We lost one of our own this week and I just want to say that I will miss glass blower Joe Becker. He was a fine artist, a true character and an interesting man. He was my friend and a neighbor in the winter when the artist tribe from Minnesota made their trek south. I am so sorry and I want to send love and hugs to Joes family especially his brother Doug. I know everyone has a Joe Becker story. I think it would be nice if we share them right here in his honor. I'll start:
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Fifteen years ago, I met glass blower, Joseph Becker, at a Disney art show. He was a charismatic man with a kind heart. I was staring at his beautiful glassware mesmerized by the artistry. He asked which piece I like best. Looking over all of the stunning pieces, I told him that I liked this one the best. He asked, "Why?" I said, "Because all of the other pieces are screaming out with their bright and beautiful colors trying to get noticed, while this colorless one is sitting over here quietly being noticed for its simplicity reflecting all of the colors of the world in its folds." He offered to sell it to me for half price. I could never afford that. He wrapped it up and insisted that it belonged with me because he felt I could appreciate it even more than any buyer would. We met up each year whenever possible during his trips down from Minnesota to Florida for art shows. Many good memories. He was more than a friend, a brilliant artist, and a genuinely good person. When I felt unworthy, he had a way of making me feel good about my artwork and gave me a world of encouragement. RIP Joseph Becker. You were loved and admired.
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About ten years ago I went with Joe to help at the spring art fairs in Florida. At the Naples show Joe was getting a bit tipsy, not uncommon for Joe.Part of his sales talk to potential buyers concerned a particular piece of his glass. One of the more expensive ones and LARGE. He would tell people that it had been used as a "door stop" at his farmhouse until recently when he decided to finish it. When I had him alone I said "Joe you can't tell people that ". He laughed at me and said "of course I can, I can say anything I want and if they want it they'll buy it and if not no big deal".
Not long after that a gentleman came by and purchased that piece along with four others for some $7000 to $8000 bucks! That was after he gave him that same talk. I never said another word about his salesmanship.
Joe blew glass bare foot! I never understood how he could avoid getting cut. Tough feet?
I've included an image of him at work and of course his feet!
A very charismatic man who was loved by many. He fought his demons and he lost. We should all be aware that happiness can be paper thin at times. Love your friends and take good care of yourselves.
I'll miss the man and I'll miss his parties. No more chicken poop gambling on the farm. Now THAT was fun!
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Here is an obituary from the Minneapolis Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/obituaries/detail/134264/?fullname=josep...
And here is a wonderful article about Joe and his work:
http://abcnewspapers.com/2014/05/16/local-artist-brings-light-and-l...