I did my first woodworking as a child - built a footstool in 4-H with my Dad. Though I have little sense of smell, I can smell shellac (the alcohol, I guess) and each time I use shellac, it brings back warm memories of that time. I was probably 10, and I don't recall doing much except sanding!! I suspect Dad did most of the rest. He wasn't a woodworker, but he was a great Dad! Over the years, I have always done something related to wood, but really I just kind of drifted along - built longrifles, did some simple projects, built some craft projects, finally getting into building furniture.
About 3 years ago, shortly after becoming a member here at the creek, I drifted into hand tools - planes, nice chisels, etc., but still drifting along. I attended a Woodworking In America symposium/convention in Chicago - the first woodworking event I had ever attended in my soon to be 63 years. While there, I had an epiphany.
As a hunter, and more particularly, a bow hunter, I had always advised newcomers to take aim at a particular hair, or dark spot on a deer - ignoring those antlers. Most folks just shoot "at the deer". Humane kills are difficult under those conditions.
During the WIA convention, I suddenly realized the remarkable similarity between building furniture to the concept of aiming at a smaller target. I had built several pieces of furniture, and had always viewed the project as a whole. It became evident that the masters viewed each board, each component, as a separate entity. Each board was jointed, planed and trued. A cabinet door wasn't built as a door, but each rail, each stile was a separate effort.
Now.... to the AAW Symposium - my second woodworking event to attend. And yet, another epiphany! It became apparent that there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of wood turners whose talents exceed mine. And, more importantly, there are countless wood turners that go to demos, watch DVDs, view the works of others - and, then, attempt to turn the same pieces. How many John Jordan "look-alikes" have you seen?
More revealing, however, was the "smack you in the face" realization that I was one of them!!
I left the symposium with the overwhelming realization that I could no longer turn to please others. I could no longer just turn what I had seen others turn. I must begin reaching deep within myself for inspiration. There were other components of this epiphany that had to do with a self-realization of my goals as a wood turner and how to accomplish those, but sharing those is not the point of this thread.
So, what is the point??
Both of my epiphanies resulted in dramatic changes in my woodworking. The first was an astounding difference in the quality of my flat work, and I am hopeful the second will result in more interesting woodturnings.
What epiphanies have you had? Care to share them?? Or, am I the only one that gets hit between the eyes with things like this!?!?!?