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Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Weathering timber

On the weekend we popped into town for a coffee with friends Ken and Noela. The chosen venue was not open on the day; so we wandered up the street to the bakery - always a fabulous fall-back position!  As we went along, we passed David Linton Furniture and Timber Works, and because it was early, and the gallery hadn't opened yet I took the opportunity to go and have a look at, and photograph, 'the log' with nobody else about.

Back in 2009 David asked if I would do some writing on this amazing piece of timber he had salvaged. In my innocence (or at least with my open-mind) I said yes I'd have a go.  The story about the process can be found here, here and here, but I was interested on the weekend to see how it was holding up after all this time, and all the weather (rain) we have had the past two summers.


I liked what I saw.  The golden hue of the the freshly oiled timber had totally faded to grey; and the writing still held strong and proud. It looked lovely against the grey and I think in my heart of hearts I like it better this way; soft and worn, humble and gentle.




A contrast to its original glory...


The quote is by Marianne Williamson - Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure...
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19 comments:

  1. VickiFebruary 21, 2012 at 5:57 PM

    I love how sometimes things are meant to be together. They are aging gracefully...very beautiful!

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  2. RosieKFebruary 21, 2012 at 7:03 PM

    that is really beautiful Fiona - you have really done justice to her words

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  3. UnknownFebruary 21, 2012 at 7:27 PM

    What a piece!! The weathering adds to how stunning it is. I know this quote, but I love the crop shots as well.

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  4. LouiseFebruary 21, 2012 at 7:31 PM

    yes yes YES Y E S
    we are, by all means, powerful beyond measure. And how many of us go to the greatest extents to escape it? Imagine, if everyone harnessed it. Believed it. What you have created here is an act of deliberation and it will have made many folk stop and think. Wonderful! I love your diverse talents Fiona. Special soul is you. x

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  5. rObfOsFebruary 21, 2012 at 7:52 PM

    This is a beautiful piece, Fiona.
    Both the quote and your writing on the weathered log are each delicate and enduring.

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  6. JenniferFebruary 21, 2012 at 8:09 PM

    The weathering of the words and wood is just stunning, speaking of an old soul watching over those who pass by, not only giving permission to shine, but encouraging it, expecting it as well.

    Just wonderful!

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  7. Noela MillsFebruary 21, 2012 at 11:54 PM

    Who would have known that the words would have weathered and become truer to 'source' than when they were first penned and then written by you - love the progression xoxoxo

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  8. brandiFebruary 22, 2012 at 1:27 AM

    ~timeless...the winds and the rain will never destroy the powerful words written with such delicate beauty...an immensely touching piece you created and were able to share with wanderers...how many lives i wonder have you touched!?!?! words on wood...gorgeous my friend...be well and much love light and blessings~

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  9. Velma BolyardFebruary 22, 2012 at 3:46 AM

    this is a thing to be reallyreally proud of! you and mama nature worked well together.

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  10. Jo MurrayFebruary 22, 2012 at 5:15 AM

    oooooh... how beautiful it has become.

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  11. Fiona DempsterFebruary 22, 2012 at 12:45 PM

    Thanks Vicki - it's nice when the two things are in synch...

    Rosie - thank you, I think the wood, the words and the writing do justice to each other...

    Annie - it's a remarkable piece of timber, and I am so happy the weathering is beautiful. The crop shots have a nice feel I think, a word or two but the essence shines thru.

    Louise - yes indeed! Sometimes we are own biggest limiters, these words can re wind and encourage us to think or be otherwise. I like watching people stop and read it - young and old, and most read it allnthe way thru.

    Thanks Robyn, I like the contrast between strength and steadfastness and delicacy...

    Jennifer - thank you - the solidity of the timber is encouraging and nurturing I think, with quiet strength. I think it does help folk who stop to read think that it might be possible...

    N - it is progressing to where it is meant to be I think, and I am so pleased the ink stayed on!!!

    Brandi - resilience and beauty are part of it's story I think. Thank you for your words, I know that people do stop and read it and I hope it offers them something positive. Go well.

    V - thank you, it is a piece I am proud to be part of.

    Thanks Jo - it is becoming more beautiful with age (like us all!)

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  12. LAC EMP 2020February 23, 2012 at 4:40 AM

    How interesting to find out who this quote is actually attributed to. I've read and heard it quoted often and never known whose words they were. What justice you have done both to the words and the gorgeous wood giving them permanent display.

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  13. Liz Davidson / Artist NotebookFebruary 23, 2012 at 12:41 PM

    I love how this piece is aging,the words and the wood have a beautiful marriage, their silver anniversary is approaching.

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  14. Christine ElcoateFebruary 23, 2012 at 3:52 PM

    The final sentence seems to have solved where you began....interesting! Christine

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  15. Fiona DempsterFebruary 25, 2012 at 5:22 PM

    Hi Lesley, intriguing isn't it? I know poor David was sadly disappointed it wasn't actually Nelson Mandela, but a calligrapher always has to attribute the words correctly!

    Beautifully put Liz - their silver anniversary is definitely on it's way. thank you.

    Thanks Chrisine - very wisely said, and thank you for thinking it. I never knew I had it in me to create a lasting public piece like this...so I guess I'm shining a bit.

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  16. CarolMarch 1, 2012 at 7:29 PM

    How beautifully the log is weathering. Wish I was doing as well.

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  17. Fiona DempsterMarch 1, 2012 at 8:14 PM

    Thank you Carol - it is weathering beautifully as are you I'm sure! Go well, F

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  18. TheGoldenTreesMarch 2, 2012 at 8:48 PM

    This is a Masterwork!!!

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  19. ebMarch 5, 2012 at 9:46 AM

    now I am smitten
    the quote and the wood...

    xox - eb.

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I appreciate your thoughts and comments; thanks for taking the time.