Local Is Cool - A Day in DTLA (Part 4)
We've reached the last part of our series. If you haven't, start by reading parts One, Two and Three. You'll be glad you did.
Our final stop is usually the engraver, Vitaliy. He's a hand engraver - one of the last. Like the rest of our crew, he's warm hearted and kind. Pre-pandemic I had worked with an engraver named Gerard. Post-pandemic, Vitaliy is one of a few hand engravers downtown who hasn't retired. Some say it's a dying art. I'm not sure if that's true, but either way, it sure doesn't seem like there are many master engravers left. Luckily we have Vitaliy. His engravings are sharp and clean. He's quick and detailed. All the marks of a master.
Vitaliy came over from Ukraine in the late 90's. He had studied engraving there. When he landed in Los Angeles, he worked for a short time with Gerard (the engraver I had mentioned earlier) before opening his own shop. On this particular day we call about five minutes before showing up with our photographer in tow. He welcomes us, sits for photos, and answers my many questions. What a guy.
The thing I like about hand engraving is that there is no faking it. There are substitutes, but there is no replacing the hand work of an engraver. It takes many years to reach a high level of skill. There are no shortcuts. I am proud to sit next to artisans such as Vitaliy because at this point in my career I do feel that I have an understanding of the time and dedication it takes to truly become great at something. Most of the guys downtown have decades on me. They welcome me into their offices the way a horned bull welcomes a small bird to sit on its back on a hot day. Out of curiosity they allow it, but the dynamic is clear. I respect them, they respect me, and maybe we can all make some money in the process.
We say our goodbyes and head back down to the street. At this point in the day the sun is beginning to fall behind the buildings. Our rule is that we leave downtown before it gets dark. I lived downtown for a few years and I know what happens after dark. Time to go. A short walk back to the van. Strap the babe in and we hit the road, another trip to the jewelry district complete. During our two hour trip home in gridlock traffic on the 5, Tif and I will chat about the day - what went well and what didn't, and make loose plans for our next trip up. Overall we're grateful both that we're relatively close to downtown, but that we don't have to live there. It's a love/hate relationship.
Until next time, thank you for reading. It's been fun. There are plenty more characters to share, so look for some more parts in the future. Until then, be well.
With Love,
-Jordan, Tif, + Josie