I am so pleased to have George Walker as our first guest host of the Lost Art Press Open Wire. George is a traditional woodworker who (with his friend Jim Tolpin) has spent nearly 20 years exploring and explaining “artisan geometry.”
Artisan geometry is the clever and simple system behind all the good designs and simple layout methods that flow from the bench. It is the footers and foundations of our craft – and that of architecture. And once learned, it will open your mind (and hands) to a simpler and more direct way to design and work.
George and Jim have already written four books about it for us, and they are working on a fifth.
If you have questions about this unseen world, George is here to help answer them today.
Here’s how it works: Type your question in the comment field. George will post his answer. It is that easy.
Before you ask a question, please read this.
If you could limit the number of questions you ask to one or two, that would be appreciated.
If your question is your first comment here, it will automatically be flagged for moderation. Your question will appear after I approve it.
So here we go…. Note that comments for this entry will close about 5 p.m. Eastern.
Author George Walker is hosting this Saturday’s Open Wire here on the Lost Art Press blog. You’ll get to ask George about the new book he’s working on with Jim Tolpin, plus ask questions about design, artisan geometry and traditional woodworking – all the good stuff.
George and Jim also run the By Hand & Eye website, where they generously help other woodworkers (and school students) explore the world of artisan geometry.
The pair are hard at work on a new book for Lost Art Press. Here’s what George has to say about it:
Tentatively called “Good Eye, Skilled Hands,” it’s a dive into historic work to uncover timeless lessons about design. We deconstruct the geometry and proportions hidden beneath the surface, secrets that still offer insights for modern furniture builders. Proportions hidden in a medieval coffer or even the geometry built into the framing of a 400-year-old English threshing barn may inspire and guide designs for a contemporary coffee table or a writing desk. It will change the way you see historic work.
You can read a full profile of George here. And of Jim here.
I hope you will stop by this Saturday and ask George a few questions (Jim might chime in, too). We are opening up the Open Wire to our authors, and so you can look for more guest hosts in the coming weeks.
The Gibson chair that is the subject of a video Megan and I are working on. This week has been so busy that we have stalled on it. It will be finished next week.
Update: I am sad that no one asked about cat care. So I’ve closed the comments, and am going home to sulk with a cat on my lap. – Fitz
I’m teaching a class this weekend, so Megan has volunteered to staff the LAP Open Wire today. So in addition to woodworking questions, feel free ask about home renovation and cat care.
Here’s how it works: Type your question in the comment field. Megan will do her best to answer.
Before you ask a question, please read this.
If you could limit the number of questions you ask to one or two, that keeps the load manageable. And remember brevity is appreciated.
If your question is your first comment here, it will automatically be flagged for moderation. Your question will appear after she approves it.
So here we go…. Note that comments for this entry will close about 5 p.m. Eastern.
