The Artwork:

Every single box is delicately chosen for it's crafted quality. It is then sanded to perfection. A design of choice is drawn onto the top of the box, and then with no more than a blade, bare hands and extreme intricacy and care, the drawing is carved into the surface. Once she is satisfied with the detail of the carving, the wood is again sanded to a perfect touch, pre-treated and carefully stained.  She then paints the design, each one completely original BECAUSE of the fact that these are not simply "Made" or reproduced, rather, created. After the artwork has been perfected, a final sanding to assure flawless surfaces, and then a  quality sealant gloss coat to enhance and keep the box as beautiful as the day it was made for all time. Each piece, done by hand, by the artist, and naturally, takes anywhere from 3 to 5 days to fully complete. Each box comes with "A Word From The Artist", a certificate explaining the meaning of the piece - both historically and from the "artist's eye" - and each is also stamped and signed by the artist.

 

Each design on each "One of A Kind" box has a meaning. Usually, it is a design that starts with a 'universal' symbol or idea who's history and meaning somehow spoke to myself as the artist or personally means something to me, and is then incorporated with the inspiration and artwork to make it individual and unique.



The following are some examples of the "Method to My Madness." Through special inquiries, you can work with me for different designs, colors, stains, and boxes. The possibilities are endless! And you could soon have your very own EJ original! :o)

Also known as the Chaos Theory, the "Butterfly Effect" is a theory which states that the flutter of a butterfly's wings in China could then lead to a storm in, say, Canada. This is my favorite piece so far, as it is 100% original (Meaning, not a logo or symbol that existed before it) and it incorporates the idea of the Butterfly Effect in a "Flip Mode" to the original, implying that even the smallest random act of kindness can then lead to more, and bigger movements of kindness and love.



This one is also endearing to me, especially because I came up with it for my wife. We were 'married' on May 14th 2004, being the first LGBT couple to have a ceremony at the beautiful MeadowBrook Hall of Rochester, and we released butterflies that day to symbolize our new beginning together. Either way you look at a butterfly, it symbolizes beautiful things.

The Kokopelli is an ancient Native American (Anasani) sign, originating possibly from the Hopi and Zuni legend, which believes he brought on fertility, also that he brought well-being to the people, assuring success in hunting and harvest. It was believed that he warms the earth with the sweet music of his flute.

The Labrys is one of my favorite symbols. It started because it is the name of my wife's and my favorite vacation site in the whole world (Check out the link to Labrys Wilderness Resort on my Links page). We spent our honeymoon there, and have visited at least once a year since, and even hope to one day move to the area. However, as I did my research for LGBT symbols, I learned the history of the Labrys. It is, in it's original form, a double-edged axe or hatchet, believed to have possibly been used for clearing ground and found in central Asia and Turkey as far back as 6,000 BC, and later was used in battle by predominantly matriarchal tribes throughout the world. In the 70's it was found and borrowed from it's ancient symbolism by a movement of lesbian and feminist organizations, because it's origin symbolized the strength in women as a whole. In this piece of work, I combined the Labrys with the universal female symbol, and enhanced the idea of women in movement by surrounding the design with flames of rainbow colors. I would love to see this symbol ressurect and become more popular again.

This design I drew years ago, in hope of coming up with a unique tattoo. However, I modified it and added the color since then. I think it speaks for itself, but I am expressing here the uniting of two women, and the rainbow triangle and heart obviously represent that love, commitment, and pride. The cresent moon again represents the new beginning, or the dawning of a better day, and the dissipating string of black triangles into the crest of the heart relates to the dying of prejudice. This also is an original, borrowing and incorporating universal symbols.

This one I really like. All too often, the transgendered community is overlooked, mostly because it is least understood. Myself included actually, for until recently I just didn't "get it". But I got caught up in a documentary type show called TransGeneration, and it fascinated me especially because it was something I did not understand. It made me realize how people must have felt when I came out as a lesbian, because until I took the time to understand, transexuals made me very uncomfortable, too. But since then I have done my homework, and it has taught me all the more just how important it is for each and every one of us to unite in our differences, and embrace them instead of run from them. The symbol I chose for this piece is a less popular of two, but I liked it a lot because it roots from mythology. It is the sign for Mercury, who was the father of hermaphroditus, which I feel sends a message, being that it's loving use extends from the parent of the individual. The cross extending down the spine represents femininity, and the cresent moon at the top of the crown represents masculinity. I especially liked this piece and how it came out because it reflects on the embracing of all sexuality, and ultimate unity.

This old Celtic symbol has been viewed as a sign of the sun, as the sun spirals in it's movement around the Earth every 3 months. Because of this, it is also recognized in relation to pregnancy, the afterlife, or rebirth. Here I incorporated it with the rainbow triangle because it is a simple yet endearing interpretation of the joining of a new beginning and unity.

The triple moon is a symbol that has been around since Pagan times, and is still honored today in Wicca, though it is not exclusive. It is believed to be a representation of the three aspects of the moon (Waxing, waning and full) and therefore also represents womankind (Mother, Maiden, and Crone) and is often recognized as a Goddess symbol. Also, it is associated with feminine energy, mystery, and psychic ability. Here, I join the triple moon with the aspect of a sun and a tree, representing the oneness of all circles and rotations of life, which I believe to be a necessary trait of a woman's quest for inner peace.

The "yin-yang" similar symbol in this piece, which also has the male AND female symbols in it's tail, is a symbol originated and recognized in Austrailia for 'bisexuality' or 'Sexual Unity'. I just loved the idea of this one, especially because of the inclination of the yin & yang, which we all know represents that all things are one in the same, and the hand in the air represents that unity we all hope to one day achieve. You can't see in this photo, but the word *U*N*I*T*Y* is also carved and painted onto the side of the triangle box.