I've known of the Macchiarini workshop since the 1980's. I actually got to meet Dan's father. I've known Dan for several years (since working at the now defunct North End Cafe). In all the time I knew Dan prior to seeking him out to do a custom ordered ring, he never once tried to sell me on buying anything, including his idea of art.
I approached Dan several months ago about the possibility of melting down my wedding band (from a now defunct marriage) and creating something for me alone. The reasons behind this were simple:
A) Why let a perfectly good ring sit in a box somewhere, never to be seen again?
B) I didn't want the wedding band in its original form. What it represented had ended, but...
C) I was changed by that marriage. I was now the embodiment, both of the marriage and its aftermath. For me, that ring symbolized all of it.
So, to honor the marriage, the ex-wife and the experience of it all, I decided to create something wholly unique unto me, NOW, out of what once WAS.
Dan listened to me, my story and my intention. He showed me what he had under glass, so that I might get some ideas. I saw what I wanted in a ring, that was a marriage of his and his father's designs - PERFECT!!! Dan then implemented my suggestion of how to personalize the ring, making it wholly unique unto me. He drew a couple of designs, asked for my input, then made a couple of molds. I chose one. I entrusted him with my wedding band. He melted it down. He asked if I wanted to join him in the casting. Not only did I get to caste my ring, I got to break it free from its mold.
What is the big deal? This...
My life's blood, sweat and tears (17 years worth) were symbolized by that ring. It represented life, love, loss and all the experiences in between, such as travel, adventure, partnership, the birthing of a daughter, fatherhood, friends, growth, memories (happy and sad), betrayal, etc...I needed to feel that this symbol of my experience would be put into the hands of someone who would take great care in fashioning something new from something cherished. Something I would have a say in.
I entrusted that creation to Dan. And I am grateful for the experience of partaking in that process WITH someone I respect and trust.
The experience and its result were so rewarding, that I commissioned Dan to create a new ring, based on one of his designs, incorporating what are important symbols of spirituality/love and my daughter. The process was more involved and the results better than expected. We were this time around, engaging in a dialogue between caring, creative and trusted friends.
I benefited so much from these creative processes, that I purchased a workshop for my daughter, so that she herself might have the opportunity to experience creating something from nothing. Hopefully something that she will treasure and wear for as long as she cares to.
Thanks Dan!
I wholeheartedly believe in Dan's philosophy, creativity and artisan-ship. Any who care to enter into a creative exploration with Mr. Macchiarini will be the better for it!
Peace to you, and all who do, with you... read more