When woodworkers think about the scroll saw, they often think of a tool that cuts slowly and is perhaps the power saw with which one is least likely to cut themselves. And, compared to stationary tools like the table saw, bandsaw, and mitre saw, I feel that it is an accurate description Perhaps a hand-held … Continue reading Risk to the User and Workpiece
I recently finished reading The Unknown Craftsman: A Japanese Insight into Beauty by Sõetsu Yanagi and adapted by Bernard Leach. It explores the circumstances under which beautiful objects are created, and how industrialization has influenced handmade craft. I began taking down quotations that were interesting and worthy of sharing, but soon found myself jotting down entire paragraphs. So, rather … Continue reading The Unknown Craftsman: A Japanese Insight into Beauty
There's no part in [a motorcycle], no shape in [a motorcycle], that is not out of someone's mind... a person who does machining or foundry work or forge work or welding sees "steel" as having no shape at all. Steel can be any shape you want if you are skilled enough, and any shape but the one … Continue reading What Defines Form?
This past weekend, I spent my time at Gallery Bistro demonstrating how I make my 3D jigsaw puzzles. It was a fun and rewarding experience for me and I learned a lot about how the public viewed my puzzles and pricing. Almost everybody was interested in what I was doing and creating. I showed them … Continue reading Market Test Reveals Public Perception of Puzzles
I will be making and selling my wooden 3D jigsaw puzzles at Gallery Bistro (2411 Clarke Street, Port Moody) Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15 from 10am-3pm. Sometimes I describe my work as that which is so insane nobody in their right mind would attempt it. My wooden 3D jigsaw puzzles are examples of … Continue reading Get Personal with Insanity
Come see me Saturday, November 16 between 11am and 6pm in the Straight Line Designs Inc. workshop on the second floor of Parker Street Studios, #260-1000 Parker Street, Vancouver. What is the Eastside Culture Crawl? The Eastside Culture Crawl is one of the biggest highlights of the year for lovers of art and craft. It's an annual event and … Continue reading Eastside Culture Crawl 2013
Is Technology a Threat? As technology improves and machinery becomes more affordable, many people feel threatened - they fear that they are being replaced and will one day be unnecessary. In the world of woodworking, the machine of primary threat is the CNC router. What is a CNC Machine, Really? I do not feel threatened. … Continue reading Can We Be Replaced?
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
Last weekend, I attended a private gathering of 40 of Port Moody's top artists. To help everyone get to know each other, we were given an activity. We were each given a list with everyone's name and we were to say "hi" to everyone else and share two words that represent an inspiration to us. … Continue reading Inspiration, in a Word
Although 100 Bowls has no affiliation with the fabulous and inspiring Lark Books' 500 Series, I think that the idea of making one bowl each day for one hundred days is very interesting and I'm looking forwards to seeing a new bowl in my inbox every day. What, you ask, is “100 Bowls?” In a nutshell, 100 Bowls … Continue reading 100 Bowls
Sculptural Woodwork by Chris Wong 