Why we love Bamboo rods?
Why we look at them as pieces of art?
Why we take care of them with such kind of protective feeling?
Why at winter time, we take them out of their tubes only to take a look?
Why we walk proudly when we go into the river with one of them?
Why we always want a search for a new acquisition to our collection?
Why we wait up to 4 years to get one on order from an "x" rod maker?
Well to many whys...
I believe that something has to do with the attraction that "man" has had with wood. Wood was the first supplier of heat and lighting. As all "natural materials" it gave us a special "touch" and we feel protected.
It would seem that wood has transmitted to us a warm and confidence sensation over centuries.
Think that when we want to make some place "warm" always the wood is there, like a living room or the interior of a sophisticated car. Another important issue seems to be the "unique" properties of any bamboo rod, because all have their own "character" their own "soul".
Just imagine for one second if your woman or your children were all the same, same looking, same name, same character... I already know... I'm exaggerating, but think for a moment, what would make us love, pro weave or take care of them... What make our family or our friends so special?.
And now, what happen with graphite rods?. We know that they are many other over there with the same character, the same looking and if something happen we can get a new one. That's why we don't feel the same for them.
Another thought is the pleasure to own a part of history with us. We know that any rod was made with care and protection, with properties methods and we know that they are irreplaceable, and we are the "guards" for this "tradition".
Well to much for today, is raining the shop is alone and I need to write just what it comes to mind. I'll love to know your thoughts about this "whys", so please use the "comments" button and we can arrive to some conclusion.
(Picture by Sante Giuliani)
Monday, September 10, 2007
Why... Bamboo?
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4 comments:
Nice post Marcelo. When It took the photo you posted it was for a photo challenge on the Olympus Digital Camera Forum, it was taken with my Olympus C5050z 5 MP digital camera. The object of the challenge was indirect lighting.
In the photo you can see a copy of Ed Engles Book "Splitting Cane" and in front of it a Robichaud Trout Reel and a very early Bogdan Model 0 Salmon Reel. There is also an etched crystal glass of Highland Park Single Malt Whisky known as the "water of life" and a Boris Becker handmade pipe and hand made Damascus Folder by bladesmith Daniel Winkler.
The entire scene is in my antique display case with glass shelves and under the glass are 3 candles burning to supply the only light for the photo meeting the criteria of the challenge.
I chose candles for their warmth of lighting and the fact that fire and warmth was important to all the elements of the photo as well.
Thanks for sharing what you wrote and my photo as well. Regards....
banjo
Banjo, your picture transmit for itself that special sensation of "warm" that I tried to explain at my post. I can't imagine any other picture that do it with such authority. Thank you friend.
I meant to say Fritz Becker for the pipe I got distracted when the phone rang.....
banjo
Hi Marcelo,
A thoughtful and heartwarming post!
I find patterns, feel and texture of bamboo and wood embodying something alive. I fish because I want to feel alive and the living-fighting fish at the end of the flyline gives me that feeling. The craft of bamboo rodmaking retains and enhances these living patterns and therein lie the uniqueness and beauty of cane compared to the repetitive molded falseness of plastic rods.
Finally, there is the effort of the maker shown in every aspect of the rod be it in finish or design. This is why I love old rods but prefer customized cutting edge bamboo designs like yours… I can feel and deeply appreciate the passion and craft while fishing or merely admiring the works.
Keep up your craft my friend!
Arthur
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