That's unbelievable. I can't see how the trash company can walk away from this without paying for the entire replacement plus any inconvenience, such as all today's labor, for a start. Run this by a lawyer.

This panel looks great though. It also sound like you have some good clients.

Dick

Janet,
First I would like to say I am a great admirer of work. It is impecable! I have no words for comfort other than "Bad things happen to good people."
I to am having the week from hell myself. I'm sure everyone has a time and story they could share.
I'm a Journeyman Toolmaker by trade, but unfortunatly I have been doing CNC machining for the past 10 years (There's not a great demand For Toolmakers anymore) Anyway, CNC machines are great super accurate and very fast. Buttttt... as fast as they are they WILL screw up alot material quick. I have made someb BONE HEAD mistakes along with the guy's who program them. And allI can do everyday is to tell myself this slump has just go to end. My advise, Nothing, You and only you know what to do and in years to come this will make an amusing story at a cocktail party.
Stay with the cognac. Out here in Phoenix we prefer Marguritas (when it's 100 deg. you'd like a frozen drink to!!)
Be well and I'd appreciate it if you would critic my work posted sometime.

Chuck

lovely work in a very nice setting .... I guess you must have been a bad girl sometime .....

I feel sad for you Janet. Honestly, to have put so much creative energy into something like this and then for it to be taken and mangled, must touch deeply. We don't always know how the world around us will treat us. We can come from the best intentions, only to be crushed by opposing forces. I don't think you did anything wrong, and you shouldn't see anything into what has taken place as something you are to blame for. What could very well have happened was that the garbage man experienced negative actions in the past, and he/she thought that by hurting someone else, then he/she would feel better.

I also want to agree with Dick in that you should be looking for a lawyer. Seems to me if 9/10ths of the law is based on possession, then why isn't the homeowner responsible? Can they make an insurance claim on the stolen property? If it's not considered stolen, then how in the world could the garbage see the railings as garbage? Were they left in the area for garbage pickup? Strange coincidence!

The railing above is magical. The dragonflies along with the bird and flowing hand rail are very beautiful. I can see the client getting a lot of peace and tranquility when they step out into their back yard. Good craftsmanship, good art...

Thanks for sharing! 

Hi Janet,
first off your railing looks absolutely amazing. You are extremely talented and should be very proud.

As for these trash men, I don't know what bone head would think these were trash. (I can't believe they would take it even if they were trash, around here if it doesn't fit in a garbage bag, they don't take it) I'm so sorry and impressed at your resolution. Something like this would probably bring me to my knees for at least a couple of days. I'm glad the clients are being understanding, but no one should have to rebuild work like this. I have no idea what can or should be done legally.

I agree with Enrique though, It would be fantastic to be able to look out my back door and see something as nice as this. It is very relaxing.

Guess I'd better get to work :)

Jake

Open mouthed, chin on the floor!!!! Oh my god.

I know it is hard to believe now but this will make a big mark for the good in the art world for you. People will talk about this and how you handled it. I see some big things coming your way.

janet, What stunning railings, absolutely beautiful. I am sure the prick that decided to put the rest of the railings in the trash will burn in hell forever.
I agree that you should contact a lawyer, get in touch with the trash company and go right to the top of the company and make a direct complaint. Don`t go through his or her minions. Also make a big deal of it in your local newspaper, a photo of you next to the crushed railings will get many people on your side. Get as much publicity for it as possible ( you may even get some more work from it) You will pick yourself up from this i promise, and things can only get better (maybe after a drink or five!!!)
Adrian

Hi Janet
totally heartbreaking story, or as someone once said to me as i dropped a spanner through a glass conservatory roof from the ninth floor , Character Building.
This will make you stronger.
meantime enjoy the Xanex.

Janet, the installed rail looks fantastic. The birds came out great.
I'm beyond "freaked" that someone TRASHED your work. I know you put tons of time and energy into them. I have to agree with E and Adrian. There HAS to be some recourse for you. AND it's obvious that the "private sanitation dept." is totally responsible,and they can't deny it.In fact they admitted it. BUT I'm thinking that your client......who is also THEIR client will have to GO AFTER them. Your client PAYS for service......and I'm sure it doesn't include THROWING OUT THEIR NEW RAILING. I would think that the trash company has insurance for when/if their employees cause damage to a client's property. This will come down to what is "reasonable" and should be expected. THERE is no way ANYONE could look at Brand New railing, the paint probably smelled fresh, and think it's being thrown away. You actually have photo's of the new rail......and they will go FAR in the litigation.......IF it even goes that far. Please don't "accept" that you have to just take what they've done as.......something that you have to PAY for(with your time and materials). That's what the Trash co. has insurance for.

