Mahogany mortar and pestle that I really loved. The sapling was torched and hand routed rather recklessly, and distressed with a V-bit that gives it that exotic tribal look.  There was some copper left over from a little bath remodel I’d done for my father in 2019.  This is notable as that project was made possible by materials procured through jobs I’d taken on with my Handyman business.  Dr. Peterson also deserves much credit for getting me all fired up and confident to go out and fix things on my own terms, which led to priceless experiences and realizations. There was a deep gratification as well witnessing people in my life start businesses too, and complete strangers also be inspired to learn their worth.  The copper conduit is grounded and wired to a 3-way switch that the neighbor was thoughtful enough to hand me over the fence as I was working on the base. I used a light duty extension cord, but it's heavier duty than lamp cord and was an inexplicable test of patience to fish the wires through. I had to grind an access port into the upper angle, and carved those three fins on top to hide it. The base is a drop from a column I had built for a lovely lady in Atlanta.  It’s weighted with river rocks which are capped with smooth sea stones I’d collected with my sister on Topsail beach, North Carolina.  The sneaky sea snail shell is included as a nod to God’s golden ratio Phi, and the infinite Fibonacci sequence which seemed a proper inclusion. I wanted this lamp to be heirloom quality. Maybe also to serve as a reminder that no matter how hellbent this world is on contorting you into something that you're not, you can always choose to shine your love light.  


    The mid-century table can be included as well.  It was rough and delaminating but built with impressively sturdy joinery, so I refurbished it with the Kumiko panel epoxy resin inlays.  I watched Mike Farrington’s video how to make a kumiko table saw sled and I scoffed at his red painted danger zone then promptly shredded my pinky fingertip while processing the struts for the panel. Only God knows why I keep perfect attendance at the school of hard knocks despite access to so many amazing instructors.  


    Anyway, I just thought I’d leave this here whether or not anything comes of it. I’m very appreciative of you all regardless.  


    Many thanks, 


    Chris










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