Something Artsy?
I have never considered myself an artist. I guess I technically still don’t. However, it’s possible I’ve been one for most of my life…
I’ve had a number of creative mediums throughout my life. There are of course the ‘typical’ and ‘traditional’ ones as a kid. Coloring, drawing, making sand castles, pottery at school, decorating the Christmas tree a certain way, making race tracks for my race cars…the list goes on and on.
As a young adult being very involved with woodworking and custom furniture this was of course a form of artistry. Would I have described it that way when I was 16? Nope…I was 16 and everything was, well, ‘whatever’. As I got into young adulthood or late childhood (however you choose to look at it) I was much more engrossed with the world of automotive. Having my own cars, customizing them and being an artist in this way.
Fast forward what feels to be a lifetime later and I’m still an artist. I’ve done many metal and welding fabrication projects throughout the years, home renovations, wall painting, plant and landscape designs and yes back to some of the typical coloring and drawing with my tiny human.
Woodworking has been a constant throughout all those years of adding to my skills, experience and knowledge base. What I’ve always found phenomenal while working with wood (be it rough lumber, kitchen cabinetry or furniture) is the simultaneous simplicity and complex depth. I know this might sound cliché or perhaps even like a bunch of nonsense, but it’s true. Square cuts and perfectly jointed edges can create just as much beauty and elegance as a twisted old tree trunk. It’s all about perspective.
Perspective is what this post is all about. In all my years of fabricating, building and woodworking I’ve never attempted something this “artsy” or this “creative”. Some reading this might think it’s not creative at all…some might think it’s a waste of time…some might not be reading this at all. For me it’s a fun & unique challenge to step outside of my comfort zone.
The piece of applewood tree trunk shown in this post was gifted to me from a good friend. His exact words were “let’s see how creative you can be”. Not with any snark or challenge to them, but merely as someone else who understands the creative outlet that woodworking can offer. In the coming months I hope to have finalized this piece into something awesome. I’ll update with pictures and of course a story when I’m done.
Update: This piece turned out awesome! Check it out in PART TWO HERE