Last night we heard the loud noise of helicopters circling for a long time. Later, on the news, we heard that Joseph Gatto a resident of Silverlake was found shot dead in his home, only blocks from where we live. His son, Mike Gatto an Assemblyman, was shown on the news smiling in a photo taken last year. Life can change in an instant.
I met Joe when I sold him a vintage Danish teak desk that I had restored. He loved the desk with it's many small drawers which he said he would use as his jewelry making desk.
Many of those who come by for my restored mid century furniture are young professionals and "hipsters" who barely look up from their phones. For many, the concept of natural wood grain and patina must be explained.
Joe was refreshing, warm and engaging. A smiling man of gentle, positive energy, obviously a man of very fine patina himself.
We spent a long time talking over that desk. When Joe mentioned his son Mike I could see the proud loving look inside his eyes.
Joe said that he loved mid century furniture and art. When he smiled his whole face lit up. His hands were artistic and strong like sculpture but what was most apparent was Joe's loving heart.
We talked about my work we talked about his work. He was as a teacher. We shared a passion for design and art. We talked about jewelry making and mixing materials. I told him how I used to sculpt jewelry of clay and stone and how I would often experiment and mix other materials, he said he loved that. He talked about his jewlery and when he showed me a photo of one of his pieces I was amazed.
Joe was truly an artist.
We talked about wood and stone sculpture we talked about reviving old things. I was surprised to hear that Joe personally knew Sam Maloof the furniture maker (my favorite) he spoke fondly of his departed friend.
In the news today, they said that Joe was found slumped over a desk. I wonder if it was the same desk that I had restored and sold to him that day, that same desk we talked over.
A teak roll top desk with lots of drawers and cubby spaces. Spaces he said he planned to use for his precious work. He told me that he also liked that he could simply pull down the roll top and hide the mess even in mid process. That made us both laugh.
Many of those who come by for my restored mid century furniture are young professionals and "hipsters" who barely look up from their phones. For many, the concept of natural wood grain and patina must be explained. Joe was refreshing, warm and engaging. A smiling man of gentle, positive energy, obviously a man of very fine patina himself.
We spent a long time talking over that desk. When Joe mentioned his son Mike I could see the proud loving look inside his eyes.
Joe said that he loved mid century furniture and art. When he smiled his whole face lit up. His hands were artistic and strong like sculpture but what was most apparent was Joe's loving heart.
We talked about my work we talked about his work. He was as a teacher. We shared a passion for design and art. We talked about jewelry making and mixing materials. I told him how I used to sculpt jewelry of clay and stone and how I would often experiment and mix other materials, he said he loved that. He talked about his jewlery and when he showed me a photo of one of his pieces I was amazed.
Joe was truly an artist.
We talked about wood and stone sculpture we talked about reviving old things. I was surprised to hear that Joe personally knew Sam Maloof the furniture maker (my favorite) he spoke fondly of his departed friend.
I asked Joe if he would ever consider teaching how to make jewelry sculpted in sliver. I would love to learn his method but he said he was long retired from teaching.
Later, after almost 90 minutes of talking, just as he went to leave, he turned to me and said that if I could find at least 3 people together (who were artists) and who also wanted to learn, he might reconsider and teach again. I told him that I would be honored and yes that I would do!
I still have his card.
Later, after almost 90 minutes of talking, just as he went to leave, he turned to me and said that if I could find at least 3 people together (who were artists) and who also wanted to learn, he might reconsider and teach again. I told him that I would be honored and yes that I would do!
I still have his card.
Joe was positive, supportive and encouraging. He was full of passion, you could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice. He loved life.
In the news today, they said that Joe was found slumped over a desk. I wonder if it was the same desk that I had restored and sold to him that day, that same desk we talked over.
A teak roll top desk with lots of drawers and cubby spaces. Spaces he said he planned to use for his precious work. He told me that he also liked that he could simply pull down the roll top and hide the mess even in mid process. That made us both laugh.
I did not really know Joe but somehow, I feel like I did. Weird.
I guess it's important to remember, how in each moment of passing connection we can affect one another.
Moments matter.
Thank you Joe.
Thank you Joe.
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