I have a neighbor who is 87. He has done same amazing work but his hands have become knotted from all the hand work he's done over the years. We were talking the other day and he told me about his plans to make a piece but needed an interesting base so he wanted to know about pecky Bolivian walnut. The next day I took a piece of the walnut over to his house to show him. You should have seen the twinkle in his eyes. When it comes to wood, he is truly an artist and I could see the creative juices flowing.
He took out a whale he had carved and explained how he wanted to take it and two smaller carved whales and have them jumping out of the pecky. I thought about it for a minute and then said, "Let's go to your computer." I had him bring up a wood slab site, located about an hour from here, and showed him some of the smaller slabs they have. He loved it! So I offered to drive him up there. His enthusiasm suddenly died. At least that's what it seemed to me. Before I left I told him the offer to take him up there was always open.
After I got home I began to think about what happened. And I started to wonder if what he wants to do is beyond what his body can now do. He has told me in the past how his hands can't do what they used to and his eyes would turn sad.
What I'm struggling with is this - On one hand I'd like to make a run up north and bring him back a slab that would fit his needs. Looking at the pictures online of what he liked, I think I could find what he wants. Then there's "can he do what he wants to do?" question. And if I present him with something that makes those eyes twinkle, will that be followed by the sad reality he won't be able to do the work? Will my gift be a reminder of what he can no longer do? I would offer to help but he's a very proud man and I don't know how that offer would be taken.
Thing is I really don't know how much he can or can't do. He works out every day at the gym. He's solid as a rock but his hands show the ravages of a life working with hand tools.
Thoughts?