UPDATE: Why We Make Things and Why It Matters: The Education of a Craftsman by Peter Korn
Feb 20, 2014
Why We Make Things and Why It Matters: The Education of a Craftsman
David R. Godine Publisher, 2013
$24.95; 200 pp.
And the winner is: anonmt
Peter Korn has been a furniture maker since 1974 and he is the Executive Director and founder of the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Maine. He has also written a few books including the most recent, Why We Make Things and Why It Matters. This book tells the story of Korn’s journey from a novice carpenter to furniture maker to school administrator and examines “why do we choose the spiritually, emotionally, and physically demanding work of bringing new objects into the world with creativity and skill?” This is not a how-to book but rather a book that aims to answer that question.
Why We Make Things and Why It Matters is a memoir that will motivate fellow makers and artists and provides inspiration to all of us to keep on making things.
The lucky winner is anonmt. His comment was chosen at random.
Be sure to check back often for more giveaways.
Comments
Been wanting this book for a while; the craft needs more like it.
Always looking to add to my collection of woodworking books. This book is of interest to me because of the story it tells. I think I can learn a lot from this book.
This book sounds like just the ticket to keep me inspired. Sometimes the pot of creative juices needs a bit of a stir.
I would love a book to keep me inspired!!
This looks like a fascinating read. Any book the cites /Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance/ is on the right path.
Looks like an interesting read to me.
Looks like a great read!!
Making things brings hand and mind together, and makes me feel whole. I'm anxious to hear/learn why others are drawn to the creative process. Looks like a great book.
Looks like a great book.
I have to make things. I am a woodcarver/woodworker. I need that creative process in my life. I am a retired draftsman and love the whole process. The planning, ddesigning, drawing, creating and painting. It is part of me.
If we didn't make things, we'd still be cave dwellers. It's important to create not only for ourselves, but for our descendants, this will be a record of US.
This book sounds extremely interesting and helpful. I'd love to spend some time absorbing the contents.
Looks like a great addition to my library.
Maybe this time
great addition to my library.
The most fun for me in woodworking is the process. I enjoy taking raw materials and making something both beautiful and useful. I then give whatever I made away. It is a process which has taken place over the past 20 some years.
The process started with watching The New Yankee Workshop, to thinking I can do that, to small simple project,s to more complex work with more skills, knowledge and of course tools.
It would be interesting to read about the process someone else went through.
Love this bok. Sharing it with other woodworkers and discusing it's implications.
I love woodworking it brings out the creative side of me I didn't even know I had. Right now I'm making cabinet doors for my wife from scratch no plans and they're turning out great. I never had the confidence to do that before. Thanks to new Yankee workshop that show got me started.
I really like what he done for the craft. His writing an then the school. With this new book he has come full circle.
I really like what he done for the craft. His writing an then the school. With this new book he has come full circle.
Looks like a good book and I have not read it yet but would like to.
I would like to win this book!
I'd love to read this book
maybe a little explanation of why it is I do what I do...other than complete Zen.
Allons-y!
Being creative seems to supply some inborn need that everyone has. During periods when I'm not being creative I feel empty and unfulfilled.
Just maybe I w1ill win this book. It would be the first time.
I can use all the help I can get.
Thanks
Looks like an interesting reading...
Peter Korn is a real inspiration for working with wood and passing it along to others in a community. I would really enjoy this book.
Would be a great resource to have.
I can always use inspiration.
Would love to have a copy of this book.
Always looking for a good book
Ooh, pick me, pick me! This book has been on my purchase list for a while. Long list, small budget....
Count me in.
Looks cool. Please sign me up for a chance to win!
I certainly don't need to be motivated. But I would love to read the book.
A more than worth while book. Sign me up.
Count me in. Always interested in why we do what we do
The question Why do we do what we do opens the door to the exploration of who we are and what shaped us to become ourselves. It offers a chance to explore our past, present and future and better understand why we are the happiest following our seemingly random paths in life rather than pursuing a set course. The ultimate answer is because..
Highly recommend this book. Wouldn't mind another free copy either. :-)
I can use all the resources I can get!
Sounds like a good read!
