I have found that most woodworkers I meet are really quite intense about understanding what working wood is all about and there are few venues quite like the one we had this past weekend where woodworkers can share space of time with each fellow woodworkers in a unique woodworking setting. The barriers came down at 10am and floods of woodworkers swept through the open gates into show. From that minute n it never really slowed down for me. With every hour occupied with masterclasses my days were filled with demonstrations and and answering a zillion questions.
My friend John was fielding questions too. Everything from, “How long are the classes?” to, “Now exactly where are you located?” It was a special weekend for me because I connected with so many new faces and made friends along the way. It is intense to say the least because so many were looking for methods of working wood that were diverse, real, inspiring and effective. With hand work you get everything and more. People who have never seen a #4 Stanley raise a raised panel or a two-minute dovetail by eye it ticked all of the boxes. Here are a couple of comments out of emails I received:
I was one of those at the show yesterday. I have been traveling the 2+ hour ride each year for inspiration and knowledge. Without question your seminar was by far the most impactful I have ever experienced.
This is indeed what I think is important. Inspired woodworking for everyone and anyone no matter their background, financial or social status, origin, gender, age, aspiration and so on. And…
…Paul, I was one of those people who waited for you to complete the picture frame as the show people were dimming the lights. I am sure I am speaking for all those who attended the show out at Somerset, NJ and who took the time to witness you show us that woodworking is really about forming a bond between the woodworker, the tools and the beautiful wood nature has bestowed upon us. Beautifully inspiring, Paul
Or simply put…
…Paul,
Enjoyed the show today and your demonstration.
For me, every show is attended by intensely passionate people learning as much as they can about their craft the feel so much about. I am just glad that New Legacy New York is so strategically placed and that we have such support in establishing a new center for excellence in Greenwich. It will be interesting to see just how this develops.
I also want to congratulate Joe strong on his efforts to promote woodworking and Do It Yourself. He and his team work exceptionally hard every year to put this show on the road. It’s the only one of its kind in the WORLD!!!!
