Wednesday, March 18, 2009

The Elton John + Billy Joel Project

I was commissioned by the BOK Center to create a gift for Elton John and Billy Joel. It was an incredible honor. I came up with an idea to design a jewelry box for both Elton and Billy. I recruited Nate and Greg from Spexton to design the cuffs... They did an amazing job and for the first time in a long time - I was 100% pleased with the entire project. (I'm typically over critical of myself.) Before the show I was able to snap a few photos of the final pieces:
[Billy Joel's cuff][Elton John's Cuff]
I decided to go with some retro images of the stars and run with my distressed look on the boxes:Last night we presented the gifts to the artists and as I took this photo (moments before they walked on stage), my heart was pounding..... It was so amazing to see Elton John and Billy Joel looking at me AND holding something I created for them.

10 comments:

Helena said...

you rock big brother.

Anonymous said...

What a great honor!

Mary Beth Babcock said...

CONGRATS SPEXTON & DUANE!!! I know this is a HUGE DEAL!!! Way to go...KEEP ON ROCKIN!!!

Anonymous said...

WOW how very impressive! Your hard work and dedication has paid off!! Congrats!!! ~Megen Murray

PageOne said...

Wow... both of those pieces are beautiful. So clean. Congrats to you my friend!!!



I didn't realize that Sir Elton was that tall.

Stacie McFarlin said...

That's very cool, Duane, and such a huge honor! You rocked it!

Hangin' Tough said...

I just wish you got to do something for NKOTB. Now THAT would be an honor...

Carmele said...

What an amazing experience- They look very proud to be holding the gifts! Well done Hansen!

cindy said...

Holy sheeit - that's amazing! Really beautiful design and craftmanship... so proud. :)

dawn / writeslave said...

You continue to blow my mind. Is there anything you're NOT able to do?? Consider that question # 19. I'm determined to create something with you. Hmm, what will it be? When will that happen?? I am planning to fly to OK to venture into your gallery/studio/zoo some time this year.

Add me to your Twitter by the way: writeslave.

As the Irish once said to me, "Good on you!" p.s. I need a new black and white photo for my front page. Want to send me something?

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