Sounds interesting.
I'm going to buy one anyway, so why not try?
I retired three years ago when I found a link to Peter Korn‘s video “Welcome to Woodworking Heaven.” This short clip inspired me to reacquaint myself with hand tool woodworking.
I have book looking for a book on this subject without knowing how or where to look for such a topic. This is great.
Would love to read it.
Looks like a great book!
I would love to read this book
This is me commenting.
Sounds darn interesting -- maybe the "zen of woodworking"??
I would enjoy reading this book.
This book would be a great gift for my dad-----it's a subject we both care about deeply.
This looks like an interesting topic.
This would be a nice addition to my woodworking library.
I've never heard of this book but the title is a question I asked my self and have my own point of view curious to see what theory the author has come up with.
At a time when the average age of woodworkers is increasingly old, this book may help introduce younger people to the craft.
Sounds like a great read
Enter me in the contest please.
Count me in!
I am a sociologist and often talk to my students about the key work done by the early sociologists on the sense of alienation felt by many factory workers towards their work during the industrial revolution. Their creativity and internal voice was often silenced by the hum of progress! I believe that the post modern rat race we find ourselves co-constructing each day, often against our wishes, is leading to the same sense of alienation, not just from work but from life. Woodwork is vital to keep us grounded and I would expect this book will touch off some of these issues. Cormac
This looks like an interesting book! I do not get to do much fine woodworking, since all of my efforts seem to be on remodeling in the house (subscribed to fine homebuilding for years), but I just recently had my two sons in a woodworking class where they turned their own pens. They are happy kids in general but I was surprised by how excited and enthusiastic they were afterwards. They now want to pick it up as a hobby and I plan to support that. I try to explain to them why it is good to make things with your own hands.
I saw this book at Lie-Nielsen last week and almost got it. It's been a question I've been considering for the past year or more. I've always felt the need to create and fix things. Most times it feels to be as much a part of my physical body as any organ. An interesting topic and one explored in Krenov's "A Cabinetmakers Notebook". A good read for those who have not
Looking forward to reading this book!
Would love to read this!
This will look on my bookshelf..
Heard a great radio interview with Peter Korn last week. Extremely thoughtful and able to put words to what we feel and what we do. Excited to read the book.
Interesting!
I'm looking forward to seeing this tome in my shop library.
29 requests for holds at on our library's web site. It appears people are interested in this book. I just became number 30.
SHould be a good read, thanks for the opportunity.
I spend time each summer downeast and have passed Mr. Korn's school several times and been intrigued - its on my way to the Lie Nielsen showroom. Perhaps if I win it will inspire me to register for a class or more there.
Yes, would love to own this book. Thanks
Neat!
working with one's hands is the best therapy for the mind.
-JL
Looks like an excellent book that I might just have to get even if I don't win it. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.
I look forward to reading this book
hope i win, looks like an interesting read, and it's too cold out to do anything else.
I am retiring this summer and looking forward to spending much more time woodworking. I am especially looking forward to more hand tool work. This book would be a great read for my retirement.
Whether it is politics or woodworking, Things Matter.
WDA
looks like a reat book . will buy if I don't win
I've heard that this book is quite heavy going and doesn't cover much about woodworking and how he makes things. I'd be very interested to read the comments of people who have read it before I make a decision to read it myself.
Really interested in reading this book.
This sounds like the perfect book for the engineer turned woodworker.
At first woodworking was all about how many power tools I could acquire. Then came the specialty tools. Not until after that did I start to appreciate the real reason I pursued working. The desire wasn't just to build things, but to build them better than what I could buy already made. That's when I began to learn and (try to) master joinery, technique, and design. That's why I build things.
Any book that helps my woodworking is greatly needed. Thanks FWW!!!!
looks like a good read, i'm putting it on my list.
We have thumbs so we can create art, tools and products to improve our lives and society in general. Let us continue to pay it forward.
This sounds like it could be a "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" for the woodworker. Will seek it out in the store if I am not chosen.
wanna read it. looks like a good follow-up to "Shop Class As Soulcraft"
I need motivation - sometimes more, sometimes less.
