Introducing Rustic Dime
March 13, 2023Belt Making with K&H Leatherworks
August 16, 2023Artist Spotlight - Jeff Roeters
About The Artist Jeff Roeters
My name is Jeff Roeters. I’ve grown up in Rochester my entire life. I graduated from Fairport HS in 2001. I thought I’d leave ROC at some point, but each year I grow to love this place even more. I work for Tones Studios as my day job, a creative agency and a recording studio with some of my best friends. I love music, and started a nonprofit called Guitars For Glory back in 2013. We give instruments to people in need around the world. Love to cook, love to golf, love my fam (Amy, Eisley, and Shiloh) love to cook for people, and I guess I make clocks now!
Describe your maker business.
The Kodak clock thing sort of just happened very organically. My Dad worked at Kodak for 32 years. He made it through so many layoffs over the years, but when it finally caught up with him and he was let go, It was clear how much of his life he gave to that place. I remember having an old vintage film tin laying around so I decided to make him a clock to honor his time at Kodak. When I surprised him with it, his eyes got all watery and I knew it meant a lot to him. I figured there were many other people around Rochester who’d enjoy them as well. Essentially, I repurpose old Kodak film canisters and turn them into clocks.
How long have you been making clocks?
After I made my Dad’s clock, I didn’t make another one for a few years. When the pandemic hit and we were all forced to stay home and had a little extra time on our hands, I figured I'd make a few, post them to Instagram and see if anyone had any interest. 3 years later, and I’ve sold around 1,500 of them across the world with the majority staying right here in Rochester.
Some of the canisters I’ve used to make clocks were made in the World War era. We’re all familiar with the new Kodak logo, but the original EKC logo (Eastman Kodak Company) can be found on the earliest tin and it’s always fun when I can get my hands on some of those made in the 20’s & 30’s.
Most interesting clock requests. Or funny stories about clock requests. Maybe interesting or notable clients.
I get a lot of custom color requests. Some of the clocks I make have the original paint on them, while others request clocks that match their brand colors or will fit the color scheme of their interior design project. I get a lot of sports team requests, Star Wars requests, and all sorts of things. I’ve sent clocks to professional athletes, Olympic stars, and a couple celebrity musicians! I always find it interesting when I get an order from somewhere outside of the US! I’ve received orders from italy, australia, england, ireland, and Brazil.
Do you have any personal favorites or clocks that were hard to part with?
Yes! It’s my own fault though. Whenever I get my hands on a custom hand-painted tin, which sometimes studios would do when they received a feature film before they sent it out to the theater, I love to share on Instagram. Almost instantly, people message me asking if they can buy it. As much as I want to keep them, it makes me more happy that someone else is super happy to have it. Occasionally I’ll post clocks like these that have hand painted flowers, people, or landscapes on them. Pretty cool! I’d keep them all if I could, but we have too many hanging in our home already.
How has living or growing up in Rochester, NY influenced your work?
Absolutely! A lot these tins have the word “Rochester” on them. For anyone that has moved away from the area, they order because it’s a little taste of home. I really love that these clocks give people that connection. I also have been blown away by the amount of amazing artists here in Rochester. While I don’t consider myself an artist whatsoever, these clocks have allowed me to connect with really amazing artists and makers here who absolutely LOVE our city and have contributed to the culture and community through their art!
Where do you draw inspiration from?
That’s a tough one! Really from all over. I’ve always admired people who take obsolete ideas or things and find ways to breathe new life into them, making them desirable and useful again. I’m inspired by people who don’t just have ideas, but take them one step further by taking action. Really, anyone that pursues passions without fear of failure are people I look up. In terms of the clock making, I really just love the vintage market scene. Not necessarily clothing, but old industrial looking items. Most of these tins were made in a time period where industry in america was thriving, so it felt pretty easy to turn these into something that you could hang on the wall and give your room, office, studio, or business a cool vibe.
Other than making clocks, what else keeps you ticking?
I absolutely love to golf. There is something about being on the golf course, whether it be with friends or by myself that brings me life. It’s a maddening game, but it’s taught me patience, critical thinking, and creativity. I also love encouraging people through cooking for them. Food and music are two things that encourage healing and community and have changed my life for sure! I love meeting new people that chase after their passions, especially when it involves making other people’s lives better.
It was a pleasure meeting with Jeff and learning all about Jeff's Clocks. Find his clocks here at Golden Supply & Mfg. Co. in store and online.
Follow Jeff!
Personal IG @jeffreyroeters (You can find my clocks there)
My Studios @tonesstudios
My non profit work @guitarsforglory
Posted by: Golden Supply & Mfg. Co.
Photography: Erick Florez