Phil Grifnee's studio 2005

Sam

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I sure miss Phil. What a great engraver and kind hearted and humorous fellow he was.

In 2005 we traveled to his home to twist his arm and convince him he needed to be a Grandmaster. It wasn't easy but he agreed and some lucky engravers got to learn from him at GRS.

Here are a few photos I shot of that trip.
 

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monk

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omg ! this is a most awesome look into the workshop of such a great engraver. it shows, amongst other things, it aint ever in the tool, always in the person moving the tool. this should be "required reading" for all beginners. thanks for takin the time to show this, sam.
 

KCSteve

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Monk - I was thinking the same thing: this shows how you must have <power system of choice> to do great work.*


*Not that I'm giving up either of my lovely toys - they do make life a lot easier.
 

Weldon47

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Thanks Sam,
I was one of the "lucky ones" who had the opportunity to study with Phil at GRS during a Grand Masters class.
What I learned from Phil opened the door to a whole different world of engraving.
So glad I got to study with him & will sorely miss his magnificent touch with chisel & chislet!

Weldon
 

ede

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What I am struck by looking at Phil Grifnee's art is the depth of field he conveyed, like a pastoral painting. What a beautiful workshop and beautiful life of art this man created.

Any idea what kind of steel he used to produce his chisels?

Thanks for Posting this.
 

SamW

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Marvelous to see the in-progress photos Sam. Phil was always such a gentleman and friend to all us engravers. He is sorely missed by all who knew him.

I have not seen one of those "ring holders" in many, many years...not since my brother gave one to his wife over 40 years ago.
 

mitch

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boy, that's a cheery bunch in that second photo! did a tax auditor just pay a visit?
 

Marrinan

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Sam,Yes they are a cheery group. Assume this was taken during negotiations about him leaving the solitude of his studio HAHA. In the third picture I note a group of chisels of varying configurations. If you had the opportunity to examine these it appears that many are common nails. Appearing to be 16d to 20d. Could you possibly elaborate on any of them. Also on the wall I see some chasing/repose work up high on the wall. Any comments on these works. Lastly I note his vise. Looks as though it could have been made from a cannon ball. Thanks for the pictures and any further info you might add, Fred
 

Sam

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boy, that's a cheery bunch in that second photo! did a tax auditor just pay a visit?

You're right mitch! And that's the good shot! Maybe we weren't ready for the camera our maybe it was Phil's nescafe instant coffee that caused those sour faces. :)
 

monk

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marrinan: i think the vise was lowered into the building by crane. after that, the roof was installed. it is, indeed, a treat to look at these fotos carefully. there's so many "little things" to see and wonder about. i could ask ask many questions regarding what is shown there, but there's only so much time one can devote to them.
 

mitch

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i think the group shot should be captioned: "Just take the da** picture, d***head."
 

atexascowboy2011

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Sam
Thanks for posting these fantastic photos.
They have rekindled my interest in H&C.
KEEP EM COMING !
 

fegarex

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Nescafe coffee??? I thought every European was REQUIRED to drink good coffee!! I remember going to Creative Arts studio several years ago and they had a commercial Keurig machine in there. First time I had seen them.
Thanks for the photos. I miss seeing Phil at the FEGA show and at Grand Masters. He was an amazing man.
 
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