Craft observation – I I spent much of my time split fairly evenly between teaching the Masterclasses, interviewing other artisans and observing people. In all three areas the single most significant reality was that there was a whole group of people absolutely missing. It was the unique group that, prior to the 1920s, would…
Briefly for now… …I just got back from the show today after teaching the Masterclasses. I gained so much from the show and not just from woodworking, though that was really valuable all round. I came home fully inspired by just being there even though the schedule I had was so very demanding. That’s almost…
Well, today was an incredible day of demonstrations all around. Got to visit some with Garrett Hack from Vermont and will be interviewing him on film tomorrow. Lots of really good stuff to see and experience. I was shocked at the full-house Masterclasses with lots of support in ever one of them. I have picures…
It’s rhetorical, yes. Are young people sold out by generations ahead of them? Are they sold out for their future? Have they been sold it? Have they enough hope and aspiration to ‘buy-in’ to their future? Traveling across country to Essex gave me a change from my usual routine and some time to reflect on…
Last post before the show. We are loaded and on the way this morning. So looking forward to the launch of the video series and the book signing. Our new booth was completed last night so you will get to see lots of colour and of course furniture pieces from The Course. I cannot recall how many…
The cut deepens, the wood hardens like a man’s heart and resists My wrists now tensing and muscle hardened to the challenge In the moment of turmoil I strive for peace and ask again which way to go My chisel’s cutting edge sheers the fibre beyond my gaze, I feel the cut, resistance leaves and…
The European Woodworking Show Hello everyone. Imagine spending two days immersed in watching woodworking and seeing experienced workmen passing on their trade skills. That’s what the EWS promises and it looks as though we can look forward to lovely weather for all of the outdoor events too. In our shifting culture we cannot say when…
I am never sure how my friends feel about my working wood. None of what I do is very conventional for a woodworker these days. I write articles for magazines and I just finished a book. The films I just made might seem, well, somewhat glamorous you might say. So how do I feel about…
Of workmanship I think about workmanship most of the day these days. In my own work I expect my joints to fit and though I stay connected to my work and the outcome has become in general predicable, those I work with have rarely achieved this level of what is certainty in work. Achieving high…
The hammer strikes and then withdraws To strike again it’s second blow The saw thrusts deep and then returns To thrust time and time again The spokeshave shaves my wood, the wood resists. I press hard, firmly I push forward. The wood grabs still. I withdraw from the fight, turn my spokshave…