-1 Chronicles 22:15
I was imbued at an early age with love and earnest appreciation of art and crafts. My father was a public teacher and electrician by trade, starving artist by nature. My dad was a man who would rather share and give away his creations and gain friendship than profit. The way he would see it, he'd rather have a laugh with a stranger than bear the burden of having to collect money. This along with his other eccentricities was reason enough for my mom to leave him. He was heartbroken, but his love for art and his craft only intensified. What was once a source of joy also became a source of solace. As a kid, I was completely immersed.
Looking back, life as a youngster living with a temperamental artist for a single parent was tough, but I do have many fond memories of growing up with him. I remember the early morning beach walks looking for see glasses, odd shaped rocks, and driftwood. I remember the annual gathering of local artist and meeting all sorts of wonderful people who make a living doing what they love. I remember the World War II anti-aircraft artillery shell that he and his buddies dug up from the dock and, using a bench vice and a hacksaw, managed to remove the projectile and the propellant charge without getting blown to kingdom come. It was an accomplishment. What was left of it, the brass cartridge case, became the exhaust pipe of his Suzuki B120. It was bold, it was fun, it was loud- just like my dad.
My creative dad met his Creator not too long ago but he still lives in me. I have his eyes to appreciate beauty, his hands to create, and even some of his temperament to liven things up. Like him I also find solace in the act of creating art and in supporting others who create.
Allow me to show you some of the exciting crafts that we have been developing here at FraternalTies in partnership with craftsmen from all over the world. Everything that we do is designed by a Freemason (yours truly), for Freemasons.
Hand made in Dallas, Texas USA by a local artist and grandmother. Her grandfather was a Shriner Mason.
Hand carved in Uttar Pradesh, India by local artisans.
Made with ebony wood and genuine Canadian leather.
Hand carved in Karnataka, India by local artisans.
Hand carved in Uttar Pradesh, India by local artisans.
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Made in USA
That all for now my friends. We really appreciate the support that you have generously given us through the years. Thank you.
If you would like to know when any of these products will become available, please follow us in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or join our mailing list.
John Paul Gomez
Author
Bro. John Paul Gomez (aka Paul, JP, JPG) is a graphics designer by trade and a full-time father-of-4. He is currently the WM-Elect at Doric Lodge No. 316 AF&AM in Ontario, Canada. He is an honorary member of Harmonie Lodge No. 699 F&AM in Buffalo, New York. In his youth, he was a member of the International Order of DeMolay Occidental Mindoro Philippines Chapter and the Thomas Michael Sherry Priory Order of Knighthood. He is a wanabee Muaythai fighter.