Gary… The Creative Finder

Gary is one of those people you never forget once you meet him. He’s 71 years old, full of creativity, and has a knack for finding interesting things. Even his name has an interesting meaning—Gary comes from Germanic origins and means “spear carrier,” which seems fitting. Instead of carrying a spear into battle, he hunts for bargains at yard sales, always searching for rare and valuable finds. His father was an artist, and from a young age, Gary followed in his footsteps. Over the years, he has sculpted with wood and marble, created woodblock prints, painted, and explored many other kinds of art. Creativity is part of who he is.

Gary’s website is artandbooks.com

Gary isn’t caught up in modern technology—he doesn’t own a smartphone at all. In fact, he only uses a landline phone. Yet he does have a website, artandbooks.com, where people can see some of his work, including his striking “Survival or Extinction” sculpture series, which he also sells as posters. This mix of old-fashioned living and modern sharing is part of his charm. He might not be scrolling through social media, but he’s still finding ways to put his work into the world.

One Saturday, Gary came to my yard sale and showed just how sharp his eye really is. There was an old lithograph I didn’t think was worth much, but Gary immediately recognized the artist’s name. We looked it up online and discovered that the artist’s work was actually valuable. This kind of discovery is nothing new for him—his ability to spot hidden treasures in a pile of everyday objects is something that sets him apart.

Large wood dolphins sculpture

But Gary isn’t just about art and antiques—he’s also the kind of person who will help you when you need it most. Once, I had a plumbing problem, and Gary happened to be right there, ready to lend a hand. He’s resourceful, dependable, and seems to know a little about everything. Whether it’s fixing something, identifying a rare book, or helping someone solve a tricky problem, Gary steps in without hesitation.

His favorite day of the week is Saturday, when yard sales are in full swing. You might see him around town, scanning tables of books, paintings, and trinkets with quiet focus. For Gary, yard sales aren’t just about bargains—they’re about finding stories hidden in the things people once loved. In a world where so much is disposable, Gary still sees value, beauty, and history in the forgotten. That’s what makes him more than just a “spear carrier” in name—he’s a hunter of treasures, a rescuer of art, and a friend worth having.

Please welcome Gary to the Ubernamez family of people with awesome “Namez” and inspiring lives!