Wood, Woodworking & Wonder

Wood, Woodworking & Wonder

There have been several threads here, and articles in several
woodworking magazines, on Why I Do Woodworking. The answers - “It puts
bread on my table.”, “Because I’m in control start to finish.”, “It’s
therapeutic, an escape from everyday life’s trials and tribulation.”,
“Woodworking is my creative outlet.”, “I’m a problem solver - I like to
figure things out.”, . . .

Those are all ADULT answers. I suspect that underlying the logical,
rational, ADULT reasons, there’s a child’s sense of wonder, a connection
to a state of mind that finds things we take for granted, or over
overlook completely, as absolutely fascinating - wonderful. Woodworking
is merely a trigger for that state, a means of transport to a place we
left, or were driven from, many many years ago - a child's sense of
wonder.

I have a pair of Child’s Wonder reminders next door, twin three - and a
half year old sisters, human versions of Huxley’s “Here And Now” talking
birds. My shop, being situated acrossed the fence from the backyard
swings and slide and second floor pirate’s cabin, brings me the sounds
of pure joy at just being and playing, with frequent expressions (read
“loud shrieks”) of pure and genuine glee.

With these reminders / inspirations I often find myself doing something
in the shop that is going so easily - or see something amazing in the
piece of wood I’m turning, or being astounded at what garnet shellac is
doing to the look of the surface it’s being applied to - actually saying
out loud “Amazing! And sometimes - actually squeeling with joy at the
wonder of it all.

charlie b