Pretty Bird
Dear Frank,
I want to tell you the story behind the pretty bird perched on my bedside table and what has transpired. Around forty years ago, before you and I met, I worked in a beautiful home furnishings store for a short while, doing interior design. I eventually went on my own as a designer, and as a lovely farewell, the owners gave me a stunning, tall parrot figurine I had admired there. I loved its soft clear color placement of blues and greens over pristine white.
Over the years, this favorite possession has been packed and moved more than 20 times! Much more than that, really. Each time I’ve unwrapped it, I’ve loved thinking of the places it’s been, bringing back memories of each. There had been difficult years but I don’t mind remembering them; they tell me where I’ve been. Although there were a few years (more than a few) of stormy nights, they were beautifully balanced by so many bright mornings, becoming a restoration of sorts, over time. Restoration is definitely the word for it. Light shining in, bathing everything with a fresh, clean beam of hope and renewal.
Frank, you know I love the concept of restoration. I’ve previously written about paintings and needlepoint rugs I’ve enjoyed repairing. You probably remember those blog posts here on FranklyJane that talk about that. Here’s one: https://franklyjane.com/
As for the children and for me, I saw another type of restoration occurring over the years, although not of my own doing. A blessing: there was a steady, generous flow each year, of more and more shining days, one after the other, after the other. And it continues even now: A constant, steady stream. I could just dance when I think about it!
Ok. Back to the parrot, Frank. Here’s what happened. Maria, my sweet-natured friend who cleans house, sent a text message with a photo showing how it had fallen to the floor and shattered, but that she had gathered every bit and piece. I had one second of sadness but it quickly dissipated as I realized from her words that reassurance was the priority, to know it was all ok and not to fret! It’s (he’s) only an object.
I expected to tackle the project myself. I had learned quite a bit from mother who successfully and artfully repaired many a delicate piece of china in her day. But, I soon saw that this was over my head. Yes, there were large pieces of the puzzle, but so many tiny ones that helped fit them together. that it’d be impossible to bring it back to what it once was. So, I did some research and came upon Martin Scherer of Tesserak Restoration Studio, who impressed me so much with his work. We spoke, and I developed that immediate type of crush I get when someone has found a way to use their gifts in such a beautiful and unassuming way. He told me to wrap each piece individually, including each sliver I could find and send it all to him. That wasn’t a problem! Fastidious and diligent, Maria had not only collected the large and small pieces but also saved the slivers and even the powder, bless her heart, all in a ziplock bag. Maria, Maria, you are a work of art, yourself!
“I welcome the challenge of a difficult to assemble project, and those with missing pieces. Part of restoration work is artistic but a lot of it is problem solving. Restoration is the most satisfying work I’ve ever done. I meet interesting people and I never know what kind of work we’ll be doing next.” — Martin Scherer, Tesserak Restoration Studio
So today, here he is – my parrot – back to his former featherly handsomeness, sitting atop my bedside table, in his rightful place. I’m so excited to have him back, looking so good. (Maria will be relieved and happy, too). Martin works wonders, doesn’t he! Take a look at my little unboxing video here, where I speak freely and unabashedly with an inanimate object: https://youtube.com/shorts/-GY8iIg-edw?feature=share
There are many worthwhile, important types of restorations — the restoration of health, restoration of relationships, close friendships gone to the wayside, restoration of faith, and even restoration of confidence in oneself. The good news is that Martin isn’t the only one who welcomes the challenge of a complex project, even those with missing pieces. I like to remember that there is an Expert who knows all about the process and can restore in a way that we cannot. Frankly, all we have to do is ask.
Love,
Jane
P.S. To contact Martin, go to: www.tesserak.com. You’ll enjoy seeing his work! He trained at Venerable Classics in California. A lifelong artist and sculptor, his work has been exhibited at the California Museum of Art. He’s a published illustrator, graphic designer, and photographer.
