Sagewolf Interviews
The dirtiest secrets. That's what's happening here. Well...not entirely. Humans have always fascinated me. I'm most curious about what drives us creatively forward in our lives. When others share their stories with me, I arrive a little closer to knowing how many parallels we all share - how big this human family is, and that comforts me. I hope that by sharing these with you, you might know that too. I also hope that I'm able to present these in a way that you have a visceral experience - like you're there with us at the time and place of the interview - inside these beautiful human exchanges. These moments of connection are truly everything we humans seek when life is all boiled down to it's essence. I included the full audio, with the exception of minor edits of extremely personal information, as requested by my subjects. Many of these interviews are told "between the questions" - as is life. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do <3 XOO, Sagewolf
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Sagewolf Interviews
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.”
Thank you for listening!
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Love, Sagewolf xoxo