This is the beginning of a new series about Making Stuff. It is a peek into the head of a California artist, outside of her working hours.
As a California artist, I draw and paint.
As a regular chick in my non-working hours, I like to make stuff. Always have. This could possibly be the driving force behind my career choice.
My poor mom probably just groaned every time I said, “Mom, I want to make something!” She would send me to a stack of Highlights magazines, which usually had projects requiring things we didn’t have on hand. Or, the end product wasn’t anything that I considered worth the effort. Usually Mom didn’t want the mess – she had her own stuff to make, like clothing for 3 little girls, and dinner.
What I really wanted was to make useful stuff that was Real. Not toys, not crafts, but Real Stuff for Real Life. In my 30s, I developed an overwhelming appreciation for willow furniture. My neighbors (Hi Bill and Peggy!) had made a chair and had a file of info about willow furniture, which they generously shared with me. I began looking for plans and photographed willow furniture wherever I saw it.
We, (Michael and I, not Mom and I) began looking for places that willow grew so we could cut it. (Nope, not gonna reveal my trespasses here.) I was determined to make real, usable, beautiful chairs. It took Michael’s help because he knows tools better than I do, and he is stronger, plus he is driven by perfection rather than mere completion.
This is one of the results. It is a Real Chair, and it has lasted at least 18 years so far. We’d like to make some that are beefier, sturdier, and less wobbly. But, we are busy making other things now. Stay tuned. . .
6 Comments
Jana,
My almost 7 year old definitely shares your desire to make REAL stuff. He recently received his very first check, for winning 4th place in a contest, and so we went shopping. He wanted to buy an inexpensive pocketknife and a screwdriver that had all the little attachments. I’m sure the parenting magazines would not advocate giving a six-almost-seven year old a knife, but I thought, what would my dad do? And he got the knife.
When we got home, I thought he was going to carve his name on a stick or something, but no, he wants to make a bench with his screwdriver and pocketknife, and he has asked for a hammer and drill for his upcoming birthday. He said he just wants to make a simple little bench, no big deal. He’ll wait until he is good at benches before making chairs or tables.
Joy, as a kid whose efforts were continually frustrated, I think you and Kevin should help him make his first bench. Show him a picture of a simple one, help him measure, use other tools, make it really really good! (As if I know Thing One about parenting. . .)
“… lasted at least 18 years so far.” Begs the question: Hence up against a wall of support for its age? Beautiful …
Diane, maybe they have lasted 18 years because they don’t get sun. . . but I’m sure the wall helps.
Hi Jana, We’re just checking to see if we can comment if we’re inspired. Ruth/Maggie
Ruth and Maggie, you can comment, and I hope you do find some sort of inspiration in my blog. Nice to hear from you!
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