Paul Graybeal: Rock Harvester / Owner, Moonlight Gemstones / Custom Silversmith & Lapidary

@marfarockshop
moonlightgemstones.com

The scene:
We are in Marfa, Texas at Paul’s rock shop sitting in the back workshop where all the magic happens - where rocks you kick become beautiful jewelry. For me, this is an intentional return trip to Marfa to see Paul again and absorb more of the magic I feel when I’m in this part of Texas.  Last time, I bought a beautiful turquoise and silver ring that one of Paul’s apprentices made. His shop could easily be a museum; it is unreal what beauty our earth is able to create from elements. Join us for a brief history through Paul’s adventures and trade.

Highlights:
+ Lapidary = one who cuts, polishes, or engraves gems.
+ Moved to TX in 1984 for a job at the observatory
+ Started by collecting agate as a hobby
+ He’s a surface collector as opposed to a digger
+ Armadillo races with Jalapeño Sam
+ An article featuring his jewelry got him fired from a pump job
+ Ended up in Marfa because it was “cheap” (20 yrs ago)
+ Apprentices are good labor if they’re competent
+ Staying somewhere because you can’t afford to leave
+ Surviving breaking your leg in the wilderness
+ Crawling out from the debt of medical bills
+ His employees typically learn and move on
+ Finding a good balance with helpers and prioritizing your own work time
+ Feeling “too generous”
+ Political intolerance is extreme in TX
+ America is founded on genocide
+ “A blueberry in a strawberry field”
+ Having a science background in an industry associated with mystical properties
+ Being given access to private property
+ Agates in TX
+ Feeling outcast for not participating in local catholic religious activities
+ Being seen as part of “the invasion of Marfa” (by white people)
+ Every day is a surprise
+ Political corruption, abortion rights, religious rule
+ Seeking a “progressive environment” / the decay of America
+ Working in the service fixing radios

A taste:
“When somebody comes to me and says, ‘Can I learn , can I apprentice?’ well, it’s a benefit to me because I gain labor - if they’re a competent person, and that’s been the case with a number of very talented young people that want to learn.”

Favorite saying:
“I can’t believe I’m getting away with selling rocks in the desert.”