(horo) SCOPE

i'm not one who really follows my horoscope. i might look at it a few times in an entire year -- but this one from a couple weeks ago was so appropriate and timely that i cut it out and stuck it to my fridge.

i have, for a while now, been trying to come to terms with my work in the larger scope of the market.... of jewelry, modern jewelry and particularly laser-cut jewelry. ponoko included me in a list of 40 designers making laser-cut jewelry (scroll to S to find me) and i haven't even used their services. (thank you, ponoko!) i've known about them for some time now, however and it really has made me consider what makes my work unique, when the fabrication-process is so accessible to anyone. more so, this horoscope has me considering what makes my *talent* unique. i think it is more than the fact that i use a laser-cutter. sure, i can say that i execute every step of my process - i man the machine. on one hand this fact reveals a certain level of knowledge, skill and involvement in my work. i'm not just ordering it from a chef in some far-off place. but it also affects the price-tag, because my time costs more. and this is certainly something i am contemplating.

"a lot of people do what you do, but it's not the same" as ponoko's list shows, there are at least 40 people doing what i do. it doesn't take into account the numerous etsy-ans with shops selling their goods at prices that would never survive a wholesale/retail world. "but it is not enough to be different. Understand why you are different and hone that aspect of your talent." this is what i have been doing - even before stumbling upon my aries-message-of-the-day. i recognize that experiences mold people and people mold their visions. after 2 years of lucky-opportunities and trying the things that it seemed i should - i am challenging myself to do the things that seemed the most obvious, that made the most sense ... that could actually equate to a living (not a hobby) that i haven't yet done.

so, i have set a master-plan in action for this summer. with the help of my oldest brother and my youngest brother, a lovely new friend/photographer, a selection of lovely women, a long list and some good old sweat and visual-brain power -- i am hoping to set myself afloat by the end of this year. i am focused - even to the point of saying no to fun projects with friends. i am focused, challenged and ready to hone my talent. i look forward to sharing some of these things as they unfold - alas it is a bit too early at this point. but i will ask you this... if there is a museum, design or gift shop in your part of the country/world that might seem like a good fit with my work, i would love to hear about them and greatly appreciate the recommendation!