I have been awed by Dan's work, commitment and passion for honoring our military. I am in awe of his talent. It is overwhelming to me, the feeling of reverence that passes through me when I see his work. His work speaks with heart, a wonder given that it is made from wood; hard, pithy and raw, transformed by Dan through his artist's eye.
It was a woodworking marathon, an ultra marathon between man and wood; a strong motivational force challenging his artistic eye. I sense this has been a harmonious achievement, not an obsessive one. I sensed he found joy in finding the characteristics of each wood species, matching color, texture, grain, and luster as he built each component, of each figure.
I wonder at the passion and determination to keep going mentally. The timeline was Dan's, self-supported from start to finish. All I can do is wonder.... where does one start such a project? How do you make decisions? Does color play a major role? Cinnamon, shades of red and yellow, brown tones? How about spool vs flat vs inlaid?
Mentally, how do you keep going? Time for you to figure out how he did it and then vote (you have to be there to vote). Dan is now at Art Prize in Grand Rapids, MI. Some people like to compete in 100 mile races, Dan chooses to speak eloquently about bravery and freedom through wood. His tribute is magnificent. Check out SOME GIVE ALL, the spectacular work of Dan Kaminski and Kaminski Creations if you are anywhere near Grand Rapids. Live far from there? Then check out his passionate craftsmanship here.