When your client is a better woodworker than you
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- Опубликовано: 28 авг 2024
- I set a goal early on in my woodworking journey: I wanted to be in a gallery one day. I didn’t know how to accomplish that. I wasn’t a professional furniture maker. But I thought if I could get into a gallery, that would be some demarcator of success. And I'm particularly fond of the piece in the exhibition -- a commission from a luthier who is arguably better at her craft than I am at mine. This is the story of that piece.
Go check Kristin Siegfried Ballenger on IG at @siegfriedviolins.
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Was watching this during lunch, when my 17 year old daughter walked by. She stopped and listened in near the end and smiled. She dances ballet and is preparing for an intensive school this summer. She’s excited and scared - she really felt what you said about raising your own bars. Cheers to you. Keep up the grind.
That made me smile. Thank you 👊
Just getting comfortable among those who are smarter than you is something to strive for. That’s one of the important things I heard in this one. 👍
Maybe the most important thing in this one. It’s immensely valuable 👊
I watch many woodworkers on RUclips as I am very much a novice and looking to learn. As each video reveals the final I always “see” them. When you reveal your works in your video I always “feel” them.
That’s a very thoughtful response. I really appreciate that 🙂
I discovered your channel few days ago and I subscribed almost directly for 2 main reasons : your professionalism and authenticity. Please keep those 2 ingredients in your journey here. I won't miss any of your videos. Also I love angles you use to shoot your scenes!
And his killer biceps. I'm a bit surprised they can fit into his Prius.
Thank you so much. I really appreciate the feedback 🙏
@robertmabry4172 😂😂😂
Beyond your work being screaming hot, your insights, inspirations, and depth of thoughtfulness keeps me fully engaged. There are lots of channels by superb woodworkers. There are few channels by woodworkers who let themselves be vulnerable and who share those things in their heart of hearts that truly drives them. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Jack. I really appreciate the kind words.
Shoot for the stars. If you get there, great! If you don't then you might just land on a whole new planet that is uplifting and blissful.
Wise words!
I am an amateur backyard/basement woodworker at best in my opinion, but I love learning and pushing past my limits to get better at what I do, your message at the end of this video was perfect. I tell my young teenage daughter, who plays violin, pretty much what you said at the end of the video. That aside, I do subscribe and watch a lot of the other woodworking and furniture makers on RUclips for enjoyment and inspiration, but I came across your channel about a week ago and I think your videos, mannerisms, and motivational messages resonate with how I think and feel about woodworking and life in general. Great work.
That’s a beautiful case, whatever you do in life,do something that makes you happy . I too would like to see the build in a vid,great job !
Thank you! May have to revisit it in the future so I can create a build video.
I believe the greatest art is art that makes others happy. Very happy in viewing your beautiful art that deserves to be in the woodworkers dream gallery. Thanks for sharing this with all of us who love the art.
Thank you!
I'm a believer in the notion of when people/things/events come into our lives, we make choices about what they will mean to us. I follow some woodworkers and makers but I only in the past few days found your channel for the first time. I'm a stagnating creator. Always stagnating. Always. "Chase your dream," hit me hard. Literally brought me to tears. I've lost too many tomorrows to procrastination. I have to think I found your channel at the right time. ☮💟
Thank you. Your work and mentality are equally inspiring for me in my woodworking journey. Again, thank you.
I really appreciate that. Thank you.
Using a white finish on the encasing is brilliant. The form you found is astonishing, and with a crazy piece of wood that would easily draw attention. But that way it’s absolutely framing and highlighting the instrument. Fantastic job, Eric.
And I loved all the wisdom nuggets throughout this video. ❤
Thank you 🙂
Your positivity is amazing. Thanks for inspiring me to go make beautiful things!
It was great to meet you again and I love seeing your connection with the school and how it energizes you. You made a beautiful piece and it was fantastic to get to see it in person. Well done 👍
Good to see some of the Maine places I used to travel through on my way down east.
