Arty showed up at the Labs after reading a piece about us in Newsday in his native Long Island. We gave him a tour and were totally inspired when he started telling us about his energetic "retirement."
We did a short interview with Arty to accompany the video we made with him.
The Storque: What is your name? How old are you? Where are you from?
My name is Arthur Moskowitz and I am 81 years old or young. I was born in Brooklyn, New York. The Storque: How did you first hear about Etsy, and what is your shop name?
My wife Doris, who is also 81, noticed an article about Etsy in Newsday, and showed it to me. I thought that it might be a good outlet for me to sell some of my clocks. Also, my shop name is "Clocks By Arty." The Storque: Why did you decide to get involved with Etsy?
I met some of the people at Etsy and found them to be very nice. Also, I found the fees to be quite reasonable.
The Storque: Are you retired? What was your previous profession?
I retired from full time sales work to two days a week in 1988 and have been working that way to this day.
The Storque: How long have you been crafting? What do you make?
Two years ago, I decided that I was sitting around too much. Also, I never thought of myself as artistic. However, one day it came to me that I might like to make clocks. I started by putting some ideas on paper. Then I kept designing clock after clock. I then made clock after clock and gave them to everybody in the family. Then I started to sell them. I use mainly wood and acrylics. The Storque: Do you use the forums or read the Etsy blog? If not, what would it take for you to start?
I guess I would need a computer. [Arty's son helps him list his items.] The Storque: Do you participate in any craft fairs in your area? Do you sell your wares anywhere else?
I have not yet sold at craft fairs, but I may give it a try in October.