For him there need be no looking back wistfully to days when the toil of workshop or factory or office desk perforce kept his life filled. He will have in his skilful fingers the power to recreate his life anew so long as the power to work remains with him, something in which he can be happy and absorbed and be for ever learning, something too which will enable him to add to the attractiveness of his home and give pleasure to his friends. For woodwork is indeed a homely craft, adapting itself to all sorts of conditions. It can be plain or decorative, it can range from indoor and outdoor furnishings to a child’s toy and the humble window wedge. It can embrace both the classical elegance of an inlaid cabinet and a strictly utilitarian kitchen fitting, and each thing in itself be so honestly and truly made as to be perfect of its kind. It can give a man scope for his fancy and every kind of ingenuity. It will both exercise his patience and add to his serenity, for there is something very kindly about wood. It can keep the spirit of creation alive in him till his tools are put away for the last time, since to us all “the night cometh when no man can work.” But at least he will have lived. And who knows what new possibilities will dawn for him when the night ends?
— The Woodworker, October 1951
I think that sums it all up, woodwork that is.
Your best post yet.
Nice.
I have recently experienced these thoughts firsthand; instead of focusing solely on furniture-making but making things for the kitchen and gifts for friends. Good take on something that is ever evolving yet oddly consistent over the years.
Perfect description of my Garndfather, always learning, and teaching those of us who would take the time to learn from him. He laid his tools down only when he went to sleep for the final time.
“It will both exercise his patience and add to his serenity, for there is something very kindly about wood.” That single sentence does more than I ever have to explain why I am a woodworker.
The older I get the more those thoughts resonate with me. I have come to realize that I will not get the opportunity to create as much in my lifetime as my mind can even conceive in even a single day. I believe the last sentence speaks of what heaven may be like. Until then, I will endeavor to to use my time well.
Like a poetic benediction. All I can say is “It is good” or in aramaic Amen.
What a great quote — and a great writing desk! Please tell me that is your next project.
@ Jason Weaver— Looks very ‘campaigny’, eh? I hope you are onto something.
Yup
Oh, my mind and its eye! Wonder if you can possibly turn that desk into something like a tool chest for planes, chisels, other edge tools, and things you need to keep them up … as well as somewhere to store your layout tools …. hmmmm …. Thanx for the nudge in the design department, my man!