I need ideas - sometimes more, sometimes less.
I like a good read, all the time.
Looks like a fantastic book from a fantastic craftsman..certainly on my must read list even if I do not win.
Sounds interesting, especially the "why it matters" part.
It is the perfect gift for someone wanting to make their own furniture. I will read it and pass it on to fellow woodworkers.
I am transitioning from Machinist Trainer to a lifetime ahead of woodworking and car building. These skills spark my creativity to learn more and give to others
Sounds like a good read. Would love to have the book.
Looking for a good book to read during my down time while I am at the John C Campbell folk school in April for classes with 4 family members.
After playing in my father's carpenter toolbox as a child and later watching a friend guitar maker for hours as a teen. I took a cabinet making course at a Montreal school in 1976 and soon after started reading Fine Woodworking (the black & white version). I had a partner years ago who I used to bore talking about why we make things and why we should have a reverence for the trees we are working with. I would love to read this book!
Another great addition to the Art & Craft of Woodworking. Thanks for your contribution to further the effort.
This looks like a good one!
Would love to read this book while recouping from knee surgery. Thanks Rob L
sounds like a great read and may answer some questions i've had over the years so would be glad to have it!
Would love to participate but should I win please do a re-draw because I can't afford to pay the clearance & customs dues which are slapped on educational journals imported into this country. I would just return it to sender!! Sorry!!
I also, would like to read this. The work in fine woodworking often inspires me to think about what drove the maker to spend the time to build an article. What esthetic drove the essential "rightness" of the result.
This truly does sound like an interesting book and I think would help anyone who is fortunate enough to win it to better understand that we as wood workers were all created to create.
We get the gratification from those we either sell or just give our pieces too.
I am fortunate to live and breath wood working as an everyday venture and truly enjoy it.
So if opportunity is given teach another young person to love and understand why we create.
Happy Wood Working
We Have Peter Korn's "Woodworking Basics" listed as one of suggested texts for our FIW 101 students, it's fantastic book, would love to add this book to our woodworking library as well.
Looking for a good book to read during my down time while I am at the John C Campbell folk school in April for classes with 4 family members.
Thank you for the opportunity
Always wondered. Look forward to reading this book and discovering the answer.
If this competition includes us guys paying our dues on the other side of the Atlantic, count me in.
Looks like an interesting book, would love to have it.
Cool
Sounds like the book is any good source of inspiration for when we have a difficult project. Always good to be reminded why we spend the time to make furniture the right way.
I would love to win this book. I met Peter Korn in 1987 at a Tage Frid workshop at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Aspen, Colorado. This book might help me explain my passion for woodworking and woodturning to my husband!
Lavonne Kaiser
There's a place in my library for this. I already have plenty of technique books.
Looks Like a Super good Read. Count me in.
sounds like a fine read. if I don't win it, i'll have to buy it.
I've been interested in woodworking as a young boy having a master machinist for a Father. Taught me to use his metal lathe, made brass gavels for all of my family members. Later made many items, even wooden projects on that lathe. Active through high school. Moved away after school and never found much time to continue... busy making a living and raising a family. Now I'm semi-retired and trying to get back into the joy of working with wood... it's wonderful.
This book really looks interesting and would provide much pleasure for me.
Looks interesting.
Sounds like a very interesting book - I'd like to get my hands on it!
As an office worker, no one will care beyond the immediate future how brilliant the briefing note, memo or report I wrote was. As a renovator, woodworker and gardener, the work I do and the things I create are much longer lasting and (hopefully) appreciated for much longer by those who see it.
As a Rookie just getting started, I think This would be an invaluable rescource to help in getting me started on what I hope will become a fun and enjoyable journey to achieving Craftsman status and being able to show off my work with pride.
Looks very interesting!
Looks like a helpful book. Understanding what motivates us can help us as we learn from Peter's experience.
As being retired has given me the opportunity to design and build my own furniture I'm looking forward to reading this book. It would be interesting to read why other people go into woodworking.
The question that is the title of this book is fascinating because it has no wrong answer. It is instead a personal question as diverse as society itself. Also the answers are very different today from those answers of past ages and will continue to change as each of you add to the mix.
