UPDATE: Acts of Creation: America’s Finest Hand Craftsmen at Work by Walt Harrington
Jun 26, 2014
Acts of Creation: America’s Finest Hand Craftsmen at Work by Walt Harrington
The Sager Group,2014.
$14.95; 144 pp.
We have 2 winners!
Acts of Creation provides profiles of 14 different craftsmen and aims to illustrate their emotional and spiritual drive create. Examples in the group are woodworkers Michael Seward and Sam Maloof, as well as blacksmith Charlie Keller, locksmith Bob Dix, plaster artisan Lorna Kollmeyer and hardwood floor installer Chuck Crispin. All of the craftsmen are in it for the love of their craft and Harrington sets out to find out why. The profiles explore the working lives of these craftsmen and each essay tells an interesting and entertaining tale.
You won’t learn how to make a chair or fix a lock from reading this book, but I think you will appreciate learning where these craftsmen come from and how they approach their crafts. The book is inspirational.
Lucky ken_in_kanata and highly_figured have won the 2 copies of this book we were giving away. Their comments were chosen at random.
Be sure to check back soon for more great giveaways.
Comments
Looks great. Sign me up.
COUNT ME IN, IT LOOKS LIKE INTERESTING READING.
This would make a great addition to my library
This looks like a fun book
I would love to have this book.
I would enjoy winning this book, additionaly I would also enjoy bacon. I don't however need bacon to enjoy this book, but it helps..
Looks like a nice book.
Count me in!
I would love to have this book.
I think this looks like a great book. Please enter me for a chance to win one.
I would love to read this book. I'm always interested in what drives a person to create anything unique and special.
I want to learn from the great ones!
I would love to read about the creative drives possessed by the best!
This looks like a beautiful book.
This looks darn interesting... inspiring!
Super choice
Another hat in the ring!
Count me in too please!
Donald Dunlap (now retired) is a fabulous example of
the finest cabinetmaker creations available. He also is the author
of 'Dunlap Cabinetmakers' - a history of his family and their
contributions to American Cabinetry and Design. I think he
would love a copy ( I hope he was mentioned).
Should be an interesting and inspiring book.
I would enjoy the book.
sounds like an excellent book. I would love to have a copy.
I'd like a copy!
Inspiration... I'll take all I can get.
Should be a good read.
Every piece of wood has a soul; seek its perfect use.
Inspiration?...count me in!
Interesting.
Just what I have been waiting for.
Would love to read the book, looks interesting
Just yesterday, my wife said she had grown tired of inspiring me, so the timing here is propitious. ;-)
I met Sam Maloof and visited his home/workshop. he was one of the nicest guys ever. He and James Krenov were my first inspirations.
Would love to win this book, if not I will surely by it.
I love these types of books!
Yes please
Yes please
Sounds like an interesting read. Would love to win a copy.
looks great. Sign me up.
It is always interesting to read about inspirational crafters.
Throw my hat in the ring.
Count me in, I could use more inspiration, my wife said so. :)
Sounds like a great read, can't wait
Another great page turner for a woodworker!
I'd really enjoy reading this!
Looks like a great book, & I could use some inspiration at this time of my life. Send it this way & a great review will follow!
I'd love to see this book and be inspired by it. One thing I've learned in my 6 decades of work is that many who get recognized for their craft have "right place-right time" on their side. I don't mean that to be cynical but in most endeavors like this (or singing, acting, painting,etc.) there are hundreds of extremely talented people but only a hand full will achieve the notoriety and fame.
As the first girl in my shop class, (ok, so that dates me, yes, 40 years ago...) I've always wondered why there aren't more female woodworkers. Maybe this book will help inspire some. Looking forward to reading it.
I like it.
More inspirational reading. I like it!!
Always nice to see the skill, and ideas of craftsmen.
Does it have to be a good comment?
The subject of this book, and several others like those by Peter Korn, David Pye, James Krenov (ones I have read so far) is the most intriguing aspect of woodworking and building trades for me. What makes it more than just . . . work?
Integrity in design, pride in craftsmanship.These are my personal guiding points for which I set my internal compass. Making big money, getting rich were never my objectives...they are distracting to the creative process. However, as I am guided by these "compass points" something of great value is produced. The outcome is that people want your creations and are willing to pay fairly to own them. By default the money comes; not rich just making a very good living. Money should never be the objective. Integrity and pride are paramount.
I would appreciate winning one of your books. I am very interested in fine hand crafted woodwork. Richard Mabie
Looks like a great book!! looking forward to reading the epilogue: When Work is Worship.
I'm in. I love to read anything on craftsmanship!
In this age of technology, where anything we need can be made by a machine, it is inspiring to know that there are creative crafts people still using their hands and brains to create legacy pieces.
I can hardly wait to get my hands on a copy of this book.
Would love to add this to my library!
Great cover art and title, I'd pick it up and consider buying it based on just that.
I will definitely review it .
I'd love it.
Quite a collection of artists, look forward to seeing it when it comes out.
We all strive to be as good as we can be at our chosen craft. There are a scattered few in each profession who are passionate enough about their chosen field that they strive to be the best they can be. Do we try to emulate them? Are we willing to sacrifice parts of our lives to live like them? Perhaps we are fortunate enough to take classes from them or watch their YouTube videos. These are the unsung masters and I have been fortunate to have known a few in my life who work with the same materials as I enjoy; wood, metal and glass.
I am always interested in learning more from skilled craftsmen and women since I will certainly never know it all. Oftentimes, understanding how a master craft-person perceives a task or a project makes a huge difference in my own approach to challenges.
One thing about this book is true for any reader. We could not find the time or the initiative to seek out these talented craftspeople and most of us don't have the talent to interview them either. We don't have to do any of that; Walt Harrington has done all the work for us. All we have to do is read, learn and appreciate that which he is passionate about.
Of course, two of us will be obliged to write reviews; a small price to pay compared to the author's work. Looking forward to a good read...
Gyro Gearloose
Was Sam Maloof's love of his work why he was as active as long as he was?
Sounds like a really inspiring read. Its always good to hear what makes craftsmen tick. These people are ambassadors for this passion and love of ours.
Allowing the creative side to explore and flourish is a wonderful thing to be able to do. It is one of my favorite ways to spend time. I will look forward to reading this book, either as a gift, or a purchase. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Fine furniture and talented craftsmen.
This would be an awesom to read and have in my collection. Count me in.
Ken.
Another major component to our craft: skill; patience AND creativity. While I enjoy the finished product, I love the process.
This would be a welcome addition to my library.
This would be a fine addition to my library.
Always looking for inspiration.
I want this book!
I'm interested in this book either way.
I always enjoy reading about other craftpeople and there work.
Looks like a terrific book, would love to have it.
Please pick me!!!!
I always like to hear about what makes other artists "tick"! Will look forward to reading this!
I have many creative friends, Why not 14 more?
After many years away from my woodworking hobby, I am finally able to get back to it as I approach retirement. I would relish this book as I did James Krenovs' books back in the 80's (and still do). I am sure it would give me new inspiration and appreciation of hand craft. Thanks for the opportunity!
I would like to read it, and am interested in the connection of spiritual and creative.
I have recently read George Walker's and peter Korn's books and would love a chance to read this one also.
This sounds really interesting! I would love to read this book.
it is oft said the eyes are the windows of the soul...the hands are the instruments by which the soul and the mind bring its joys to sight....
another hat in the ring!
Looks like a great read!!!
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