A Cremation Story.

I am fascinated by human practices and rituals.  They seem to tell us - in an abstract way - exactly who and what we are.  They speak to how much commonality there really is between us.  And, stories containing facts about our proclivities show the continuity with the past that we all have, despite ideas about 'modern thinking', trends or fads.

I would probably never have entertained the notion of designing and crafting a container for human ashes had not my former father-in-law passed to the Great Beyond and his family asked me to do so.  I agreed and 'The Ash Vault' you can see on my website is the result. 

As I began discussing with the family exactly what they wanted, it quickly became obvious that this container was going to be a family affair.  When it was finally put into the ground at the family cemetery plot - that is, when all whose ashes would be ensconced inside had passed - it would contain Father, Mother and father's dog.  Notable during this discussion was my former mother-in-law's declaration that the ashes from the dog (whom she did not like) were not to be placed next to hers.

After launching my Wood Lore website, I found myself Googling some history on cremation. I was amazed!  Cremation is referred to in literature from Ancient Greece.  It was a military tradition in Ancient Rome (and, if you were an Officer or other high official, the ritual included releasing an eagle to fly above the funeral pyre).  It was and still is a very formal ritual in the Hindu Religion.  It has been accepted and practiced by society through the ages and, at one point, it was even outlawed.

What a story!

So, now we are in the 21st Century - some people choose to bury their bodies and some have their remains cremated.  Which way to go doesn't seem to be much of an issue to most.  And yet, there are some considerations, for those who have the freedom to choose, what procedure they will apply - for themselves or for those they love.  Personally, in the spirit of 'Ashes to Ashes and Dust to Dust', I like the idea of Green Thinking.  Ultimately, no matter how substantial or 'air tight' a burial chamber is, our earthly remains will be absorbed by the earth.  For some reason, an easily digestible container is a friendly idea.  I read that Hindu people believe that the ritual they perform with funeral pyres, etc. before they allow the ashes of their loved ones to flow into the Ganges River removes all pollution and polluting elements.  Perhaps there is something to that.....

Like I said, what a story.

Paper...

Here at Wood Lore studios this week, we have been taking a thorough look at Art Paper.  The sample boxes we have been perusing contain offerings from all over the world - and I do mean every corner of the Earth. There are so many beautiful papers being made!  (I used to think that the title, Art Papers, meant paper to be used by an Artist- now I know that the papers themselves are works of art).  But that's only half of what impressed me this week.  The other part is that most of the papers are constructed using both Old World techniques AND natural fibers (grasses, bark and a myriad of other fibers).  Certainly technology is a good thing to have - but when balanced with ancient techniques and materials, it doesn't (in my book) get any better. These papers have this sort 
of balance and soon, I will be incorporating some of them in my work. Can't wait! Stay tuned...

A good Florentine "...sta sempre a bottega".

"A Good Florentine is Always in the Shop"

- A saying from early-Rennaissance Florence, Italy

If you look closely at the image from a 15th Century engraving (above) you will see that very saying being carried out in everday life.  On both sides of the street, craftsmen and artisans can be seen working happily away in shop spaces that are open to the air and to the public.  They are busy creating and making their wares - and yet are also available to sell, answer questions or, if the spirit moves them, have a 'chit-chat' with passers-by.

This idea appeals to me in a big way.

Perhaps the appeal comes from the place inside us where we find it such a pleasant thing to do to stop by an outdoor espresso cart and grab a latte - watching the barista perform magic while discussing whatever comes to mind.  Or break for a coney dog from a mobile vendor - not ordering our condiments and having them put on in the kitchen, but slathered on right there before our eyes.

I recently viewed a movie about a gentleman reported to be perhaps the best sushi chef in the world.  He is an artist.  Yes, people come to eat his excellent food but they also want to watch him make and serve it.  His restaurant is in a building, but what would be so different if the Sushi counter was outside?  Customers would still be transfixed - as they were in the movie - by watching a Master at work.

People want to see what artisans do.  When they are given the opportunity with food or coffee, they flock to the venue.  Drawing from my experience with ourtdoor art fairs, I believe we are slowly moving back to an 'Always in the Shop'/Open-Air-Spaces scenario.  It is already happening in certain places - so, it's just a matter of time....  I know I will enjoy it to the 'max'.  The shops where I have worked (even my own) have offered wayyyy too much isolation and solitude.  Maybe that works for ice sculptures, but not warm, friendly, beautiful, elegant wood..

Press Release on Wood Lore Invention!

"Gazer-Lazer Energy Systems, LLC"

I am both pleased and excited to make the following announcement.  Lori is taking the ball and heading for the 'endzone'!!!!

In the very first blog for this website, I mentioned our invention.  Soon it will go into full release, but today is definitely a milestone.

