Different directions...

It has been a while since I last posted... due to different projects I have been involved with. These projects have ranged from installation work, a couple of custom jewelry chests, and some art work. The diversity of these projects keeps both my interest and motivation stirring. The common denominator with all this is of course...wood. I'm giving a presentation on myself and my work in the next few months and already it has caused me to reflect on how I began my journey of working with wood. Interesting how we never seem to think about the journey until we're asked to chronicle it. I also need to talk about the passion for wood I developed over the past decades and its origins. What seed was planted for me to begin this lifelong passion of working with wood. I think I'll slowly take notes whenever a good thought enters my mind about this, or an interesting event that occurred during the journey.

Aside from this I have been slowly developing my WoodSkills web site and adding content to it. I've always been a project oriented person and embrace the challenges that go along with some projects. WoodSkills is all about individual projects for me and I am enjoying developing the site and content.

For the longest time I learned to develop good methods of work, that is efficient, productive methods to gain the most and highest quality of work within the time periods I spend in my studio.

Today I spend an equivalent amount of time learning to understand how diversity of work keeps my excitement piqued. Routine, monotonous work.. although it is comfortable and is relatively stress-free, is not my calling. I probably speak for many artistic people as well as myself, need to have variety in the work and art we create. Often, simply alternating from one project to another is sufficient, or alternating between projects once they are completed.

I have also been experimenting with finishes and perfecting a modified French Polish type of finish. I take the best of the original concept and introduce modern methods to arrive at the same or similar result. The French Polish finish has been a challenge for me for the longest time. Much experimentation and a good dose of research have led me to develop a finishing technique I can successfully replicate each and every time. The best part is that it remains largely a hand-applied finish...maybe we can call it a neo-French Polish technique?