One of perks of being Woodworker’s Journal’s “field” editor is that, every now and then, I actually get out into the field. Sometimes I’m headed to trade shows, but the trips I enjoy even more involve getting together with other woodworkers to see how they do things. In addition to meeting some really fine people and taking care of a photoshoot, I often learn a thing or two about myself in the process.
Case in point: A while back I had the pleasure of spending a couple days in the shop of a world-class woodworker. Since he’s not the sort of guy who would probably want the attention, I won’t name names. But, he’s truly a master of the Shaker and Queen Anne traditions. Over decades of woodworking, he’s built numerous juried pieces, taught classes extensively and has written many books about woodworking and craftsmanship. But, in spite of that resume, he’s a humble, unassuming guy. Here’s the sort of fellow who speaks only when he has something thoughtful to say. He’s salt of the earth and gracious, through and through.
And boy oh boy, can he build furniture…
