Keith Abbey Building in Miniature
From the Hands of the Creators series by J. Mara Morrison and James R. Morrison
“I build them like they did 100 years ago. Instead of nails they used pegs. Instead of pegs, I use toothpicks and glue.�
Hands of the Creators
“The need to create, make and repair is as vital to their existence as breathing.�
Hands of the Creators is a portrait series featuring individuals who use their hands to turn something raw and rough into a refined object or an inspiring project. Our goal is to visually capture the intensity and joy these people find in their creative pursuits. The need to create, make and repair is as vital to their existence as breathing. Their passion brings a deep satisfaction from seeing the result of their labors - a sense of accomplishment that provides pleasure, meaning, and pride. A carver who creates designs in wood. Sculptors who bring shape to clay, stone or metal. Individuals who have the ability to repair a leak, help build a bridge or extend the life of our favorite shoes. Skilled tradespeople, whether a carpenter, electrician, or an ironworker. People whose hobbies transforms their lives. Writers who by the action of putting pen to paper, change our perception of the world around us. These are the unique people who serve as our inspiration. If you know someone in the Sacramento area who is in the trades, or takes special pride in their craft or hobby or an artisan who creates with his or her hands, please contact us. We would be interested in interviewing them. Thank you. James @Jamesrmorrison.com
Jmara@jamesrmorrison.com
Keith Abbey Building in Miniature
From the Hands of the Creators series Photography by James R. Morrison Story by J. Mara Morrison Copyrighted 2015 All Rights Reserved
JamesRMorrison.com
JMara@JamesRMorrison.com
James@JamesRMorrison.com
“I build them like they did 100 years ago. Instead of nails they used pegs. Instead of pegs, I use toothpicks and glue.�
When we described our portrait series, Hands of the Creators, to our friend Jay, he told us we had to meet his wife's father, Keith Abbey. We met Keith, a few weeks later at his home in Fair Oaks. He welcomed us with enthusiasm as he led us to his garage. We stood in awe at the sight before us. On the side wall was a small workbench laden with diminutive tools. Stuffed in drawers of various sizes was an array of building materials. Weathered Wyoming snow fencing, tongue depressors, and recycled barn wood were stacked in a corner. Flea market finds and antique store selections fought for space. The current design/build project stood half completed on his workbench. Intrigued by the man and his unusual craft, we agreed to photograph him the following week.
The photo shoot was a collaborative effort with Keith and his wife, Shirley. Both were perplexed and enthralled by our interest in his structures. Although basic in design, we were captivated by the creative process and immaculate detailing we found in his work. Later when we interviewed Keith, we noticed him rubbing two thin slats of wood together with such vigor you expected flames to ignite. When we asked Keith what motivated him to create his designs, his hands stilled. He chuckled softly and reached into his memory to share the first attempt at building in miniature. "It began some twenty years ago when my oldest grandson was required to produce a unique book report. The report had to be in a form other than writing. Together we built a miniature house, prominently featured in the book he read. To my chagrin he only received an A- on the project.”
Detail from the General Store
Keith stood up and beckoned us into his office. On a shelf above his desk stood a “village” of finely crafted miniature structures. Each one a reflection of Keith's design, and meeting his particular scale. "If the current design doesn't fit on the shelf in my office, it doesn't get built.” He added, “I don't use plans. If I did I would be compelled to follow them. I build them like they did 100 years ago. Instead of nails they used pegs. Instead of pegs, I use toothpicks and glue.”
Curious, we asked Keith where he found the unique materials for his small scale projects. He reveled in sharing his treasure hunting adventures with his wife and life partner. "Shirley and I have visited 47 states since 1994. Our first trip after retirement took 4 1/2 months and we drove 18,000 miles. Every place we travel fuels our imagination for my next project, or provides the materials to build one.” The old West has had an obvious influence on the nature and structure of Keith’s miniature buildings. A man with common sense, admitted Christian values and a deeply ingrained sense of humor that enlivens his point of view, he shared his favorite topic. "I love reading westerns. Authors like Louis L'Amour and Dusty Richards made the West come alive for me. Things were pretty clear-cut in the Old West. If you stole a horse you hung for it. A man's handshake was his bond. Those were the days when a man knew his value and a day’s work meant something.” In photographing the people for our portrait series, we discovered a deeper need driving our subjects creative expression. Abbey was no exception. A man used to getting the details right, he shared the frustration of never feeling a sense of accomplishing something he could actually see. “I worked in the insurance industry for forty years, twenty of those self employed with Shirley. In relation to the everyday work I performed, I never got a sense of finishing what I started. When I create these miniature buildings I see my goal. Tangible proof I completed something. It brings me satisfaction to know at the end of the day, I can say, I did that."
Son-in-law Jay Dudley observes, “Keith’s creations emerge from a tapestry of influences forming a legacy of creativity-replications of his own values, chief of which is good humor. His shop holds a variety of miniature buildings in various stages of design and completion. Innovative use of materials and special tools produce details masterfully. Keith's wife, Shirley is an idea person, an encourager, and perfectionist who places the paint wherever it’s needed, adding another touch of creativity to the miniature structures. The final result is an extension of their lifelong partnership.” We want to thank Keith and Shirley Abbey for welcoming us into their home, with camera, lights and recorder. We also thank Jay Dudley for his collaboration, prose and support.
The following pages are a small selection of Keith’s work.
The General Store
The precision in Keith’s structures, either crafted or collected, reveal his passion for detail. The old pot bellied stove beckons the passerby to come in, browse, and take a seat by the stove to enjoy a game of checkers.
Adobe Abode
The adobe structures Keith and Shirley admired in Arizona inspired a miniature building featuring pots of cactus, a donkey cart and an oven with fresh bread cooling. “I used Durham cement for my adobe, but it kept cracking. A friend told me to mix milk with the cement and it wouldn't crack. It worked,� Keith explained.
Fishing Matters
Keith built the bait and tackle shop for his son in law. The detail in the fly rods, boxes of flies, and the dingy roped at the dock are a strong indicators of where one of Jay's interest lies.
Wyoming Snow Fences
“I knew this young man. His mother-in-law lived next door to us. She was using old snow fence boards as wainscoting around one room. I asked the young man for some of the old boards. He gave me a stack and in a few months, he brought me another.� The boards were acquired in a contract with the state of Wyoming to replace worn out snow fences. The young man and his wife live in a small town in Wyoming. His wife was assisted in giving birth by a midwife who would not take money for her services. So the man asked Keith to make her something out of the fencing. For this Wyoming midwife, Keith created an Old West Wyoming street scene featuring (sequentially from right to left) a saloon, a pawn shop, and a brothel—complete with a red light. The implication that a cowboy had to get nearly drunk, and hoc his spurs before going to the brothel so pleased the midwife that she has it prominently displayed in her home.
Keith Abbey Building in Miniature
From the Hands of the Creators series by J. Mara Morrison and James R. Morrison Copyrighted 2015 All Rights Reserved Photography by James R. Morrison Story by J. Mara Morrison Contributing Writer Jay Dudley JamesRMorrison.com JMara@JamesRMorrison.com James@JamesRMorrison.com