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

@marfarockshopmoonlightgemstones.comThe 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 radiosA 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.”Support the showThank you for listening!  Please subscribe to support this project.Love, Sagewolf xoxo