Listmembers,
The time has finally come for me to make a plea for help with my painting/restoration business. I enjoy the work tremendously and do not want to give it up; but the stark reality is that I have become a "victim of my own success" in that there is way too much work for me to handle on my own. That is on top of my framebuilding chores. I need to focus on framebuilding as it becomes ever more important to continue to build true handmade custom frames as others continue to compromise. The art and craft of building handmade frames of distinction is in jeopardy of becomming extinct. I consider it my job to maintain the craft and the art of framebuilding "in the old traditional way". To that end, I need a working partner to take on the burden of most, but not all, of my painting duties. I will continue to paint my own frames naturally, and the custom frames of a select few framebuilders who depend on my style and touch to complete their work.
Needless to say, I'm NOT moving away from San Diego; so the potential interested party must be local or willing to relocate to CA for this opportunity. There are probably a number of possible ways to accomplish my goal, so I am open to discussions of various approaches. The main thing is I want a working partner. I do not want to hire anyone for reasons I will explain to the people who may inquire.
I WILL NOT be teaching or apprenticing anyone about framebuilding; although if someone wanted to build frames in their spare time on their own that is OK with me. One would benifit tremendously from my example perhaps, but there will no framebuilding duties in this relationship.
The investment is relatively small; the goal is to establish a small but effecient operation with low overhead. The key to the success of such an operation is in the skill of the craftsmen. I will teach someone ALL of my secrets and make sure they are fully capable to do the work to my standards. I can teach someone what I know, beyond that the "touch" of the individual and their creative style will determine the ultimate level of ones' ability. I trained the painter that Joe Bell has right now about 20 years ago and his level of work speaks for itself; so I know it can be done.
My time is somewhat limited, so if you respond please give me some time to get to it. Sorry for the crosspost, but I think a potential partner could easily be on either list. Thanks for taking the time to consider my proposal.
Brian Baylis La Mesa, CA framebuilder painter frame repairman office manager purchaseing agent janitor shipping and recieving clerk advertising dept. publicity agent pick-up and delivery driver etc. etc. need help!!