Great story telling. The design process is always fascinating to me, particularly when you're trying to compliment another piece while still letting yourself shine. The case works well closed, when open it is unbusy (is that a word) enough that it lets the instrument stand out. I felt like it was a torso, beautiful in it's own right, opening to display the heart inside. It's not a design that I would have conceived of. but it's quite successful. Well done.
Thank you so much. I appreciate that feedback and like the analogy to a torso. The waistline was considered in the design process so I think you’re spot on 🙏
The ending message on this one literally had me a bit choked up. I’ve been in woodworking a long time now. Always working as a “company man”. Recently I have taken the risk to go all in on myself and turn the home shop into a full time venture. Its so refreshing watching the same excitement from another great woodworker, that I also share, when your backs against the wall and you don’t know where to go next. But, you get there. I appreciate your passion and that’s why I keep checking in. This will be one of the videos added to my “daily inspiration” playlist when I catch myself going less than 100%. Thank you, Sir. Your doing more for some than you may know. 🫡
I really appreciate that man. Thank you 🙏
she's better, take eye mug! thoughtful and well said. we can't always control outcomes but can control effort.
100% 👊
You my friend knock it out of the park. Your videography, insight and understanding are as amazing as your creations. Thank you for sharing your path with all of us and inspiring us to do more.
As I have reflected back over my decades long career, it is the people that made me feel like the dumbest person in the room that have impacted me the most. I can still remember 35yr old conversations that changed my perspective, opened me up to whole new ways of approaching problems.
You have that same impact.
You always nail your topics with everyone because you are straight up no bs , this is why I love your channel and with lots of real inspiration. Thank you . Would love to meet you one day !
Thank you! Yes that would be great.
Amazing story with a more amazing message and a true masterpiece at the end to see .amazing work
Thank you!
Grats. The piece is most worthy of a gallery showing.
That was by far the best commentary on woodworking I have ever heard. Well done.
Thank you!
Amen to going into the woods for a few days! That is my peace too!
This one did it for me...definitely the most inspiring craftsmanship channel here.
Thank you so much. I really do appreciate that 🙏
Ever have a man's words bring you tears of joy? Thanks for the reminder to chase my dreams. I needed it. I always try and remember "Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will." I may have forgotten, but your words gave me the reminder. Thank you.
Indeed I think failure is an important component to success. Glad you found this video helpful. Keep chasing 👊
The timing on this video was perfect for me. I have been getting my ass royally kicked by a project that I want very much to succeed at, and came in from the shop to distract myself and decompress from many days of trying to reach a goal that has stayed just out of reach. You inspire me to keep on trying to succeed. God bless you.
Never give up on the thing, my man. Stepping away and breathing is the right move. But never give up on it. Glad you enjoyed this one. I really appreciate the feedback 👊
Brilliant work dude, I'm 63 and still chasing my dreams and still raising the bar! Happy days
Thank you! Keep on chasing, man. It’s brilliant that we get to keep on doing so after years.
Brilliant stuff. Having the courage to do something that fails is a great lesson. It’s how people get better. I recently went to an exhibition of Japanese woodworking at the Japan House in London. Very inspiring. The degree of skill and patience that goes onto their pieces. Afterwards, we spent some time in Tokyo and rented a house that was very authentic Japanese with screens and lots and lots of woodwork. All exquisite.
Here I am, still working on the interior of a big barn conversion and with no Japanese design influences (yet). But I learnt so much from my visits to be making better products than I did before. Try, try and try.
Unfortunately, failing when you are trying to make a living is a luxury we can’t afford. It’s hard enough to make enough money when you get it right first time without having to “waste” time and materials on a failure. I wish I knew the way to balance both pulls.
It’s a hard thing for sure. And one that often falls out of balance. But it’s often just the attempt to balance the two that brings joy. Which, somewhat ironically, is a lesson on failure in and of itself.
Keep on keeping on my guy 👊
I’m not certain you remember. But I met you at your fellowship as I toured CFC last October. I knew I wanted to attend a class there instantly. I’m sitting in my apartment getting prepared for the 2 week course that starts tomorrow. I’m so excited to be surrounded by other woodworkers who are passionate to learn. What a great day to watch this video!
