Whimsical mid-century dandelion buffet

Here is a fun piece that I did the year before, but never got around to putting up for sale.  When I was working on this piece and doing the hand-painting on it, I asked my neighbour and friend over to get his opinion on it (he was an artist who painted a lot, so I respected his opinion).  He loved it, but suggested I add the little peach-coloured dots inside the dandelions as we had both decided it "needed something".  I did that, and the whole piece suddenly brightened!  We talked about it back and forth a few times, and after that I was happy with it.  Some time passed, and other projects started to take priority and I left it for a while.  Half a year passed, and it was still in the shop, waiting for final touch-ups.  Then my phone rang: my neighbour had been killed by a train.  He was only 33; and just like that, his fun-loving, artful spirit was gone.

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After that incident, the buffet sat in the shop and I blatantly ignored it.  I let items sit on it.  I scratched the top by accident moving things around.  I let dust accumulate, and I had let the dandelion motif get marked up by my busy toddler.  Then "S" walked into my shop one day inquiring about a dresser (that's for another post), and she loved the dandelion dresser!  She asked if it was available, and I said yes!!  But I would need to work on it again to bring it back to life.  I was so excited that she could see past the dust and neglect that had worn away the lustre and enjoy the buffet for the light and happy piece that it was underneath.  Needless to say, I brought the buffet out of its dishabille and reflected upon my friend's life while I worked.  It was strange to suddenly find myself tearfully, and painfully aware of how grief, when ignored, can lead to beautiful things like letting go, and cherishing relationships, instead of pushing them away.  

So I thank "S" for seeing the beauty in the buffet and liking it enough to put it in her home.  She helped me to breathe new life into the buffet; and I was able to remember a life well-lived and as whimsical and fun-loving as the piece itself.  And with that, I'd like to dedicate this piece to his memory. 

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I have no before picture of this buffet that I can locate. Picture it all dark brown, but with a very worn finish.

After: A breath of fresh air and at home in "S's" loft!

To place a custom furniture order or to purchase an existing piece or photography prints, please contact me at sageandbalm@gmail.com and I'll be happy to assist you!  You can also follow Sage & Balm on Facebook and at sageandbalm.com.

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