Five years ago during our honeymoon in Hawaii, Brian and I stopped at a little restaurant on the way from the Kona airport to our first rental cabin in Hamakua. It’s name is Cafe Pesto, and it’s located in the tiny village of Kawaihae on the Kohala peninsula. Remembering the place fondly, we visited it again last week and were happy to find it still in business. As we recalled, its walls were decorated by the Harbor Gallery next door, giving patrons something to gaze at if conversation lags.
You know if there’s a gallery in sight, I’m headed to it. We spent at least an hour wandering through the koa creations, photos, jewelry and other artwork. Upstairs at Mountain Gold, we struck up a conversation with proprietor and jeweler Moses Thrasher, who has specialized in creating custom jewelry on the Big Island for more than two decades. He told us that he was the original creator of Hawaiian whale tail jewelry and other island-themed charms. I personally love his tiny honu charm and have added it to my wishlist.
After wrapping up our conversation with Moses, we headed back downstairs to talk to Harbor Gallery owner Gunner Mench. As I mentioned, I’m a fan of the work of Victoria McCormick and I inquired if she had any numbered prints available. Although she’s no longer issuing them, Gunner helped us dig through his inventory and we found several older limited editions. We liked what we saw, but I mentioned that what I really wanted was one of my favorite images of hers, even though the limited edition had long since sold out. To our surprise, Gunner immediately picked up the phone and called Victoria to ask if she had any numbered prints remaining from the extremely popular series. She did! She had reserved a small number of artist proofs and was willing to sell us one at an excellent price. “Done!,” I responded. He arranged to pick it up from her and had it for us at his gallery the very next day. What amazing service!
Big thanks to Victoria, Gunner and Harbor Gallery for adding to my photography collection. As a result of Gunner’s efforts, Brian and I are now the proud owners of a one-of-a-kind print of The Journey Home and a limited edition of Point of Tranquility. It really pays to ask for what you want, doesn’t it?
Do you have an example of a time when overcoming fear and asking for what you really wanted landed you something great? Please share! We love hearing your stories.
Mahalo,
P.S., I know we’re on a world trip and I wrote a whole post about not acquiring any new stuff, but when it comes to art, I have very limited control. What can I say, I’m a collector! When we’re done in Hawaii, we’ll send the prints home to be stored safely until our return.
Kate - Thanks, Cassandra! Of course, asking for you want doesn’t always work. I’ve asked a couple of folks about art lessons recently and haven’t heard anything yet… Maybe it’s not the right time or place.
Kate - Thanks, Cassandra! Of course, asking for you want doesn’t always work. I’ve asked a couple of folks about art lessons recently and haven’t heard anything yet… Maybe it’s not the right time or place.
Coach Cassandra Rae - *very cool*
Recently a client asked me if we could reschedule and I was like, “Yup, no problem.” I gave her exactly what she requested and then I said, “See…all ya had to do was ask!”
It really is that easy.