The chalice with the palace has the brew that is true…

“Say what,” you ask? No, it’s not Dr. Seuss, it’s a quote from one of my favorite “fake” medieval-themed movies, “The Court Jester”, with Danny Kaye, Glynis Johns, Angela Lansbury, and Basil Rathbone. And… it just happens I’ve been turning a few wooden chalices, goblets, and tankards to go with a medieval setting of furniture and musical instruments I’m putting together.

In the Workshop…

The world of Ron Cook Studios is evolving. Making instruments is still my primary concern, but lately I’ve also delved into the study and  construction of medieval-style tables, stools, games, and accessories for ye olde Inn or ye lordes castle. I love to read the medieval mysteries of Susanna Gregory, Michael Jecks,  Bernard Knight, et al, and picture quite vividly, through these authors excellent and researched descriptions, the settings of English countryside, cities, homes, inns, and taverns. Through my own research, I’ve been replicating furniture pieces and drinking vessels. It’s a lot of fun, keeps me busy and off the street.

 

As for musical instruments, I’m very pleased that I completed my Mountain dulcimer commission. It’s a lovely cherry and redwood instrument with a hand-carved head of my customer’s son. I really don’t want to show a picture of it yet until the owner receives it.

In my “second” workshop (the garage), I have a workbench where I do antique and vintage instrument restorations. Yesterday and today I finished stringing up and tuning a beautiful 1909 Franz  Schwartzer concert zither. This wasn’t a “major” restoration, but there were a few tricky problems that needed solving, which I did. I’ll write up a short repair log for it and post it on my website. To read about other restorations and repairs I’ve worked on, go to my website’s Repair page.

Show News…

I’m now all paid up, got my lodging, and listed as an exhibitor once more at the American Craft Council Show in San Francisco. (Click Here for info.) It’s held at Fort Mason in the Festival and Herbst Pavilions. I’ll be in the Festival Pavilion in b0oth 812. Show dates and times are Friday, August 13 (10-8), Saturday, August 14 (10-6), and Sunday, August 15 (10-5). Hope to see you there!

Late Breaking Show News…

It’s official! I got my notice in the mail that I’m once again in the Santa Cruz Open Studios Art Tour. This is my 10th year as an exhibiting artist, and it’s the 25th year (ta-da) for the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County Open Studios Art Tour. The Art Tour is the first three weekends in October. Go the the above link for more information on the event. The Open Studios preview exhibit opens at the Santa Cruz Art League on September 25th with a “meet the artists” reception Sunday, September 26th, from 3 to 6pm.

And speaking of the Santa Cruz Art League…

My wife and I had a real nice weekend volunteering at the Art  League for its annual Art Faire. The weather was very warm (for coastal Santa Cruz), and every one seemed to have a good time. My wife sat at the gallery’s front desk greeting and helping people, and I sold wine and tickets for the hourly prize drawings. It was fun and got me out of the studio for a while.

Well, time to make dinner and relax for the evening. Fog’s returning after several very warm days. Onweird…