restorersmind

I spend most of my days fixing things.

In my capacity as an independent restorer/repairer of violin family instruments, I am generally to be found at my workbench, sporting a fine layer of wood dust and the slight aroma of spirit varnish.

I work in my home, which I purchased in 2010. My house was built c.1900 and so figures into my list of beautiful old things to which I apply my “restorer’s mind”. In short, there are plenty of things around here that want fixing besides the fiddles.

In fact, I live in the small city of Holyoke, Massachusetts – a beautiful old city that has taken up the challenge of redefining itself in a post-manufacturing economy. I’ve done some traveling, not a lot, but some. Still, last night I stood by the first level canal and looked at the low yellow light on the old mill buildings and thought, this is among the most beautiful places I’ve set eyes on.

You’ve heard it a couple of times now – beautiful old… violin, house, city. I can’t help it. Things that are new and shiny have their place, but my being resonates with the object that already carries with it its own stories and perhaps even an evolving sense of purpose.

Thanks for reading my blog. If you would like to learn more about my work, please visit my website!

Stacey Styles

www.staceystyles.com