AND as suggested......the local TV and papers could be just the leverage you need to convince the Trash co. to do the right thing.

heart breaking after all that work, I know. Love the way you've taken it......sure the Xanex and cognac helped. I wish you luck in getting justice for their negligence.

take care,
will i am ;)

Hi Janet,

First of all, your work is amazing!- Don't have any doubts!

Second of all, get an Attorney's advice.

Last, everything happens for a reason- I firmly believe that, so I don't think it has to do with you being bad, or anything of that nature. I just think it's an experience that you must grow from, and on the other side of things you have a GREAT client to be so understanding...let your inner power speak through your hands, get in the studio and create, so your inner beauty can shine!

Enjoy the journey!

Jamie Santellano

Janet, The railing looks fantastic

As for the rest, I'm so very sorry.

I agree with the rest, talk with a lawyer. Acts of stupidity are unacceptable and the local TV station is a fine idea.

Gerald

Since the Client is friendly, maybe they could turn in a claim to their insurance company for 3/4 of your bill or whatever. Give him/them an estimate of damage done and replacement costs.

Then maybe the Liabilty ins company sicks their lawyer onto the garbage companies liability ins to recover the cost.

Good luck.

Great piece, story knocked the wind right out of me.

Gene Olson
Sculptor
Elk River, MN

Janet,
As usual I am crazy about your work. It looks even better in place. I really like how this piece flows around in a circle. It's very pleasing to the eye.
That's crazy that they took that as garbage. I'm sure you felt very defeated when you realized what happened. It would be great if someone could be held responsible but it won't erase the heartache already felt. Try not to waste to much negative energy chasing these people down, the second set will probably be even better than the first. Everything looks so good installed, try to make it a positive ending from here.
Sorry this happened to you!!!
Mele

Janet, I'm sooo sorry. I have to give you credit for the fact that you haven't killed anybody yet(I assume you would tell us if you did). I agree with the other posts. Get a lawyer. -m

My heart goes out to you. I could not imagine the heart ache of seeing a completed job go into the trash by some stupid person's hand.
On the other hand, if the customer is ready and willing to pay for replacements, why mess around with lawyers and all? I cannot understand the present thought process of always seeking lawyers to redress every thing. They cost a lot of money to both sides in a case like this, and who really wins in the end? Lots of time spent, and you could have just got on with life without the court getting involved.
It may get you some publicity which may or may not help in the long run. You must think about that.
As I said, I don't understand it as well as maybe I should. Best of luck to you what ever you decide.

SmokyRick
Rick Crawford at Smoky Forge

Hi Janet,

I'm very sorry about what happened to you. Rick has a good point about lawyers & court costs. You might want to consider approaching the sanitation company directly & see if they would be willing to settle without all the legal hassles.

Peggy

ouch ouch ouch - boy do I feel for you!  The section you posted looks lovely.  And I think you need to be compensated for building the replacement set. I would think talking to a lawyer is necessary to see who actually owned the railings when the trash company picked it up.  If ownership had already transferred to the client then you may not be able to go after the trash company yourself.  How many hours work do you think was in the sections that got mashed?  Be real straight with the client about that.  You know your client and they may be wonderful people but they may also just want to ensure they get the railing they wanted. They may have decided to pay you so that you were beholden to produce a finished railing per whatever contract (verbal or written) you had, regardless of what the trash company did. Find out where you stand first.  Best of luck!!!

Lynda

YIKES....I just saw this post. ....I'm so sorry Janet. I just had a momentary flashback of burning anger and inner turmoil (yep ....and the stuggle to not thump someone) of a similar situation (tho nowhere near as bad) that happened to me last year.

I guess it depends on the monetary loss involved, but I would avoid getting bogged down in lengthy legal battles. If you dont get very early legal success, just write it off and get on with life. I have seen too many people become bitter, twisted and broke over a few thousand dollars and the lust for revenge.

Grit your teeth, take a deep breath and let it go.

Love the rails...

Good luck.

Peter