I always fall short in trying to put in words, to share with someone, the personal experience that drives my interest and the self-motivation to over and over again take on new woodworking projects as soon as I can.
The whole of the involvement one experience is somewhat of a mystery even to those of us caught up in the beauty and difficulty of creation in wood. I look forward to an authors viewpoint on the brain and hearts collaboration to drive the personal interest, we all have a measure of, in our need to create with woodworking. Guess after that statement, if I'm not lucky enough to win one, I've convinced myself that I'll have to buy a book.
Happy woodworking, "Big Ash"
Why do I like making things? hmmm. would love to win this book.
This is a major issue in our culture that never gets talked about. The drive to create is central to Western civilization in my opinion, and has been ignored or even oppressed in academic circles since the 1960s.
It would be nice to win, but I'll pick up a copy anyway just to see what Mr. Lorn makes of the issue.
Another classic read I am going to enjoy having in my library.
This book sounds great!
Seems that humans have always made things-- for the vast portion of human existence, it was because we HAD to in order to survive all the challenges that mother nature posed to our ancestors. Now, we are mostly able to make things that we WANT to for the pleasure or.... true, the need for more decoration of our homes, adornment of the walls or another piece of furniture to store our belongings. The joy of making sawdust while creating an object reflecting one's skill and creativity is surely among the most human of experiences that in part, at least, explains why WE MAKE THINGS! And, if anything that we make is suitable or subsantial enough to last longer than our own lifetime, then IT MATTERS and hopefully anyone in a future generation will understand why we made it. It must transcend our own hand, mind and life.
Maybe someday someone will write a book about my journey.
Many of us here, if not most of us, push electrons for a living.
The need to have a hand in making something real hasn't gone away. In fact, it's probably increased.
Not too long ago, our neighbours were the butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker. Now, we get stuff from giant companies that get the them made overseas.
But nothing ever stays the same for too long. In response, skills have been revived because of our need to make things. Supporting companies like Lee Valley and Lie Nielsen have been formed to support that need.
Jobs look different now. The social contract has been eroded. To a certain degree, the local artisan is increasing in visibility. Think woodworking as a business.
Nothing can compare with the direct experience of creating something, particularly something involving use of hands, head and heart. Would love to read his take on this.
I have a spot for this book on my book shelf in my work place.
Thanks for this fun offer.
To make and create is surely one of the ultimate feelings of satisfaction, this book will be super inspiration for sure.
This may help to explain why I do what I do. Looking forward to the read.
I'm glad that Peter Korn will consider the spiritual aspect of our urge to make things. I believe our creative impulse is a gift from God. The original Creator has made a world of beautiful things for us to share. Our ability to see that beauty and be inspired to create something both functional and beautiful from the materials He has graced us with is, I believe, a marvelous gift from God.
I was a 60 hour a week corporate executive who never was without a magazine or woodworking book for those inevitable long flights.Literature prepared me for those hours stolen to work in my shop and when I retired at 52 turned with vigor to create in 20 years a great body of work.At my feet are 9 new books to inspire me for the next 20 years.Thank you all you riters and photographers who have enriched my and the lives of all woodworkers
Will the things we make out last us?
I think the Wood Whisperere also mentioned this book. Looks great.
I have always thought of my self as a creator of things and was quite proud of producing a solid body electric guitar in 7th grade shop class. Followed by everything from furniture to houses, it fed my soul with a sense of accomplishment, achievement, and as importantly, a sense of contribution.
Some people in our world disdain working with their hands and that is a shame because they don't understand that the brain must be busy long before the hands come to play, if quality and lasting work is desired. I celebrate people who choose the path to create and build with integrity for they are the backbone of our world.
Sounds like a great read!
With the majority of furniture and craft items being made in factories of particleboard and vinyl, it'll be nice to remember why we keep the craft alive....
gimme a book
Allons-y
Hey, I've told my sons that the best job I ever had was when I was a teenager working as a carpenter for Uncle Henry. It was great because at the end of everyday I could look back and see what I had accomplished. I had immediate feedback if I did good or not.
