Before I get into this update, I want to honor Rik Cirignano of Platinum Plastering. I met Rik at Jeremy’s Tadelakt workshop in Bozeman. He was a cool guy with a heavy Boston accent—the kind of voice you remember.
Sadly, Rik died in a car accident. We had only recently met, but I wanted to make a little space here to honor him. I’m glad our paths crossed and that we got to spend that time together through a craft we both cared about.
My heart goes out to his family, his friends, and the people who worked alongside him. Rest in peace, Rik.
More opportunities than ever. Still on the grind. And a lot to be grateful for.
I wanted to take a minute and share a little life update. Things have been busy at California Wall Design, and the opportunities keep coming. I’m excited about where the work is going, but I’m also feeling the responsibility that comes with it.
There are a lot of people who work with me and depend on this company. Taking care of them matters to me. Keeping work moving, showing up, and doing right by the people beside me is a big part of what drives me now. It’s a lot to carry, and I’m happy to have the honor of doing it.
I’m proud of the finishes we create. I’m just as proud that we get to build something together.
I’ve included a few newer images from our work here. The silver leaf, the plaster, the way a ceiling or a wall changes with the light—those details still get me excited. Even with everything that goes into running the business, I don’t want to lose that.
There’s a lot of work behind each photo, and a lot of hands that help get us there. To everyone putting in the time with me: thank you. I see it, and I appreciate it.
I was also a guest on The Aggregate, the podcast from New Age Artisans. Jeremy and I talked about Venetian plaster, materials and aggregates, old-world techniques, the artistic process, and what it takes to build a finish company.
We got into craftsmanship versus production work, too—a conversation that means a lot to me as the company grows. I want to keep taking on opportunities while staying connected to the care that brought me into this work in the first place.
I’m proud of this episode. If you’re into plaster, design, or building a business around something you make with your hands, I’d love for you to give it a listen.
Listen to the episode on Spotify ↗
See my podcast post on Instagram ↗
Recently, Jeremy Mistretta, the owner of New Age Artisans, invited me out to Bozeman for a week-long Tadelakt plaster workshop. I’m grateful he did.
Getting out of my everyday routine and spending a week learning alongside other plasterers was a reminder of how much there is still to explore. I met some legends along the way. Being around people who care that deeply about the craft makes you want to keep learning, no matter how long you’ve been doing it.
Jeremy, thank you for the invitation, the time, and the chance to be part of it. I came home grateful for the experience and for the people I met.
There’s more work ahead, and I’m going to keep showing up for it. But I also want to appreciate the people I get to meet, the people I get to work with, and the chances I get to keep growing.
To our crew, our clients, and everyone following along: thank you. I’m grateful for the opportunities, and I don’t take any of this for granted.
—Tim Jordan
California Wall Design
