The Pencillarium Story
Published in Left of the Lake Magazine Nov. 2017
I really try to keep this column separate from my business (ArtWorks: 4513 Sheridan Road, Kenosha WI. 53140), but occasionally there is an overwhelming confluence of circumstances that makes that impossible; this is one of those times. The atmosphere at the shop is electric and the buzz is being generated from a very unlikely source - the pencil.
Not long ago, ArtWorks stocked an impressive array of art materials. While it was never profitable, I enjoyed being in a position to help students and fellow artists. But as the market changed, I decided I'd just carry the essentials. For a brief moment, I entertained the ridiculous idea of just stocking drawing supplies. I draw, I teach drawing, I've used pencils my whole life, so it made sense to me. Even though I've always loved pencils, the idea seemed to crazy to implement. I chickened out and went back to stocking a small range of supply staples.
A couple of months ago, I stumbled upon Caroline Weaver and her pencil shop, CW Pencil Enterprise. Her modest 200 sq. ft. shop, based in Manhattan, was packed with a selection of wood-cased pencils, erasers, sharpeners, and sketchbooks from around the world. Wait, what? A pencil shop? The reality that a dedicated pencil shop existed (and was doing well) hit me hard. I get preachy about following your dreams and doing what you love, but this time I was the one who was rationalizing. I was the one making excuses and compromising. Lesson learned. The wonderful thing about an idea is that it is rarely too late to implement it, and the Pencillarium was born! I encourage you to come in and test drive a few pencils. There are notable differences and it takes a little time to find the pencil that is perfect for you. I am specializing in vintage pencils; they are amazing, still affordable, and how cool will it feel to jot down your grocery list with a 60 year old pencil?
A pencil is a real, tactile, and ultimately wonderful tool. A pencil mark is direct, Using a pencil is a universally shared experience and I think we could use a few more positive examples at the moment.
Chet Griffith
A note to Caroline Weaver: I sincerely hope you regard ArtWorks Pencillarium as an ally in the analog revolution. Thank you for doing "something crazy" and following your dreams. It was instrumental in the realization that it is o.k. to follow mine as well.
Caroline responded:
Thank you for spreading the pencil love to your neck of the woods! I'm always here if I can be of any support.
Fondly,
Caroline
Not long ago, ArtWorks stocked an impressive array of art materials. While it was never profitable, I enjoyed being in a position to help students and fellow artists. But as the market changed, I decided I'd just carry the essentials. For a brief moment, I entertained the ridiculous idea of just stocking drawing supplies. I draw, I teach drawing, I've used pencils my whole life, so it made sense to me. Even though I've always loved pencils, the idea seemed to crazy to implement. I chickened out and went back to stocking a small range of supply staples.
A couple of months ago, I stumbled upon Caroline Weaver and her pencil shop, CW Pencil Enterprise. Her modest 200 sq. ft. shop, based in Manhattan, was packed with a selection of wood-cased pencils, erasers, sharpeners, and sketchbooks from around the world. Wait, what? A pencil shop? The reality that a dedicated pencil shop existed (and was doing well) hit me hard. I get preachy about following your dreams and doing what you love, but this time I was the one who was rationalizing. I was the one making excuses and compromising. Lesson learned. The wonderful thing about an idea is that it is rarely too late to implement it, and the Pencillarium was born! I encourage you to come in and test drive a few pencils. There are notable differences and it takes a little time to find the pencil that is perfect for you. I am specializing in vintage pencils; they are amazing, still affordable, and how cool will it feel to jot down your grocery list with a 60 year old pencil?
A pencil is a real, tactile, and ultimately wonderful tool. A pencil mark is direct, Using a pencil is a universally shared experience and I think we could use a few more positive examples at the moment.
Chet Griffith
A note to Caroline Weaver: I sincerely hope you regard ArtWorks Pencillarium as an ally in the analog revolution. Thank you for doing "something crazy" and following your dreams. It was instrumental in the realization that it is o.k. to follow mine as well.
Caroline responded:
Thank you for spreading the pencil love to your neck of the woods! I'm always here if I can be of any support.
Fondly,
Caroline
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