As part of the PME program, we were given the opportunity to complete a digital media project focused on the theme of 'Space, Place, Time'. The task was to create a portfolio of digital photographs and present them as a published photo essay, accompanied by an audio/visual artist's statement that would articulate the meaning behind the work.
For my project, I chose to celebrate the art of real woodworking by creating a photo essay that paid tribute to my dad, who has been a carpenter for over 60 years and recently turned 80 years old. Despite being officially retired, he still works every day and his passion for carpentry is as strong as ever.
The process of creating this project was amazing and something that will stay with me forever. As I delved into my dad's world of woodworking, I gained a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into every piece of work. I was in awe of the antiques tools he used, some of which dated back to 1950, such as The Claw Hammer, The Tape Measure, The Chisel, The Level, The Screwdriver, The Handsaw, The Hand drill, The Camps and The Pad saw. Watching him work with these tools and seeing his hands transform raw materials into beautiful creations was truly inspiring.
His shed was his pride of place, and the scent of pine, wood glue, and varnish hung in the air. He knew the smell of each type of wood and the kind of dust it generated. Every piece of his work was crafted with love and precision, and even in the most trying moments, he never settled for anything less than perfection. He believed that if something was not perfect, plumb, and square, then it needed to be dismantled and reworked until it met his high standards.
Woodworking is an art that is both solitary and communal, and it transcends time. Amid the speed and chaos of the modern world, it provides a place where we can slow down, pay attention, and take the time to do things right. As my dad always says, "if you can't find the time to do it properly, how will you find the time to fix it?"
I will forever cherish this experience and the opportunity to pay tribute to my dad and the art of real woodworking
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