[TheForge] smith question

[terry l. ridder]

hello;

i much appreciate the posting concerning my questions concerning silver
storage. the conversation has caused me to think about various practises
and traditions.

i find it difficult to understand why the works of a silversmith would
be relegated to storage to protect the works from the tarnishing
process, the attack of airborne acidic pollutants. james binnon, is
correct when he writes that when "silverware" was the norm for dining
there was a person whose job it was to regularly clean the silver.

there may be a few such positions left in the world but they are rare to
be sure.

the silversmith, studies and learns his craft from a master silversmith.
the silversmith, studies design and styles. he combines and innovates to
form his own true style. his work is refined throughout the years and is
admired by customers. does it not cause the silversmith some sorrow in
knowing that once the work leaves his hands it begins to be tarnished
and to slow the process the items of beauty most be hidden away in a
controled environment so that few may ever see his works.

what drives the silversmith to keep refining his style, honing his
skills, venturing into new daring designs; all the time knowning that
his work is destined for decay and to slow that decay it must be sealed
away to be unseen?

i hold a spoon or pitcher and wonder what the silversmith was like, who
were they, what were their dreams, goals, and heart's desire.

my doctor's say that i am more aware of the mortality of mankind then
most of their patients. what happens to all our dreams, goals, and
heart's desires when we come to the close the book on this life? did our
life make any difference to anyone or were we just another cog in the
machine that grinds on day in and day out.



-- 
terry l. ridder ><>