Post date: Jul 5, 2011 4:51:38 PM
Today's new art piece is titled, "Why Me?". It is 36" wide x 14" deep x 26" high. It has a revolving base, to view both sides. On the bottom is the statement, "I just wanted to___?___, then sit on the front porch and enjoy life. However most relationships worked against my good intentions".
It's about my relationships with couples. Have never had a problem with dealing with males or females on an individual basis. However, getting caught in the middle of both of them, in the same place, at the same time, can be quite an experience. When the situation is a good one, it can be quite entertaining. When, there is a conflict or the possibility for one, you ask yourself, "do I really want to be involved with this"?
The most volatile ones, happen to be when you do a project that is personal to both of them. You develop individual relationships with each, but somehow find yourself being buttered up to be pitted against the other in a critical decision down the road. Your aim is to do the best job possible for them BOTH. You can't really take a side either way, but like kids, they'll try to convince you why they need this or that, even though they know the other may not agree or that it's not the RIGHT thing to do. They just want to have things their way. Also like kids, they pout, slam doors and refuse to answer necessary questions. You are there to help and apply your professional skills and capabilities. Even though I have always told all of my clientele up front, "we have to do A before we can do B", "we don't want the tail wagging the dog", "I'm not interested in designing a CAMEL....a horse designed by committee" or "if you really want all of these extra things, one or both of you need to get a part-time job. I ain't God", they still in their own coy or blunt way keep trying to hammer away at you.
The worst, actually the best thing that may happen, is that they conspire with one another to aid and abet each other to get their ways. YOU ARE NOW THE ENEMY. In a strange way, it is the moment that calms the rough seas for all. It is the first time that they have often listened and thought out what they really want to accomplish and can afford. There is still some of the "me or I", but you hear a lot more "we". There will still be a few more temper tantrums down the road, but as things get accomplished and the "big picture" becomes clearer and they see the logic behind what you were trying to accomplish for them BOTH, they back up more and more and leave you alone so you can go home and sit on the porch, enjoy the sunset and enjoy your accomplishments of the day.
People often ask me what the most difficult project I ever designed or built. Most think it would be a hospital, research facility, hotel, high-rise condominium or other large scale project. They find it hard to believe that it was a simple little addition or remodel for a nice cuddly couple.
Again, thank all of you for your little messages. Is rather intriguing what people remember about you or how they still wonder what makes you tick or goes on inside your mind. Maybe I was just born with a Midas touch and mind.
Just remembered how Obama was extremely happy to have reached a compromise and not have the government shut down. As he proudly stated in front of the Lincoln Memorial, "because of our efforts, the doors to this great monument are open today"......I don't believe it has any doors. I'm just so glad he's in control and running and taking care of my life. I feel so secure.
JOHN MICHAEL
(To see photos of the above art piece "Why Me?", go to https://sites.google.cm/site/jmdodigartphotos )