Do you know what "Payos" are? Well this artisan has two of them, read on to find out what the...

We're just going to jump right in here and get to know Yaakov, a facinating fellow to say the least.

My name is Yaakov Bar Am, (that’s “yaaa” as in yahoo! and “kov” like “swimmin’ in the ol’ cove”, “Bar” as in where one might drink, and “Am” as in “Ahhhhhhmmmmmm”) I wish I had a quarter for every time I said that. Now that I think about it, I wish I had a dollar for every dollar I have spent.

I live in Baltimore , Maryland ( Great City !!) with my wife and four children. I guess I have been an artist in some form most of my life. As a kid I loved to draw, then when I learned to play piano, I eventually started writing music of my own, and did the same with the guitar, then in college I discovered my love affair of watercolor painting, then after college I became a professional musician and am a member if ASCAP, and after I left the music world, my art work shifted direction again and I found woodworking and wood turning.

Although I have lived most of my live in the southeast U.S. I was born in California , and that state has a special place in my heart. My wife and I really “found each other” in San Francisco, and if I had a chance, I might consider moving out west to be in Northern California if I could afford it.

Do you have a day job, if so, do you mind sharing what you do with everyone?
Actually, I have a full-time day job and I have another business selling books. My “day job” is with Verizon Business. I am an analyst with Specialized Services Pricing and Contract Management. Are you still awake? It is a good job and best of all, I get to work from home! I get to be with my children more, and spend my lunch break in my fortress of solitude “the workshop.”

How did you choose your shop name?
My shop name is “Fby63” It stands for “Furniture by Yaakov”, and I’ll let you just guess what the 63 is for.

What has been your most challenging project? And how did it turn out?
A lot of my projects are challenging. I really enjoy Marquetry (the art of using wood to make pictures) and I really enjoy wood turning. A couple of months ago I created a pushke (collection box) with a lovely pomegranate scene on it. I love the challenge of finding just the right shade of wood for the pictures I make. Turning requires the ability to think fast and at times require spontaneous imagination. Sometimes I look at a block of wood, mount it up on the lathe, and I have a really good idea what I want to make, but some how, some way, the wood has something different to say, and something totally different comes out. Michael Angelo said that the statue was already in the stone, he just brought it out. Wood is the same way.

In your opinion what is the most important factor to running a successful on-line shop or business?
In today’s market, you have be dynamic. You can’t stand still or get set in your ways if you are a struggling artist. You have to take advantage of all forms of marketing your product. There are a lot of artist out there saying, “Look at me, look at me”, but you have to find way to make your voice heard. Think that is why I am writing you? You betta ya!

Have you ever had a project that didn't turn out well? If so, how did you fix it?
This happens frequently. That is like life, sometimes it throws lemons at you, so you have to make lemonade. Like my Mom said, “if you can’t fight, and you can’t flee, then flow.” Sometimes you just have to go with the flow of what is happening.

What do you do for fun when you aren't crafting?
I love to read, especially on the beach!!! And I can’t help myself about my “spare time” If it is slow at work, I draw. I really enjoy drawing, it takes me away from my everyday stresses.

Do you have any funny or interesting tidbits to share with our readers?
Like the fact that I am an orthodox Jew? When I walk into a room of woodworkers, I tend to stand out. Granted, a lot of male artists/crafters have long beards, but when a man walks in wearing a long black coat, a black hat, with sidelocks (payos), I do tend to stand out amongst the flannel shirts and tee-shirts.
On the bright side, everyone know who I am! And when they call out Yaakov for a raffle, I’m the only one there by that name!

What do you like the most about your crafting?
Freedom baby, FREEDOM! Time flies in my shop. The focus, being in the zone, feeling the sweat pour down and seeing a creation come to life. WOW!

What do you like the least about your crafting?
Sanding!!!! Dust, dust dust. Sometimes I come in the house and it looks like my face has changed colors. I don't really enjoy photographing my work. I wish I knew someone who could take over that part of the business for me.

How do you promote your business?
Mostly my business comes via word of mouth, and thanks to G_d, I have all the work I can handle. Besides that, I have a web site, Facebook site, Etsy site (of course), I enter into the crafts shows and also teach woodworking to children.

Where would you like to see yourself in the next 5 years?
I’d like to see myself with a winning lottery ticket so I could go back to school and get another degree from RISD in furniture design. Sometimes people look at a famous musician or artist, or actor, and think “man, look how famous they became so quickly” The fact is, they have most likely been working for years and years, and all that hard work finally paid off. Right now, I am still in the middle of my hard work, and hopefully in the next five years, all my hard work will really start to pay off.

How has the current economy affected your on-line business?
Slow, slow, slow. Although I am having to turn away commissions because I don’t have the time. People are buying less expensive stuff, and my high end pieces are just not selling.

Do you have any advice for other small shop or business owners?
Work, work, work, and don’t give up on your dream! Marketing and network are the keys to success.

What is your favorite food?
Chocolate Bavarian crème filled doughnuts of course!
What is your favorite color?
Hey, I’m an orthodox Jew, come on….. It’s black! Besides, it makes me look thinner.

Do you have any pets? What are they?
We have two cats; Neo and morpheous. Won’t you know that both of them are the polar opposites of their name sakes.
What kind of music do you like to listen to?
I have a kind of strange taste in music. I love Sinatra, Coldplay, Klesmir music, and the “b” sides if you know what I mean.

I do a lot of work for a charitable organization called Ahavas Yisroel. It is an organization whose moto is “Baltimorians helping Baltimorians.

Be sure to check out the slide show below for a small sampling of what this talented artisan has made with his two very crafty hands.  Visit Yaakov's website or follow his Facebook page.

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If you're an artist/crafter and want to be interviewed contact me. I will feature you and your wonderful talents and promote your shop. "SUBSCRIBE" (above) or CLICK HERE then go to my blog where you will find the interview questionnaire. Follow the directions there and then e-mail your completed questionnaire to me, I'll be in touch with you real soon.

Don't forget to visit my many artisan friends at Etsy and the VA Etsy Team for your ultimate shopping pleasure.

Until next time I wish you a good day today and every day!

Remember to always "Pay IT Forward" because one good deed deserves another.

Cheers my ♥'s

BG

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