I’m going to approach this a little differently. Yes, of course the world needs my furniture … and yours, and that of our community who care about something they create. Create, not manufacture. Yes, our society has shifted a long way toward box stores and “made in China” but that makes what we do all that more special. Most people won’t get it, but that’s ok.

I’m committed to keeping the centuries old woodworking traditions and techniques alive. And I want to see our generation of people have a chance to appreciate fine furniture, a modern version unlike that found in their grandparents’ home. If we don’t persevere in this duty who is going to?

I’m with Larry. I think there will be differing views on how important other’s views and influence are depending on one’s intent for their involvement in the craft. On the one hand, someone trying to make a living as a studio or reproduction furniture maker should very well be concerned with what other’s think as they are the ones spending their money. And when we’re talking custom furniture/craft work, we’re usually not talking about small change. If I’m spending two week’s salary on a piece of furniture, you bet I’m going to be picky and want some say about what I’m buying. This is one of the reasons [I think] that we are so focussed on surface perfection these days. People are so used to the perfect machined joinery and completely tearout free, flawless surfaces of over sanded and plastic laminated factory made junk that these surfaces have come to be a minimum expectation. We see this even in reproduction work where the surface of the original was never that perfect, nor was it ever intended to be. However, when you have to meet a customer’s demands & expectations, you make the sacrifice because you need to eat.

On the other hand, I believe that most woodworkers today are the hobbyist type like myself. It is a very rare day that I sell a piece. Does that mean I’m going to give up on making furniture, because there’s little interest from the outside world in what I do and make? Heck no. I design and build for myself and no one else (O.K., my wife too). If someone approaches me and wants to hire me to build a piece for them, that’s great. I may even accept the job, IF I have the time and the desire to build what they want me to build. If not, I have no regrets turning them down and referring them to someone else that could use the commission. For me, building furniture is a recreation; an escape; a way for me to connect with those who used my tools before me; a way for me to connect with my children besides watching television or playing video games; a way to furnish my own home with pieces I could never afford to buy from someone else; a way to develop problem solving skills and hand eye coordination; a way to connect with nature; a way to meet and converse with like minded people; a way to spend quiet time alone.

It’s about the finished product…but it’s not.

These are good observations. There is a market that exists for people’s work, but it’s tough to identify at times. Your personal aesthetic is what it is and is always changing as you change, but it will indeed resonate with a select group. That’s the key – a small select focused group.

Thanks for the comment.

You’re on to something there, my friend. It’s not about the sales, in the end.

Cheers — Larry