Artisan and craftsman, Jon Nasvik formed Cliffhangers 20 years ago to create functional and decorative uses for concrete, a medium he finds ideal for artistic experimentation. As more and more people recognize the benefits of concrete as a fireproof material and its green applications as well as its role as a cornerstone material for modern design, concrete has moved to the forefront for building materials.
Since Nasvik is one of the Wood River Valley’s experts on concrete uses, Western Home Journal thought it was time to check in with him to see if it’s business as usual.
“Keeping up with the requests of clients has always been a challenge for my business,” said Nasvik. “Design concepts seem to endlessly evolve and change often aided by trends publicized through popular media tools. The creative new directions that I see the building industry going today often amaze me. Perhaps it’s always been like that, but I can’t help thinking how affected we all are by modern technology and how this is changing the demands on my work. Interestingly enough, many of the folks who call me these days are specifically looking to exploit the unique abilities of concrete. Where I’m used to getting calls that ask, ‘what can you do?’ Now, I often get, ‘here’s what I want.’”
It appears that it’s not business as usual, and the interest in concrete is stirring up change. “I used to amaze people with colored texture concrete paving and simulated rock formations that would be difficult to distinguish from what I was mimicking,” revealed Nasvik. “And even though these are still viable products that I can provide, architectural items like countertops, sinks, fireplaces and interior floors are what clients seemed to prefer and marvel over. The idea that concrete could do so much with color and texture, take any shape and fulfill so many functional purposes amazes people.”
Are they still amazed? “Not so much anymore,” said Nasvik. “These days more and more clients want to know what is possible and what they want and that’s a good thing because the clearer the client is about what is required the easier it is for me to give them what they’re after.”
What’s the difference? Nasvik explained it’s the clients as the source of new inspirations and challenges. “Aside from concrete as a resource for my business, my clients have been invaluable in bringing me to higher levels of achievement in my craft by simply asking for things I’ve never made before,” he said. “Now, with technology driving changes from all directions, concrete chemistry, design trends and local client preferences, I’m feeling some new and interesting challenges in the wind.”
Cliffhangers expects to move forward, the way it always has, by keeping up with the times, which in most cases means keeping up with endless possibilities presented by its clients.
For more information, call 208.788.4196 or visit www.cliffhangers-inc.com