Herman Flax, portrait by Serge Ivanoff, 1954
In our office hangs a portrait of my grandfather, Herman Flax. I look at it every day, in part because its size makes it impossible to miss, but more so because I feel his presence. I am carrying on his legacy, and my father’s. It is an honor, and a great responsibility. I am reminded almost daily of the passion felt for this business, by customers who share such appreciation for what my father and grandfather built. For many, their own experiences predate my entry in the family business in the mid-80s. Truly, it is humbling, and it drives me.
To find inspiration for this article, our first blog post on the FLAX Canvas, I looked to my grandfather’s portrait. There he is, wearing that cool tie, standing in front of a Jullian sketch box easel made from a classic design that hasn’t changed to this day. I took the painting off the wall to photograph it. For kicks, I Googled the artists name, Serge Ivanoff, and was surprised to find that he has his own Wikipedia entry! It turns out Serge was a Flax customer and a friend of Herman’s, and the 1954 portrait a gift. Oh, all the history, and so little I know.
Philip Flax
Jerry Flax
Much has changed since those early days. Yet for an art store, there is one constant, and that is the role we play in fueling a passion for the arts and inspiring creativity. I believe that comes from being real, open, accepting, and desirous of helping others. My father has many business relationships that turned into lifelong friendships, and he must have learned that value from Herman. The truth in that ongoing tradition of FLAX being connected to its customers is that portrait hanging on the wall today.
Welcome to the FLAX Canvas. Here, and with this new website, we hope to bring you closer to us and to the arts, as we present information from the community, the latest on new art and craft products and a bit about what’s going on in the store. The Flax family, along with our fabulous and devoted staff, welcome you.
Thanks!
Howard