As a business manager most times my work seemed to go into a black hole; Most times I would never know what happened to it. Now retired I have returned to woodworking. I have made my 3-car garage into a mobile woodshop. That great feeling of creating things from wood has returned. My time spent there is always fun. Let's go...
Always searching for new information and concepts........
As a maker I love reading what has brought others to being makers & creators.
Looks like a fun and fascinating read!
It appears this book appeals to the non-monetary drivers that feed the fires in our souls. One reviewer spoke about creating "quality, integrity, and grace". The older I get the more I need to feed that fire with the work I produce. This path speaks to me loud and clear.
This seems like a worthwhile book to own...whether I win it or not ;-)!
would like to get this book. . .
We make thing to make our life better
Looks like a good book
It looks interesting
In a world of cheap imitations, we certainly need this kind of inspiration to design and create, honing our God-given gifts for the benefit of others and for inner satisfaction. I look forward to reading this book.
We make things because we can. It is one of the Gifts that God has given us. It sets us apart from the lower animals. When we create we honor those that are partakers of our gift and He how gave it.
I read the mixed reviews on this, but am always interested in thoughts from someone who actually makes a living from woodworking, as opposed making a living off of writing about woodworking.
When we make things we connect our inner-self with the world and the people around us.We may make things out of necessity or to create asthetic harmony, but ultimately it is to connect to self, family, others, and the world at large.
I am always amazed at how quickly I can relax after working a 8 to 5 doing repetitive work by creating something with my eyes and hands in my wood shop. I look forward to reading the book.
I'm not familiar with this author so I don't know if this book is just idle philosophizing that makes sense only to the author or material that inspires others and contributes to the advance of civilization. I hope it's the latter.
It's time to renew creative spirit by using my passion for woodworking, I've been hampered by illness, but now on the road to recovery. Being creative again will aid that process.
Peter is an inspirational figure, the CFC is a huge credit to him, and his writing is clear and concise - I look forward to reading it
Looks like a book I'd like to read.
"Home is where the books are."
—Richard Burton
This would be a great book for my wife to read! Especially the part about why it matters. So for her I'd like to win this book.
This follows in the tradition of Richard Sennett's "The Craftsman" and David Pye's "The Nature and Art of Workmanship" It should prove fascinating to a woodworker.
Looks like a fun book.
I would love to have this book.
Making things in wood, in clay etc is one of the essentials that make us human. We are creative creatures and need to use material and tools for self expression. Creating grounds us to time past and to time future, a part of our human traditions and skills and a sense of infinity; its wonderful.
Looks like a cool book. Maybe it will help me figure out why I make things.
I have enjoyed Peter Korn's articles for many years. Having this book would be a great addition to my library.
Looks like a great book count me in love to add it to my reading list
would enjoy this book!
Mostly positive reviews on Amazon. You can't please everybody, of course.
I like the approach of considering the "spiritual, emotional and physical reasons" of why we make things. I think we all think about these things on a personal level, but forget to consider the innate reasons. I look forward to reading Peter's book.
For me, making things is a creative process. The line between Art and Craft has become blurred. I am happy to stay in the "craft" domain, and am always interested in the reasons others have for engaging in essentially the same activity
The idea behind this book is very intriguing. Regardless of how I get a copy of this book, I look forward to exploring why I'm drawn to my shop & what comes out of it.
Expect this one will reside in my book collection right along side of The Anarchist's Tool Chest and The Village Carpenter. Great portrayal of the importance of building things every day.
I am a beginning woodworker and this book would be an inspiration. Not only the book being an inspiration, it would be a great birthday present on the Feb. 20--my 58th.
This book looks extremely interesting. I love to read about how great craftsmen become great. I would love to own this book.
I want to know why I have this NEED to make wooden items.
Wm Morris, Krenov, Toshi Odate-sensei, Pye, Moxon - we feel the urge not only to work and make but to share the feelings and satisfaction that making give us. I look forward to exploring this aspect of the creative urge in the new book.
This book sounds like it would speak to my soul.
