This is just a quick update to inform those of you have been patiently waiting for your CS12v2, they are all in house, inspected and will be at the warehouse tomorrow. We believe this is our best combination square–solid stainless steel and comes with both an 18″ and 12″ blade. The run is completely sold out so we are taking names for the next batch here–scroll down and click “Add to Favorites”, this gets your name on a list to be notified when we make them again.
I had lunch with Joe Felzman last week (Joe has been shooting my work for over 30 years!) and like always, we had lots of laughs and some terrific food. I thought you might enjoy some of his most recent efforts below.
If you have a few moments, take a peek at his work–stunning is an understatement.
And, if you are looking to add an image or two to your portfolio, you won’t find a better photographer–mention Bridge City and Joe will double his rates. Actually, you will be pleasantly surprised!
Best-
John
Man – Joe is really amazing! I love the CT-17 shots. He really brings advertising photography to the level of fine art. Wonderful lights and textures in his work. That shot of the CS12v2 is wonderfully creative.
Boy, you guys make nice-looking tools!
– Peter
Peter;
Thanks for recognizing Joe’s work. We live in a day and age where quality is being attacked on so many fronts…. your post is frankly–inspirational.
I suspect most of these shots are considered “over the top” by many. For me, they make me want to do better…the CS-12v2 is so much like a symbolic praying mantis… sneaking up on inaccuracy and killing it with such efficiency…they all evoke emotion that is independent of their function. I am a lucky guy to have such a resource.
Thanks for taking the time to share…
John
John,
The photos _are_ over the top, but in a good way. (In contrast, Lindsay Lohan is over the top, in a not-so-good way.)
-Steve
I wondered why the CS12 appealed to me so much. It really oozes an insect quality. I was seeing more of a stick insect, but I love the metaphor of the praying mantis killing inaccuracy. While being so cool and elegant at the same time.
The palm brace image is really striking, too. The more I look at it, the more the tension in the image becomes apparent: how does that shiny, hard metal thing balance so easily on that tiny drill bit? Joe really is a master of composition. I remain bummed that I missed talking with him when I was up in Portland. Clearly I need to make another trip.
I have to say that those images just make me want to put my fingerprints all over your tools. Just pick them up and hold them. Make some shavings.
I can hardly wait for my CT-17!
– Peter
P.S. I’m all signed up for the WIA in Cincinnati in Oct. Apparently we’ve (Fred and I) managed to persuade Rutager to come, too. Should be a blast!
Very nice. Good to see some people are still old school in their approach to product photography. It’s quickly dying. With the digital age came a rush of people who can’t light, can’t see and won’t spend the time to do it in camera.
Paul:
“With the digital age came a rush of people who can’t light, can’t see and won’t spend the time to do it in camera.” Actually, it is worse. We have an entire generation that thinks grunge is cool, and that anything “nice” is perpetrated by an evil corporation. How does one get inspired in this social mores? How do you out grunge, grunge?
-John
John,
Stunning photos of beautiful tools. My favorite is the CT-16; it reminds me of a eclipse, with the sun just barely lighting the moon.
The digital age has allowed the unskilled to take acceptable pictures. It still takes the skill and vision of an artist like Joe Felzman to create masterpieces.
Is there a way for myself or others to obtain prints to display in our shops or living rooms? I can only think that surrounding oneself with such strong visual imaginary, would get echoed in ones work.
-Rutager
Joe and I have been talking about making prints for years. How about the image below on archival paper and ink, 11.5 x 16.5, limited edition of 100, signed and dated for $115 delivered?
Something to talk about.
-John
John,
Yes, please count me in. I would also be VERY interested in a print of the ASP-25s all lined up. Both my shop and living room could use some classing up.
-Rutager
I would certainly pay that for one of Joe’s prints. Particularly if they’re signed and numbered. He really does amazing work. Art.
– Peter
John,
I like the idea of a signed and numbered print, any chance it could be made in a bigger size?
-Rutager
Rutager-
Maybe. You don’t want to make an edition and have them sit. I will look into it.
John
Thanks,
I wasn’t thinking of anything huge, not like a sofa sized print, just a bit bigger, something that makes more of a statement; 18″ or 20″ max.
I would really like to get the print of all the ASP’s together, I don’t know if that was your or Joe’s work, but it was very powerful, and would look great at my house!
-Rutager
John,
I second Rutager’s request for a print of the ASPs all lined up. I have a small picture of those displayed at work and it gets a lot of attention from my co-workers. Another thought would be to sell image rights to allow the DSN to choose the picture / tool they like and take it to a local shop to get the print made. Just a thought.
Mike
John,
I was thinking that you could use your current business model to develop your “print list”. For these to have collectable value they should be a limited print (No345/XXX)signed. You could take orders like you are for your tools and ….Walla you and Joe become rich and your customers are happy!
Dennis
By the way, what ever happened to the idea of a “BCT photo book with history of BCT and tool trivia”? I thought this was a really cool (and collectible) addition. Is this still in the works?
Dennis;
We are working on the book and work it is!
-John
Joe’s photos are almost surreal. I can’t wait for that book.