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Paul Graybeal: Rock Harvester / Owner, Moonlight Gemstones / Custom Silversmith & Lapidary

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Manage episode 357094677 series 3326212
Content provided by Sagewolf. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Sagewolf or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

@marfarockshop
moonlightgemstones.com
The scene:
We are in Marfa, Texas at Paul’s rock shop sitting in the back workshop where all the magic happens - where rocks you kick become beautiful jewelry. For me, this is an intentional return trip to Marfa to see Paul again and absorb more of the magic I feel when I’m in this part of Texas. Last time, I bought a beautiful turquoise and silver ring that one of Paul’s apprentices made. His shop could easily be a museum; it is unreal what beauty our earth is able to create from elements. Join us for a brief history through Paul’s adventures and trade.
Highlights:
+ Lapidary = one who cuts, polishes, or engraves gems.
+ Moved to TX in 1984 for a job at the observatory
+ Started by collecting agate as a hobby
+ He’s a surface collector as opposed to a digger
+ Armadillo races with Jalapeño Sam
+ An article featuring his jewelry got him fired from a pump job
+ Ended up in Marfa because it was “cheap” (20 yrs ago)
+ Apprentices are good labor if they’re competent
+ Staying somewhere because you can’t afford to leave
+ Surviving breaking your leg in the wilderness
+ Crawling out from the debt of medical bills
+ His employees typically learn and move on
+ Finding a good balance with helpers and prioritizing your own work time
+ Feeling “too generous”
+ Political intolerance is extreme in TX
+ America is founded on genocide
+ “A blueberry in a strawberry field”
+ Having a science background in an industry associated with mystical properties
+ Being given access to private property
+ Agates in TX
+ Feeling outcast for not participating in local catholic religious activities
+ Being seen as part of “the invasion of Marfa” (by white people)
+ Every day is a surprise
+ Political corruption, abortion rights, religious rule
+ Seeking a “progressive environment” / the decay of America
+ Working in the service fixing radios
A taste:
“When somebody comes to me and says, ‘Can I learn , can I apprentice?’ well, it’s a benefit to me because I gain labor - if they’re a competent person, and that’s been the case with a number of very talented young people that want to learn.”
Favorite saying:
“I can’t believe I’m getting away with selling rocks in the desert.”

Support the show

Thank you for listening!
Please subscribe to support this project.
Love, Sagewolf xoxo

  continue reading

73 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 357094677 series 3326212
Content provided by Sagewolf. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Sagewolf or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

@marfarockshop
moonlightgemstones.com
The scene:
We are in Marfa, Texas at Paul’s rock shop sitting in the back workshop where all the magic happens - where rocks you kick become beautiful jewelry. For me, this is an intentional return trip to Marfa to see Paul again and absorb more of the magic I feel when I’m in this part of Texas. Last time, I bought a beautiful turquoise and silver ring that one of Paul’s apprentices made. His shop could easily be a museum; it is unreal what beauty our earth is able to create from elements. Join us for a brief history through Paul’s adventures and trade.
Highlights:
+ Lapidary = one who cuts, polishes, or engraves gems.
+ Moved to TX in 1984 for a job at the observatory
+ Started by collecting agate as a hobby
+ He’s a surface collector as opposed to a digger
+ Armadillo races with Jalapeño Sam
+ An article featuring his jewelry got him fired from a pump job
+ Ended up in Marfa because it was “cheap” (20 yrs ago)
+ Apprentices are good labor if they’re competent
+ Staying somewhere because you can’t afford to leave
+ Surviving breaking your leg in the wilderness
+ Crawling out from the debt of medical bills
+ His employees typically learn and move on
+ Finding a good balance with helpers and prioritizing your own work time
+ Feeling “too generous”
+ Political intolerance is extreme in TX
+ America is founded on genocide
+ “A blueberry in a strawberry field”
+ Having a science background in an industry associated with mystical properties
+ Being given access to private property
+ Agates in TX
+ Feeling outcast for not participating in local catholic religious activities
+ Being seen as part of “the invasion of Marfa” (by white people)
+ Every day is a surprise
+ Political corruption, abortion rights, religious rule
+ Seeking a “progressive environment” / the decay of America
+ Working in the service fixing radios
A taste:
“When somebody comes to me and says, ‘Can I learn , can I apprentice?’ well, it’s a benefit to me because I gain labor - if they’re a competent person, and that’s been the case with a number of very talented young people that want to learn.”
Favorite saying:
“I can’t believe I’m getting away with selling rocks in the desert.”

Support the show

Thank you for listening!
Please subscribe to support this project.
Love, Sagewolf xoxo

  continue reading

73 episodes

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