Masterpieces

Photo copyright Aji, 2015; all rights reserved.

Now I can show you this.

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that Wings had created two new works that were true masterpieces. I showed you one then, and it sold in a matter of hours. The other I couldn't post, because it was en route to its recipient, and he needed to be the first person to see it.

Photo copyright Aji, 2015; all rights reserved.

Sorry, folks: This one is not duplicable. Oh, sure; he can create a version with a generally similar band, although it would never be identical, because he feels so strongly that each piece is meant to be unique to its wearer that he simply will not make one that's 100% identical. Period. But the thing that makes this truly sui generis is that stone, and yes, there was only one, and no, he does not have any more like it. It was part of his very old inventory (possibly one passed down to him by his father): an incredibly large, perfect, wholly natural cabochon of Number Eight turquoise, in a flawless robin's-egg blue with a gold-tinted matrix.

And, yes, it was very expensive.

Photo copyright Aji, 2015; all rights reserved.

The stone alone was extremely valuable. The labor was something else. And the spirit? As the commercial says, priceless.

This was a special commission, but a very special client and friend. He chose the stone himself, from Wings's inventory, and Wings designed a piece to provide a protective spirit for him as he goes about his work. There's a lot of cynicism about the phrase "social justice warrior" these days, but it's life-saving, world-saving work, and he and his wife both do it daily. We're indebted to them for their contributions, and especially for their friendship.

Photo copyright Aji, 2015; all rights reserved.

Wings has built an impressive portfolio of incredible work over the years, and a lot of his best pieces were commissioned ones like this. I don't often have a chance to post images of them, but this one is extra-special, and it deserves to be seen.

Tomorrow, if all goes as planned, I'll be bringing you another of his masterworks: It'll be the featured piece at The NDN Silver Blog. It's not quite on the scale of this one, either in size or in spirit, but it's substantial, nonetheless. It's also beautiful. I know; I've watched it take shape under his hands.

It may post rather later in the day, depending on when it's complete. But watch that space and this one, because it'll be worth it.







All content, including photos and text, are copyright Aji, 2015; all rights reserved. Nothing herein may used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the owner.