Crafts Business Magazine

Like the double life of mild-mannered Clark Kent, Gary Traczyk dons a special suit when property and lives are threatened by fire or other emergencies. But instead of cape and tights, Traczyk puts on a helmet and waterproof/fireproof gear as a firefighter and paramedic with the Miami-Dade Fire Department.  

Unlike Superman though, going to the rescue is what his "normal" day is like.   When he is not giving oxygen and climbing ladders, he is creating stainless steel kinetic sculptures "inspired by his own spiritual emotion and expression," that he sells mostly in California and Florida, and donates to nonprofit organizations like Operation Smile.

The double lives of craftspeople are not unusual and the reasons for them are as varied as the works the artists create.   One of the driving forces behind this lifestyle is the need for a steady income - definitely not one of the advantages of life as a professional craftsperson.

"The culture of craft artists is such that you almost have to have a day job that provides some stability.   Crafts is such a volatile market!," says Jack Fifield, a dentist by day, a woodturner and sculptor the rest of the time.

Fifield learned woodturning while attending dental school and for years it remained a hobby.   Eventually, he taught his skills to his wife, Linda, who creates what she calls beaded baskets but which are actually hollow turned wood vessels that she covers with beads and a netting stitch.

Read more in this issue of Crafts Business