When I was in school, I would always hear one of my instructors talk about finding your voice within your work.
Every time I heard it I would flinch.
“What is she talking about,” I would say to myself.
“That’s pointless. I just want to make furniture.”
I knew who I was (or so I thought). I also knew that I wanted to make beautiful furniture, so why was I being bombarded with artsy-fartsy talk about a voice?
I initially rejected the idea of having something to say with my work. It seemed too artistic of an approach. I wasn’t that kind of guy. I just wanted to make nice things.
Fast forward to now, and I’m sitting here writing an article to help you find your “voice” in woodworking. So, what does that tell you?
What is your “voice?”
What do I mean when I use the word “voice?” In simple terms, it refers to your individual style as a maker and the message you want to communicate with that style. See the key word? Individual. This is important. You’ll see why in a bit.
In the physical sense, we each have a unique voice. The way I speak is different from the way you speak (Don’t even get me started on singing voices. I’ve cleared rooms with my lack of).
When I was a radio DJ, people knew it was me on air because my voice was distinct from the other DJs and vice-versa. It’s part of your unique make up.
The same is true of furniture making. It’s you designing, making, and finishing your work. It’s your own. The materials, proportions, joinery, function, and final finish are governed by you. You build the pieces that interest you. You design from the influences that inspire you. Each piece is unique to you as an…here’s that word…individual.
We all have something to say.
Whether you’re aware of it or not, you do have something you’re trying to communicate with your furniture. You have a message and you’re trying to tell people about that message with each piece you build. Believe me, you do.
I was the biggest skeptic of this idea in the beginning, but as I matured and challenged myself in woodworking, I began to realize that my purpose and reasons for making furniture were part of the message I wanted people to receive through my work.
The reasons you’re a woodworker and maker of fine furniture – those are at the core of the message you’re trying to tell people. Whether it’s the superior quality of hand made furniture, or the quiet elegance of design, there is a message that your work is sending.
That’s why you build the way you do. That’s why you choose the finishes that you do. That’s even why you choose to use the tools that you do. It’s all a reflection of what you believe building hand made furniture should be for you and what the experience of hand made furniture should be to others.
The secret to finding your voice.
It’s simple, really. The secret is to just give yourself permission to have a voice in the first place. That may sound strange until you consider how long you’ve held yourself back from this. Maybe you don’t believe you’re advanced enough in woodworking, or that this is only for professionals. If you’re a woodworker, then you have a voice. Time to allow yourself to have it.
Once you give yourself permission, take time to learn about you as a woodworker and what your inspirations are. Then work at incorporating those inspirations into your woodworking. Dig deep and discover the message you want others to receive through your work.
Also, realize this is an ongoing process. As you grow and mature in the craft so does your message. You may change directions several times with your work. Your influences and inspirations might change as you do. Allow these changes to be part of the journey. It’s a natural part of any growth .
We all have a voice and a message. Communicating it will inevitably lead to greater fulfillment and freedom in your work.
Have you found your voice in woodworking? What are you communicating with your work?
How would you like to design furniture that sells? Find out how in the Woodworking Can Pay The Bills E-course.
