Lack of local interest in woodworking
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I have lived in numerous locations and in all of them there were young people interested in working in my shop(usually part time)and others who were either full time or dedicated amatour woodworkers.In all cases there was some form of loose or formal association of like minded woodworkers
This is my second time living in Philadelphia and I have not encountered either young people interested in the craft or advanced professionals interested in meeting to share notes.Is this similar to the experience in other cities?
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I'm in Christchurch New Zealand, and there is certainly interest here.
We have a thriving Menz Shed movement which is primarily woodshop focused, a large (>100 member) turning club and lots of amateurs and semi pros happy to help each other out.
It might be worth trying to start (or seeing if there already exists) a facebook page for local woodworkers.
If you see Detective Mike Shepherd, say hello from the states.
Where exactly is Brokenwood?
I'm assuming it's the town Rob lives in.
In the San Francisco Bay Area, there are at least two or three woodworking clubs, at least one wood carving club. Once I joined these clubs, I've found a lot of like minded woodworkers. Often, local Rocklers and Woodcraft stores will have a small cork/bulletin board for info and often local clubs will have a flyer there that could help folks connect with local woodworkers. I'd have to belive all major metropolitan areas will have something.
Philadelphia has always had a vibrant arts and crafts community. The Philadelphia Arts and Crafts Show is one of the premier events in the country. It had at one time on South St the Kagan Gallery that is the only gallery that I know of or ever heard of that was dedicated solely to woodworking. If they are still there the Snydermans had a gallery in Old City and was an outlet for local arts and crafts and of the highest order. BDDW moved from Brooklyn to Philly and hires a bunch of craftmen,usually young people. In my work I had many friends that were also woodworkers. The relationship was around the work, we met in our shops and usually about something related to business, we didn't barbecue together, hang out in bars and argue about art-- well maybe we did in ours 20's. If we were making a living it was because we were working like dogs.
I worked out of a shop on South St for a while when South St was just starting to happen and long before it gentrified into a nightclub spot. You could buy a building for 10 grand there then and artists and craftsmen flocked to the area. Eventually that all changed and many of the people I knew moved to Old City ,then Northern Liberties and my understanding is now the studios and workshops are showing up in Kensington and Fish Town. My friend just sold his place in N. Liberties and moved his studio to a building he bought in Kensington. There is a woodworking school in that area now I believe. Cities do that. Artists and misfits move into a derelict area because they can afford it. Put up with the shootings and muggings for a few years until Ralph Lauren decides it's now a cool spot and opens a shop. s
Then the people that made it cool cash out and do it again in a new scary neighborhood.
You need to persevere, they are there. As to the young people, what are you offering? Working in your shop ,does that involve money? Money is a pretty good motivator!
I think it's natural that woodworking is a hobby that attracts middle age and older people, with the time and money to engage in it. The younger people I know are more interested in computers and video games than making furniture. They don't have the same interest in cars that my generation had either.
Just to add to this, early in my career, I was really busy starting my career and becoming well established in my field. That took a decade or more and has ended up being worth the effort. Then, got married, had a kid, and was busy till my kid was 5 or 6 before I felt I had the time for a hobby. I don't think I am alone which probably results in quite a few folks getting to middle age before really wanting a hobby.