Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Dreams: Built to Last


Henry David Thoreau once wrote, “If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.” This is the vocation of Tony Baustert. Each day in a small corner of the world in Oklahoma City, he fashions his ideas with scratch metal. What begins with a vision soon forms into a concrete foundation— a roaring, 100+ horsepower, smooth riding custom built motorcycle.


Originality, style, and class are words to describe Tony’s work. He is the owner of T-Fab: Custom Metal Fabrication in Oklahoma City, OK (http://tfabmetal.com/). If you met Tony on the street, he would look no different than you and me. Often wearing blue jeans and a t-shirt, he is just a good ole’ boy who lives modestly in a small home several miles outside Oklahoma City. His solid stature and boisterous voice commands your attention when he describes his passion for his work.



However, do not let his appearance mislead you. Deep inside this man resides breathtaking images and dreams that he brings to life in his motorcycle shop. Bob Brendle has remarked, “Sculpture is a three-dimensional object with a message.” With each creation, Tony autographs the finishing touches on his messages. They are waiting to be released on the street and to breathe life into their owners. They have a way of instilling freedom through the handlebars.


Pouring hard work and devotion into his work, Tony spends hours with each motorcycle shaping and molding them into the perfect image. Thinking about Tony’s work reminds me of a verse concerning God’s hand. Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” How often have we considered the passion and carefulness of God’s work in each of our lives? Each one of us is a story waiting to be released and to breathe life into others.

2 comments:

t-fab said...

I should have said this when you first wrote this, but this is the coolest thing anyone has ever wrote about me. I dont think I can live up to all of that, but thank you for the kind words. Give sis and baby girl a kiss for me! Tony

Donald Kirby said...

Tony- Just as I enjoy writing, I know that you love to create with your hands. You too are a very talented and I am very proud to show the webworld the talent that you possess.

I still remember standing in your new shop- BTW I loved it- and listening to you as you described the motorcycle that you are altering for the young boy with cancer (correct me, I think it was cancer right?). Don't lose you heart. That is what will keep you in touch with many people.

I will give Nici a kiss for you but I will let you give Claire one this weekend.