Our own Worst enemy

[Josef]

I swear that we carvers are our own worst enemy. I was fretting a little...okay...a lot over my last carving which was a commision of a little bear. It was so different from the first that I didn't believe the client would like him and I almost threw the roughout away at one stage. All to no avail what-so-ever! The client came, took one look at the bear, reached into his pocket to pull out the balance owing before I could even blink. I told him to take his time and go over the carving to make sure it was what he wanted, to which he replied."No need, he is wonderful. Perfect little bear. Not sure what we will call him yet, and not sure where we will put him. You will definitely be hearing from us again." With that he took his carving and left, leaving me gobsmacked!!!!! I think that we all tend to think too much by far in our bid to achieve our visions. Maybe I just got a good client? I do know that I will worry less in future.

[Mark N. Akers]

Re: Our own Worst enemy

Thats great Josef, yes sometimes we are our worst critics, the main thing the customer was happy.

[Thor]

Re: Our own Worst enemy

Congratulations and well done!
The bear was wonderful, and I can easily see why your collector was pleased.

[CarverRog]

Re: Our own Worst enemy

A job very well done as I see it. “An appreciative client will always see what a dejected woodcarver will never see, the whole picture.”

[btree50]

Re: Our own Worst enemy

If the customer is happy, thats all that counts!
JimB

[[email protected]]

Re: Our own Worst enemy

Good story for a change, Well done Josef. fred k

[torpidhummer]

Re: Our own Worst enemy

Yes we are our worst critics,seems like I start what in my mind what is going to
be a good and different project. However like you said Josef,we just stop dead
in our tracks and put the carving project in the throw away bin. Then will come in the shop and see the unfinished project and ask why I'm throwing it away,as they see as a
good project. Man, we seem never satisfied with our good work,but sure I am glad
your customer was thrilled with your work,keep doing what your doing.
Oscar

[Callynne]

Re: Our own Worst enemy

You've learned a very important lesson, Josef, it's true, we are our own worst enemies and biggest critics.....however.....and trust me on this.....we don't retain the lesson, it only lasts till the next piece....at least that's how it works for me!!!! Deborah

[Grayhorn]

Re: Our own Worst enemy

Congrads Josef, super job and well deserved sale. Anyone would have been glad to have that bear.

[susieq]

Re: Our own Worst enemy

Ad my congrats to what the others have said....great job! It's a wonderful feeling when someone can't wait to hand over their hard earned money for something you have created. It's not really the money itself, but the fact that they want it that bad. No feeling in the world like it, for those of us who create and try to sell......

We are certainly our own worst critic. I think that's true of any artist or performer...insecurity. Did we hit the mark..... but that is our quality control mechanism. Without it, we would never push ourselves to do better next time.
It can make us nuts but it's the price we pay to do what we do with any hope of doing it well. Well done, Josef. Enjoy the after-glow...then it's on to the next piece. LOL.

[sirociper]

Re: Our own Worst enemy

Ah yes the truth finally comes out. I was concerned we may have a mole in our midst. This traitor will be dealt with swiftly, on my honor. If the rest of you believe any more of our enemies have infiltrated our lines please report your findings on this frequency.

[cgm]

Re: Our own Worst enemy

Hi Josef, That is some good advise!
Its all the eyes of the beholder
Glad it all worked out for u, thanks for sharing
Carl

[cgm]

Re: Our own Worst enemy

Susieq, I totaly agree with what u r saying
Also the the others that responded, with a lot of good thots
Thanks everbody, its good we can help each other to become better!
Carl

[SlowMover]

Re: Our own Worst enemy

I agree that it is hard to judge your own work. I think the explination in this case is that YOU had an image of a PARTICULAR bear in your mind, the customer just had A bear in his....you didn't see your bear and were dissapointed, he say A bear and was happy. Expectations can be a bummer when not met.....

[susieq]

Re: Our own Worst enemy

Our own expectations for our work, are almost never met...LOL. That's the part that will drive one nutty.....