Creeker visit with Jim Adkins

[Richard Madden]

On Monday, the 7th, I had the opportunity to visit with fellow creeker Jim Adkins in Dexter. Jim graciously invited Dan Kralemann and myself, but as stated in a previous thread, Dan, regrettably could not make it. The first thing, Jim invited me in his house where several of his pieces were on display. I was in total awe of his work; some pieces were still being worked on and to see and handle completed as well as work in progress was a great experience. Pictures are one thing, but to see and hold his work gave me even more appreciation of his skills. Then we went out to his shop, and boy, does he have a shop!!;) Plenty of tools and space to work. Jim turns on a Stubby 750 and I tried my best to not drool all over it.:eek: He turned and beaded a piece of hard maple while I was there, and being able to watch him in action and just "rub elbows" with a master turner like Jim was something I won't forget. One of the things that really impressed me, other than his impeccable work, was his willingness to share. Every question I had (and I had plenty) was answered and after returning home, I seem to have even more, but his upcoming tutorial will probably answer those. After at least 6 hours with Jim it was tme to leave. You couldn't ask for a nicer or more hospitable gentleman than Jim, and he is a tremendous asset to the Creeker community. Thanks again, Jim. Here are some pictures;
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh17/RickM1_album/009-11.jpg

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh17/RickM1_album/012-6.jpg

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh17/RickM1_album/013-5.jpg

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh17/RickM1_album/020-3.jpg

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh17/RickM1_album/021-2.jpg

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh17/RickM1_album/022-2.jpg

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh17/RickM1_album/023-1.jpg

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh17/RickM1_album/024-2.jpg

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Congratulations to both Jim and Richard!


I am more than just a little bit envious!

[Mark Hubl]

Thanks for sharing Richard. Looks like a good time was had by all. It is always a pleasure to see a talented and skilled artist at work, I am sure you had a great visit and some wonderful lessons.

[Jon Nuckles]

Amazing work. Can't wait to see how Jim does that.

[charlie knighton]

thanks for sharing Richard

[bob svoboda]

Sounds like a great day, congrat's.

[Ron Stadler]

Lucky man, his work is awesome.

[Michael James]

WOW, what a great opportunity! Love that N.A. stuff... alot.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Richard - thanks for sharing your visit with us! Looks like it would have been a very interesting time! Great photos! Like you - I am waiting for Jim's article!

[John Keeton]

Aside from being a master turner and artist, as you found out, Jim is just one super nice fellow! I enjoyed the demo he did at our club immensely, and Jim and I have talked several times by phone. Richard, you are a lucky man, indeed. I would have loved to have shared the visit with you.

Those are some beautiful pieces you photographed, and I particularly like the small platter in the last pic - looks like something my little Delta will handle! His two piece enclosed forms are incredible.

[John W Dixon]

Sounds like a great time!

[Bernie Weishapl]

Richard thanks for sharing your visit with Jim. Sounds and looks like you both had a great time. Those are some nice pieces.

[Baxter Smith]

Sounds like a great time. Amazing work!

[David E Keller]

Congrats on a neat opportunity! Jim's work is amazing, and it sounds like he's a heck of a guy as well. Thanks for taking the time to share the photos and story.

[Dan Forman]

Incredible work, sounds like it must have been a great time.

Dan

[Tony De Masi]

Now that looks like it was a lot of fun. And of course his pieces are absolutely beautiful too.

[Jim Adkins]

Richard.....Thanks for this post....As you stated, proof of the visit is in the pictures.
Unfortunately, now everybody sees what a messy shop I really have!! Richard & I had
a great visit, got to see some of his incredible work. He brought down some really nice
closed forms with his signature open basket spiral tops complete with wood screw threads.
While he was'nt looking I tried to hide one in my shop but that did'nt work too well!! He does
some very nice work & I'm glad he took the time & effort to spend the better part of a day
in my shop. The old whited-haired guy in the photos was having a "bad-hair-day" I guess
too much static electricity in the shop!! Anyway, I had a good visit with a good Creeker.
Thanks again Richard for posting
Jim A.

[Bob Bergstrom]

"The old whited-haired guy in the photos was having a "bad-hair-day" I guess too much static electricity in the shop!!"
A bad hair day is still better than a no hair day. :DLOL. Great job Jim. Enjoyed the peak at some beautiful work.

[Richard Madden]

Come to think of it, I probably should have mentioned that Jim is the one with white hair. LOL!!! Ha! look who's talking.