An Interview with Gary Rogowski, and a Book Giveaway
Gary Rogowski discusses craftsmanship, shop injuries, and most importantly, patience, with our editorial director Tom McKenna
Gary Rogowski is a familiar face to many of our readers, and for good reason. There are few authors who have been in the pages of Fine Woodworking more than Gary. In fact, Gary authored one of The Taunton Press’s best-selling books, The Complete Illustrated Guide to Joinery, which is often mentioned in lists of must-have woodworking books. Gary isn’t just a prolific author, he’s also an inventive furniture maker and designer. In fact, all of us here at Fine Woodworking walk past Gary’s Greene and Greene inspired sideboard on our way to lunch.
In 1997, Gary opened his school, The Northwest Woodworking Studio, where he teaches woodworkers of all ages, focusing on traditional hand-tool techniques while emphasizing contemporary design. Gary also oversees Woodworking Ideas Northwest, a program where high school students visit his studio and get hands-on instruction in furniture construction and design.
Gary’s newest book Handmade: Creative Focus in the Age of Distraction (Linden Publishing) has been called part autobiography, part guide to creativity, and part guide to living an authentic life.
More on FineWoodworking.com:
- Gary Rogowski: Master the Miter – How to trim, glue up and reinforce this multipurpose joint
- Gary Rogowski: Surviving Glue-Ups – A guide to stress-free gluing and clamping
- Gary Rogowski: Router-Table Basics – Are you getting the most from this workshop fixture?
Comments
As a fairly new student to wood,(12 years) I found the interview very inspiring. I had not thought of some of the theory discussed in the manner of my own person in the shop. Thanks.
Gary's offerings in your interview classify as pure wisdom. It's what we'd wish from an articulate person, experienced not only in woodworking, but in living. Tom's questions were insightful and helpful as well. Thanks for a fine piece, fellas.
A well done interview; indicative of the craftsmanship by both parties. Inspirational in the best and classic sense. I am 78 years old at the end of this month and came to the conclusion that there is no end to acquiring craft skill. Each step, once mastered, allows you to approach and appreciate the next. I started woodworking about 60 years ago and am still on the journey (just invested in a SawStop) and still building. I just bought Gary's book and am looking forward to reading it and nodding my head every now and then while saying, "Yup. That's right."
Kudos to to Tom and Gary for a great and inspirationl interview.
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