I have taken great pains to develop and strengthen
skills that would allow me to satisfy my creative needs as well as providing a
decent living. Over the past few years I have honed those skills to such a
degree as to warrant expanding my field of operation.
After a successful, yet unsatisfying, foray into the NYC gallery scene I have decided to leap into cyberspace - hence this site. Word of mouth is sufficient locally, however, I believe the work is unique and therefore, strong enough to compete in the world market.
At the risk of sounding pretentious it must be stated that there is a purpose and overall vision behind the creation of each and every finish I put my name on. After many years of experimenting with a variety of artistic expressions ranging from acting to commercial art to Fine Art, I have found my niche under the rather eclectic umbrella of Surface Decoration.
While not abandoning the skills utilized in creating 'fine art' there is a personal satisfaction and strong sense of accomplishment from this work that should be evident to others if I have produced a piece that meets the standards that I have set for myself.
The promotion of traditional handcrafts is of utmost importance. In this age of rapidly advancing technology too many of the 'old skills' are being lost. The so-called hand-finished pieces we are now seeing everywhere are all too often produced using abbreviated methods that offer a "quaintness' that usually falls short in the final analysis. The end result is obviously a painted surface with only a cursory attempt to "fool the eye'. In many cases they are manufactured overseas by very underpaid workers.
It is my goal to reach beyond those limited results using traditional techniques as a basis for developing my own methods. If it doesn't look 'real' for at least a moment it doesn't leave the workbench.
We live in a throw-away culture today. Pieces of marginal value are discarded rather than revived. Restoration and refinishing is reserved for only that of known value or for that which offers a potential of great return. Therefore, in addition to creating unusual one-of-a-kind finishes & pieces, I revive and give new life to the seemingly insignificant.
That being said, it might be stated that part of my work is furniture reclamation and revival as well as restoration. With imagination, effort and the proper skills, that plain piece destined for the dumpster can be transformed into a work of art. Instead of rebuilding & remodeling a glazed wall can add depth & warmth where none existed before.
With all this in mind it is my hope to create one-of-a-kind work that will find it's way into homes and businesses where the work will be appreciated and promote a love for the craftsmanship behind the craft.
Specifically I am offering for sale and exhibition one-of-a-kind handcrafted / hand-finished items. Painted finishes, including all forms of faux finishes, floorcloths, painted furniture and wall glazes are my main emphasis. I also specialize in gilding, both water and oil.
I also greatly enjoy teaching these techniques to others. I have found great satisfaction in seeing the "I get it" look in people's faces when they realize both the visual and physical aspects of a finishing technique and are able to put them together. Instead of hording my skills in an attempt at job security I find that sharing them betters my skill level and increases the overall awareness in the Art of Faux Finishing, in general.
A Brief Personal History
After graduating college in 1973, I moved to New York City, where I have lived ever since. I initially worked as a stage hand at the New York Shakespeare Festival. From 1975 to 1989 I worked as a stage manager, both on and off Broadway on such shows as the original production of THE WIZ and NEIL SIMON'S - THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG. In1980 I formed an illustration company producing line drawings for note cards and t-shirts that were sold throughout NYC in stores such as MACY'S & BLOOMINGDALE'S.
A 33 year cancer survivor, I developed a permanent disability in 1991, which led me to the PARSON'S SCHOOL OF DESIGN in NYC, where I received a PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE in SURFACE DECORATION, specializing in Faux Finishes, Gilding & Wall Glazing. Since then I have been practicing my art in New York City as well as teaching the techniques I learned and developed to dedicated amateurs and professionals alike.
212.222.0615
©Schaefer 1998-2010