Demonstrating the shoulder plane
I was reflecting on yesterday’s post and decided to share this with you.
When my training in fine furniture construction and restoration came to a close, I was standing at the door to the school’s shop trying to muster the courage and the words to say goodbye to my teacher. Here was this man who had an incredible and impressive lineage in the craft of furniture making, and has been to date one of the greatest influences on my own life, and I now have to face the reality that I may never see him again. Sensing this was warring within my mind, he shuffled over to me, shook my hand, and then suddenly put his arm around my shoulders. He then pulled me aside from the other students and proceeded with my final lesson. After several years his words still resonate clearly in my memories.
“Promise me that you will willingly share everything that I have shared with you. Hold nothing back from anyone,” he said pointing a finger at me for emphasis.
He told me that teaching others would in turn teach me and make me a better craftsman. I had done some teaching while in school as part of my scholarship program. I really loved watching people make the same discoveries I did. The shear panic on their faces as they tried a risky technique for the first time, followed by the utter joy of victory, was enough to carry you with a smile for the remainder of the day. I did learn a lot from these students, but until recently I did not fully understand what my teacher was relating to me.
Since opening the Studio almost five years ago, I’ve had a few weekend classes, private students, and a short term apprentice. All people desiring to learn more about this passion for wood and to have greater fulfillment in the pursuit of woodworking. Each and every person who has sought instruction and guidance has left me with more than I feel I’ve given them. I have been inspired, humbled, and just plain awestruck with all of them. These lessons have impacted me not only as a craftsman, but as a person. I find myself more mindful of each and every movement and the meaning behind them. Every stroke of the plane has purpose. Working with such passionate people can be described as nothing short of a miraculous privilege. It’s a re-energizing of my own passion and a reminder of my overall purpose for being a furniture maker.
The promise is coming full circle. The student becomes the teacher, and in doing so, is remaining a student.