There's never been a time that I have not been thinking about something I've built or planted or something I want to build or plant. I feel bad for those who say they are bored. Creating requires a lot of thought and planning as well as actual doing and it sure beats laying on the couch watching TV.
seems like a good read! would love to have this book.
There is somthing about creating. Involving thought, reflection, moods, concentration, focus. Just the desire to make it perfect. Makers know exactly were imperfections are but others may never see. IT's a secret. There are moments when woodworking that time doesnt exist. A person who hasn't done it will never know and those that do can't put into words. Here is a master trying to put to words creation. Gotta b good
Please!
After previewing the book on Amazon it looks like this book would be a very interesting one to read.
This seems to be a classic case of self actualization, fulfilling the highest level in Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
This would be very nice to win.
This would be a great book to have.Is there a audio version.
Looks like a great read! It would be great company for a cup of coffee and a roaring fire up here in Canada!
The 'Center for Furniture Craftsmanship' is a fantastic learning establishment. I look forward to reading Peter Korn's book.
I have visited his school, and the quality of both the students and teachers is excellent. I look forward to reading his book.
We need more craftsmen in this world and what a great opportunity to read and see what craftsmen have to teach us.
I read about Peter Korn in 'woodwork' winter issue. I related with his story and outlook and immediately wanted his book.
Great read with all this snow we are getting:-)
Looks like an intersting read. I would love to win it!
I hear it's a great book. I've asked out local library to order it so all our woodworkers can read it.
Win it or not, it sounds like a great read.
It is fortunate when skilled craftsman is both talented in the woodworking trade and in writing/ illustrating a book to share with fellow woodworkers. We should be grateful to a professional like him and the staff of "Fine Woodworking for doing the same.
This is a great book. Fine Woodworking is the best site.
Since retiring five years ago, I have become an avid woodworker. I would enjoy reading about how woodworking has influenced someone else.
My grandfather was an inventor blacksmith in the 1880's through turn of the century. When a job required a special tool, he made it specifically for that job. I have some great tongs, that I can not explain the purpose. He invented a specialized post hole digger, unlike anything before or since; the sled weeder to be pulled down a row of corn to cut off the weeds growing in the area between rows, widely copied by farm machine manufacturers. His only patent was for a cold sheet metal punch, sold to Baldwin Locomotive Works. Tools without a purpose are useless; however a tool made for a specific purpose is priceless. Will be interested in the book. Minniehaha
Yes please.
Book giveaway?
Sure.....
I'd love some ammunition when addressing this very question, often posed by friends, of why making is important....
love to add this to my library
I've been eyeing off this book. Please, please, please, can I have it for free? :)
Always nice to know why we do what we do.
I have always been fascinated by old tools, how they are used, and why they were conceived.
Always interested in what drives others to make things. Would love to read about his journey too.
Looks like a book well worth reading. Looking forward to it.
Yes, I would like a chance to read this. I am ALWAYS looking to improve my woodworking!
I wonder if the author talks about the pervasiveness of computers and video games in our society. It definitely changes what we (and more importantly, our kids) do with our free time. I would love to read this with my 10 year old son.
would love to read the book!
+1 for the book!
Thank you to have an opportunity to read the book in order to find the answer of WHY questions !
Ditto to most of the previous comments :).
There may be as many reasons as there are people behind our creative impulse and why it's important. For me, the specific reasons of the day can vary, but I've been driven to at least try to create things as far back as I can remember. It's not something I can stop.
What I'd like to understand better is why some people only want to live life as passive consumers and why some can't see the value of making things yourself at all.
I do not claim to be the paragon of creativity, but I have noticed that persons who are intellectually curious have a desire or better yet, a need to create and from what I have observed this transcends any particular field, even if not all fields. A woodworker may also enjoy creating music or painting or cooking and vice versa. The absence of a passion for creating equates to an absence of a passion for life.
I am a personal injury defense attorney. My days are spent disposing of toxic waste in the cheapest way possible. I do not really “make” anything --in the legal profession, there is little, if any at all, opportunity to “craft” something. A biased judge or legal procedures that make no sense will blow off any amount of good legal argument. Metrics for being a craftsman in the law are few and far between.
