I like what you wrote. It had me thinking back to the woodwork of James Krenov and the architecture of Greene and Greene, two early influences for me. Re-reading it again after a couple of days, I must admit however that I am somewhere in the middle, like most of us probably are.
I like the sentiment expressed, the patient hand seeking perfection in the work. A times, for short periods at least, I am able to settle into a world of my own where nothing else exists, where sanding woodwork becomes a sensual experience. It is a place where perfection seems perhaps possible, even though I know it is not. It is success enough if I'm able to achieve the allusion of perfection, but it will be an allusion.
In a world that pulls in all directions, where my priorities must compete with the needs and wishes of those I love, I will make compromises, even great ones. A perfectly outfitted, beautiful and sound boat may be the goal, but it is not possible. In some places I must compromise, and provided she is sound, I will accept the allusion. Quality in this instance includes the quality of the experience and is more than just the condition or appearance of the product.
Thinking of the boat owners I know well, admittedly not a great number, there is not one who is in it to "flip" the boat. In that respect I don't think the comparison to the real estate market is entirely valid. Boats and houses are different and boat people, at least in my experience, are different as well. The one thing we do share though is the need to satisfy a multitude of responsibilities. Since the perfect boat does not exist it should be enough that they satisfy the needs of their owners. Even those derelicts hanging on their moorings must satisfy some need, if just to keep a faint spark burning somewhere.
All of us appreciate beauty. Last evening the hulls of the boats on their moorings were glowing white on the dark water while the sun, just touching the horizon, made the clouds blaze like dragon's breath. I had to stop rowing to watch, and I wasn't the only one. The fact that the boat is a mess, she needs to be hauled and has a list of wants I'll never fill, did not detract from the experience one bit.
Boats as batteries? You bet, but it's the boat that re-charges me.
Craig #1519 Tern
I like the sentiment expressed, the patient hand seeking perfection in the work. A times, for short periods at least, I am able to settle into a world of my own where nothing else exists, where sanding woodwork becomes a sensual experience. It is a place where perfection seems perhaps possible, even though I know it is not. It is success enough if I'm able to achieve the allusion of perfection, but it will be an allusion.
In a world that pulls in all directions, where my priorities must compete with the needs and wishes of those I love, I will make compromises, even great ones. A perfectly outfitted, beautiful and sound boat may be the goal, but it is not possible. In some places I must compromise, and provided she is sound, I will accept the allusion. Quality in this instance includes the quality of the experience and is more than just the condition or appearance of the product.
Thinking of the boat owners I know well, admittedly not a great number, there is not one who is in it to "flip" the boat. In that respect I don't think the comparison to the real estate market is entirely valid. Boats and houses are different and boat people, at least in my experience, are different as well. The one thing we do share though is the need to satisfy a multitude of responsibilities. Since the perfect boat does not exist it should be enough that they satisfy the needs of their owners. Even those derelicts hanging on their moorings must satisfy some need, if just to keep a faint spark burning somewhere.
All of us appreciate beauty. Last evening the hulls of the boats on their moorings were glowing white on the dark water while the sun, just touching the horizon, made the clouds blaze like dragon's breath. I had to stop rowing to watch, and I wasn't the only one. The fact that the boat is a mess, she needs to be hauled and has a list of wants I'll never fill, did not detract from the experience one bit.
Boats as batteries? You bet, but it's the boat that re-charges me.
Craig #1519 Tern