Usually, when I find a TED Talk that I enjoy, I add it to my list of favourite TED Talks and do nothing more. Jay Silver's talk, Hack a banana, make a keyboard! resonates so strongly with me, I am sharing it with you on my blog. I think what Jay's son does with building blocks and … Continue reading Being Creative Involves Unlearning and Rethinking
Broken Square
Broken Square originated from a drawing in my sketch book. I had been playing with variations of a cube when this form emerged. In the drawing, it stood on two edges but I later realized that it would sit nicely on three points. Intrigued by the form, I built a version using square cherry stock. Although I … Continue reading Broken Square
Time for a Quick Update
When posts on my blog are infrequent it's usually a sign that I'm preoccupied with other tasks. Here's some of what's keeping me busy. My exhibition at Gallery Bistro (2411 Clarke Street, Port Moody) is being extended and there is no closing date set at this point. I am spending Sundays at the gallery, and … Continue reading Time for a Quick Update
Overflow, Part XII
I kept this Drill Press Stand with the idea that it would help me accurately bore 3/4" holes for bench dogs. Then, when I set out to drill them I realized that the drill only has 2 amps and that my larger drill could not be properly installed in the stand. That meant that I … Continue reading Overflow, Part XII
Practice and Experimentation with Joinery
During Artwalk, I showed my work in Gallery Bistro (2411 Clarke Street) with three other artists: Bronwen Belenkie, Clive Tucker and Mandara Lebovitz. Our exhibition will continue through April 28th. The gallery is open 10am-3pm Tuesday through Sunday. Last week, I spent three days at Lee Valley Tools Ltd. demonstrating joinery techniques. I took the opportunity to hone my skills and … Continue reading Practice and Experimentation with Joinery
Magic Square Changed How I Work
Tolerances and precision in woodworking have been two ideas that I've been contemplating for a long time (see A Box Called "Tolerences" and A Box Called "Necessessity"). That was why Magic Square captured my attention. This video outlines the benefits of Magic Square (duration - 4:24). This is the seventeenth slide from my PechaKucha presentation.
Include or Exclude?
Power carving is unlike working with hand tools because you can remove wood without regard for grain direction or knots. To me, this is liberating as I can focus on form. As I work, I constantly ask myself, "Do I want to save this section or obliterate it? My sculpting approach is to simply remove … Continue reading Include or Exclude?
Art in the Trees
This year, I will be exhibiting in Port Moody's ArtWalk. Opening night reception will be at the Old Mill Boathouse at Rocky Point Park on Friday April 12, 6:30pm-8:30pm and ArtWalk will take place the following Saturday and Sunday along Clarke Street. Artists will be hanging art in the trees to promote the event and … Continue reading Art in the Trees
#Woodchat Discusses Furniture Shows
Ten months ago, my co-host Matt Gradwohl and I retooled the weekly Twitter chat known as #Woodchat and added a video component to include more content. Last Wednesday, we talked with our guest Eli Cleveland of The Furniture Project about how to show work in a furniture show. We had a lot of questions for Eli and he … Continue reading #Woodchat Discusses Furniture Shows
Roll With It
Many woodworkers are technically skilled and able to create an item exactly as detailed in a plan. Some lack the willingness to take risks and push the boundaries. Technical skills are important, but they only get you so far. Creativity and problem solving are key skills for anyone making original work. For me, design is … Continue reading Roll With It