After a 12-hour workday, I use my little time before sleep to read the current or back issues of Fine Woodworking magazine or a Taunton Press book. Dreaming of woodworking helps me forget my work. In by future retirement, I can spend more than 4 hours a week in my messy garage shop making the furniture and art I see in your pages. I actually hope to build a retirement home somewhere and build all the furniture too. At that point (hopefully), I will no longer be supporting my children at college and can have extra money to purchase something better than the junk tools I presently have.
I can promise you that I will read this book in that little evening time and dream of being an artisan at something that will exist longer than my life.
Each time I read a book on woodworking, my projects show improvements in one way or the other. I make small furniture, keepsake boxes and intarsia. Been at it for the last 15 years.
The culture wants us to be watching, so we don't miss the ads, but we long to be engaged, to be doing.
Sounds like an interesting read.
Sounds like a great read.
Industrial designer/furniture designer here who would really like to add this to my collection.
Thanks Fine Woodworking team. Love your work.
sounds like a book that should be mandatory reading
Please consider me for the book giveaway! Thanks!
Coolio Daddy. I'd love it.
Would give me better answers to "You can buy that in a store".
In this day and age we do not make things because we dont have to, most of the time. We can buy prepared food, built furniture, wine in bottles, etc. We are consumers and often just that and many have never found the joy of creating something, be it a painting, a ceramic bowl, a pasta sauce, music, woodworking or growing a tomato.
I cannot imagine a life without this creative spirit that fulfills something deep in me. I look forward to the hours I spend in my small shop designing, planning, shaping wood and making something. It challenges me on several fronts and gets me honing my skills and allows me to test them and my progress. I would like to think that as we age such work helps our brains without the need of paper mind game. I will also have something tangible at the end.
In the end it helps me understand this world, and life in general.
Looking forward to reading this book!
Woodworking for me is a struggle to develop the skills and sophistication to make something practical and beautiful in a medium that is sometimes straightforward, and sometimes devilishly difficult. I love working wood, but don't always love the results, in part because they and I don't live up to my (romanticized?) desire for craftsmanship in a world where craftsmanship often seems irrelevant.
My wife's grandfather collected antique furniture, and the craftsmen who made them are largely anonymous, but the work in many cases dates back to the 18th century. That alone is a testimony to the importance of making things, whether it's an elegant highboy that was certainly made by an established cabinetmaker, or the well-worn six-board blanket chest held together by nails that was probably assembled by a farmer in the Connecticut River valley. The only real sign of craftsmanship in the chest is the thumbnail molding along the edge of the lid, yet it has survived more than 200 years and still holds blankets. So even if it's not a thing of beauty - although there's a lot to admire about even a rough piece of furniture as old as that - it hasn't lost its utility in two centuries of life. That's pretty amazing, and I'd love to produce even one useful or beautiful - or both! - thing that lasts as long as that chest. I'm interested in Peter Korn's perspective on the whole question of utility and beauty and the process of craftsmanship, which is something I think many woodworkers struggle with, torn between creative and/or practical ambitions for our work, and the reality of day-to-day lives that, for some of us, don't allow us to satisfy our thirst to get into the shop and really find out what we can do.
What an intriguing title...
Why do we seek 'alone time' in our shops, or delight when the newest woodworking magazine arrives in the mailbox, or spend hours reading the tool catalogs?
It's in our blood, it's in our psyche, it's in our hands. Our brains are wired to be constantly reviewing and thinking through the best way to do a project.
Woodworking: it defines us!
My wife is begging for me to win this book!!!
I'm sitting in a Thailand hotel contemplating my next project. This book would help.
My wife says she will confiscate all my tools and sell them on eBay if I don't offer a valid reason why I build things instead of buying them at say........Ikea (uhhh, i hate that name). This book will help me continue my woodworking career.
For sure I read that book, as it seems to be some kind of access, why I love my woodworking hobby. But I think my wife would have to read it too, to understand, why I spend that much time in my workshop :-)
Why woodworking? Sign me up! :)
Ever since I found this book on Amazon I have been planning on getting it. The why's we build is as important as the hows.
As an educator, I can see the value of this book.
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