Comments on: Two Resources to Help You Sketch Your Design Success for 2010

By: Adam

Adam — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 03:57:33 +0000

And thank you for those kind words. I’m glad Jamon has inspired all of you to really focus on design this year. It’s a revolution!

By: Mark Mazzo

Mark Mazzo — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:29:11 +0000

Adam,

Thanks for the inspiration and the link to Jamon’s blog. I think what he is doing is great!

I’m with Torch02 on this and I may begin posting sketches of designs on a periodic basis as a way to keep me going with the sketching of ideas. I definitely won’t make the daily quota but, weekly or something close may be doable.

Keep up the good work!

–Mark
The Craftsman’s Path

By: Adam

Adam — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:20:26 +0000

Ah…I see where we’re missing each other’s point, now.

“The notion that one must design modern furniture to ‘fulfill’ themselves as a woodworker is too restrictive.”

You’re right. It is too restrictive. That’s why I’ve never said that. I never would advocate ‘modern’ furniture as a natural path for all to walk.

The beauty of this craft is the incredible room for self expression and fulfillment in different styles, niches, techniques, and methods.

All I am ever saying is that as one progresses in the craft the need for self expression in the work will come and designing one’s own work, whether furniture, carvings, sculptures, or widgets, is the next step in finding fulfillment and pursuing the craft passionately and with purpose. Even if you’re doing reproductions or your own interpretations of historical pieces, it comes down to self expression.

By: Larry Marshall

Larry Marshall — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 03:11:38 +0000

Of course you think that, Adam. You said it in your post and say it all the time. And for some that may be true. Others find their ‘muse’ by investigating museums, challenged to replicate existing designs from their favorite periods. Others apply themselves to mastering techniques used by cabinetmakers in the 17th or 18th Centuries. Some believe that woodworking means cutting out pictures of Elvis. Part of the wonder of this world of woodworking is that there are so many ways to enjoy it. The notion that one must design modern furniture to ‘fulfill’ themselves as a woodworker is too restrictive.

Cheers — Larry

By: Adam

Adam — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 02:47:51 +0000

That’s interesting about your thoughts on designing. At some point, makers come to a point that they have a creative desire to fulfill, and it stems from the need for self expression. This is where designing your own work comes in.

While you don’t need it to work passionately, I do believe that it is a necessary element to add if you as a woodworker want to continue in fulfillment.

By: Adam

Adam — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 02:42:33 +0000

I think Jamon will be just fine with you going ahead with it. Hey, weekly is great. The idea is to just keep at it. Glad to see you going at it, and I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

By: Larry Marshall

Larry Marshall — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:18:49 +0000

Thanks much for the pointer to Jamon’s blog. I’m now subscribed as I’m sure I’ll learn a lot from his design goals. While I don’t feel that woodworkers need design anything to be either passionate or successful at their craft, for those who do enjoy design work, your words ring true. Thanks again for your Johnny Appleseed approach to helping others on their woodworking journey.

Cheers — Larry

By: Torch02

Torch02 — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:45:16 +0000

I’ve been giving some thought to a similar drawing/sketching “quest” over the past few days. I won’t be so bold as to set a daily expectation, but I think I can commit to one sketch a week for the year. I ought, considering the prodding I’ve given Jamon on Twitter and my comments on The Drawing Boards.

We’ve had plenty exhortation – your post here (http://www.woodworkersjourney.com/how-do-you-go-from-inspiration-to-sketchbook) and Larry’s argument of the notebook being an important hand tool (http://www.woodnbits.com/blog/2009/11/an-important-hand-tool-for-woodworkers/). I guess by biggest impediment, beyond inertia, was worrying about “stealing” Jamon’s schtick. If J is fine with it, then I’m in for a weekly design/drawing/post. I have a couple to get me started, so I should be able to get something for this week posted tonight.