Charles Brock and Stephen Price from “The Highland Woodworker” stopped by recently to film a segment on Lost Art Press and our storefront. That day, Brendan Gaffney was teaching a class on building a sector, and Megan Fitzpatrick was editing Christian Becksvoort’s new book, so it was quite a circus.
You can view the entire episode here if you like.
Personal note about my performance: I know that I am likely somewhere on the spectrum when it comes to autism. I have difficulty looking people in the eye (always have). Feel free to make fun of me on this (Megan does). Also, I attended a special school when I was 5 for some of these developmental problems, so I’m easily mocked for that as well (Brendan does).
Suffice to say, I’m not sensitive about it.
Aside from the fact that I look and act like a freak, the episode is excellent! We tour the Covington, Ky., neighborhood where the storefront is located and show Charles the bench room, the research library, the biergarten and the Electric Horse Garage (the machine room). And we chat about three of our newest titles: “Hands Employed Aright,” “Welsh Stick Chairs” and “The Intelligent Hand.”
Thanks to Charles, Steve and Highland Woodworking, which sponsors the show. I am now crawling back into my spider hole so I can build a couple more chairs in peace.
— Christopher Schwarz
You actually did quite well. Really enjoyed the tour. Since I live in Central Texas, it is unlikely I will make it to Kentucky anytime soon so it is good to see the store. Looks great.
It was one of my favorite episodes in quite some time, but I am a chair nut as well and a big fan of your stuff. Everyone has their quirks and if we paid more attention to those instead of the substance of what is being discussed we would loose out on a lot, besides being shallow. I mean it’s not like you went all Marty Feldman from “Young Frankenstein” on us, well maybe just a little. But like I said it was a great episode, so great job Mr. Schwarz, keep em’ coming.
I have met you on a number of occasions…PW/Lie Nielsen in the old PW days, couple of classes in Berea, and the first fest in Iowa……you are what you are and very good at it…no apologies necessary……while I love him, your personality analysis relates more to Mr. Brock than you !!….my fearless prediction, this episode will bring you a number(perhaps lots??) of customers, followers and even a few wieners……………….all the best………dale
Loved it!
I think you’re a little too hard on yourself. In seventh grade a friend and I had to perform “Who’s on first” on video for a class project. It was hideous and it still occupies my nightmares. Having said that… I just revisited your “Mastering Hand Tools” video from some years ago…yikes.
Now, when is the campaign chest video coming out?
I thought it was a great interview. Didn’t even think about the things you mentioned.
I agree.
I agree as well. Enjoyed the segment and glad for both Lost Art Press and The Highland Woodworker. Great stuff all around!
If being on the spectrum has helped your success, congratulations. Capitalize on it!!
Watched the whole thing. Great video, and thanks!
I gotta comment.
First, the video was great. It really psyched me up to put my own shop back in order and get some chairs made.
Second, besides teaching middle school woodshop, I am responsible for a gaggle of Gifted/Talented kids, most of whom demonstrate the same sorts of quirky, determined, creative curiosity
I’ve found that if I just imagine people naked, I barely notice any quirks at all. It’s not a great coping method.
This is a great video with LOTS of high quality information, particularly your insights on chair design. I don’t think it’s uncommon for talented, intelligent people to have had difficulty with their early education. I was kept back in the first grade and did just fine later on. Thomas Edison left school because the teachers thought he was “addled”. Tell Brendan it’s a mark of distinction.
Ditto to the above comments. It’s the only “Highland Woodworker” episode I have saved for a re-watch. I really enjoyed your discussion on seat height and drop. Great Job!
If you are like me, looking people in the eye makes it hard to concentrate on listening(or talking.) I thought your personal peformance was just fine, and enjoyed the show thoroughly.
One more vote for loved it.
And I don’t care if you look me in the eye, as long as you write there.
I enjoyed your presentation and didn’t notice anything odd. Now with your “sharing” I will be making closer observations, but still may find it normal. Maybe I’m on the spectrum as well? Thanks for presenting the dedicated, meticulous, and reasonably grounded person that you appear to be. You are inspirational.
You fly was closed, so that was already a win. Lots of nice information in the interview. Thanks for sharing.
The only “spectrum” I see is that of a person who is deeply interested in his craft. The enthusiasm overrides any deficiencies some might imagine.
I also thought you did great in the interview. Your passion was showing (that’s a good thing).
I was in the sector class that was taking place when the interview was taped. It was a fun diversion and I caught a couple of very brief shots of myself in the video which was kind of cool.
TonyC
My now 14 yo son had some issues when he was young… All of the armchair experts (some trained, some not, but the advice was always unsolicited) urged us to have him “diagnosed”. We did not because he was getting along fine enough and I dislike labels in general. He is doing just fine today, although I am sure a person paid to make the diagnose (and treat) would have done just that. (Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of kids who benefit from intervention. We just did not see our kid that way).
As for the people giving the advice, I started saying “You know, I am a CPA and it seems to me you are bad with money, do you want an evaluation?”. That usually shut them up.
Chris,
I haven’t finished it yet, but
The Intelligent Hand
Pg 25 last paragraph “ague” sb argue
Bill Harris
Sent from my iPhone