I took the initial phase and did all the preliminaries - developing one of the two components that form the 'core' of the invention.  I applied for a Design Patent (said Patent is now pending) and finalized and refined the object which will be patented.

The other - and equally important - component is what we are calling 'The Owner's Manual'.  AS OF TODAY, Lori is taking charge and taking command of all steps needed to finish it and publish it.  Although I will 'reign in my horse' and stay calm, I am more than eager to see her work.  She brings to this table all her experience and expertise from many years of work in Television News, Radio Broadcasting, Video Programming and Directing and Event Coordination Management.  And THAT is why I know it will be awesome!!!

I think it is fair to say a little about the invention itself - and I will, without giving too much away.  In the Design Patent application, it is identified as a 'Psycho/Spiritual Device'.  It is made of wood (of course).  It can be owned and enjoyed by anyone and everyone.  And that is enough for now....

There you have it.  My wife is in the house doing her magic and I am going to get into a little oiling on some products, design-building on others and, generally, making a lot of noise and sawdust (my favorite).  Have a great day!

One's Wood Shop as Sacred Space...

I had an idea the other day that I would take a few photos of my workshop and post them in this Blog.  So, I started to look around for suitable places to take snapshots - at the machines and the workstations and the walls - and I was struck by a realization.

My studio, over time, has been decorated just like any other room where I spend a lot of time and it reflects both the way I organize physical things - and also the way I symbolically represent my mind and spirit.  In other words, in addition to the functional items (like tools, etc.) there are; pictures, photos of my 'gurus', icons, statues, models, carved symbols, and so on. Looked at from a certain perspective, it is almost like creating a place of high-reverance.

And here's what brought it home for me.  I found myself remembering things of a similar nature I had seen in other wood artist studios, and with those memories came the realization that I am not alone in this.  In fact, I would suggest that walls and shelves decorated with a craftsman's 'knick knacks' is more the norm than the exception to the rule.

The point here is not that there is an inordinate amount of superstition or artificial piety in the life and thinking of an artist.  It is that we make our spaces meaningful.  I myself have seen - in various studios I have visited - the statues of gods, goddesses, saints and the like.  I have seen technical articles on a wood artist's favorite wood glue.  I have seen photos of children and pets.  I have seen incense burners and shrines.  And I have also seen a chisel embedded in the wall by a spinning tablesaw blade after the operator mistakenly thought it would work as a push stick - said chisel left in the wall as a reminder not to ever do that again.

They are all symbols.  And they all have meaning to the master of the shop.  Most people will never know they exist - but he or she will know.  And, she or he will see them and be with them every day.  They are an integral part of the process.

So, I am not going to post any photos - just these thoughts.  I would very much enjoy hearing any stories or thoughts on this subject from anyone who has them.

Until next time.....

New Interior Lighting designs

I have been carrying a series of lamp designs in my head for more than 10 years - so, it's high time to trot them out.  Here goes.

This series will be called "The D.N.H. Glow Series".  Currently planned are a Hall Table version and 3 different Floor Lamps.  I am rendering the Hall Table one right now out of Walnut and Quartersawn White Oak.  The drafted example looks like this:

 ...and a partial prototype I did to try some ideas looks like this:

The piece shown above will be, when oiled and polished, elegant and refined - and 'low key' - but I cannot wait to try the same design with more exotic hardwoods.  I know it's going to be a show stopper.

Stay tuned, I will bring in preliminary looks at the floor lamps as I develop them further.....

Please feel free to follow my blog.  Thanks.

The Official Website Launch!!

So, here it is!  The moment when I walk up the wooden steps to the platform, grasp the bottle of champagne that hangs suspended from a cord, swing it back and crash it against the prow of the new ship. " I christen thee www.Wood-Lore.com - and a fine, seaworthy website you shall be."

I want to begin by thanking all those who contributed one way or another to the journey leading to this point on my path.  A new beginning for sure.
Foremost among those for whom I am grateful is Lori - my partner, my wife, my best friend and the love of my life.

I hereby dedicate myself to all the contacts and connections with people that will come through this website.  May we all enjoy the process and benefit from it in both expected and unexpected ways....

                                      "It's Been Fun Industries" by Paul Reed (my son)

Now ----- to the fun.  I have, waiting in the wings, many exciting products and designs I shall be introducing soon.  Please check back often - especially in the near future.  I have found a number of ways to incorporate my experience with CAD technology which will allow the early release of new designs and be a great way to depict projects to potential Clients who want to see their ideas before they engage my services. 

Also, upcoming is the first release of my invention.  Verrrry exciting but, for the moment, verrry hush hush. 

With that, I declare this website officially OPEN.  Let the games begin.........