As a retired educator and hobbyist wood tinkerer, I always look forward to your inspirational talks. It’s a breath of fresh air in the youtubiverse. Thank you sir for your excellent perspective on the craft. Nice mug too!
Thank you! And a former wood shop teacher, I really appreciate that.
Now there’s a beautiful piece Eric, well done.👍👍
Thank you!
IMHO this ENCurtis episode is most perfectly inspirational woodworking RUclips video ever produced...to date!
Yes, on occasion, i glean from your videos a tip i hope to some day incorporate into my own anemic, amateur skill set… but that isn’t why i watch them; i think you know why, and i thank you. Please continue..
Thank you 🙏🙂
Wow, that's really beautiful and such a profound symmetry.
These videos are as much about life as woodworking. And the vision and inspiration they paint make me smile every time I watch. Thanks for creating them.
Brilliant. The piece, the message, and the video. Shared with maker friends.
Thank you 🙂
I love your work. But above all, I love your stories. Keep on doing stuff, thanks for all.
Thank you so much. Each time I watch your videos I want to run to my shop even when it is
late at night . I don't but morning seems to take a time to come. Julien Lamarche
Wow!
From start to finish, just wow! Loved every minute of this... even the music, everything just on point
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
Very good video editing. Enjoyable to watch no matter the project
Thank you!
watching your work for a while, but this one made me subscribe. the humility and the genuine curiosity to let a piece find itself, its momentum and direction resonated strongly with me, where i am and where i want to be ! many thanks
A great reflection on the journey of the creative process. It's funny how no matter what kind of art a person makes, the process is always so similar. Thanks for sharing!
The creative process is deeply personal and yet entirely universal. Couldn’t agree more.
Damn it, Erik. This video made me realize that I need to up-size. I am jealous of these large spacious shops (yours and the ones you visit). The spouse has been nagging me to buy a bigger house and dangling the idea of a bigger shop. I have been saying no and saying we can get buy with a subsistence lifestyle, but I am really starting to entertain the idea that it would be great to have as much space as you have, watching your videos.
There is a great deal of value in the ability to get by. But there is also value in allowing yourself to settle into a new, comfortable place that has room for growth. Don’t short change yourself! I’m lucky to have a nice size shop that has allowed me room to expand, which is what I need at this moment. It’s worth investing in yourself.
What you discribe is "Creative Zen". As a landscape photographer, I lean on that quite a bit and teach that as a true photgraphic tool. Probably why I subscribed. While photography is my true passion, woodworking is a close second. And it is all creativity. Beatuiful work and goals were acheived.
That is a lovely design, elegantly accentuating the beauty of the instrument, inspiring stuff.
Thank you very much!
Eric, I briefly met you at WBC earlier this year, and of course knowing you from TV and here was one thing, but meeting you in person gave me the idea of how cool and down to Earth you are. Of course knowing the talent you have makes this trait be even more incredible. Besides the fact that this piece is so beautiful, you have a way of inspiring people, or I can say inspire me. This video is truly touching, and I definitely needed that in my journey, so thank you :).
Thank you so much, man. I really appreciate that. Hope to see you again at WBC next year!
Good lessons on being humble and open to learning and growing personally and professionally. Thanks! 👍
I had seen this case and never known it was you! I totally agree on seeing a reaction and 'knowing' that a person likes a work is just incredibly satisfying. I'll reiterate what some others have said and say you are a criminally underrated producer here. From the works you are producing, the fails and hapiness you've allowed us to journey along with you, by opening up your shop on youtube. Thanks.
You are the epitome of inspiration 🙌
I am so grateful that I found your woodworking channel the other day. I have spent the last two years building my woodworking shop. I have big hopes and dreams and I find this video very inspiring. Thank you for sharing your career and workings with the world. Seeing your projects come together so beautifully inspires me to keep pushing for my dreams! Thank you for sharing what you do.
I’m really glad to hear that. Thank you so much.
Wow, that’s beautiful and what a wonderful experience for the both of you seeing each other’s pieces for the first time. It seems you we just blown away having your work in the gallery. Fabulous & a privilege for you to share that with us.
Thank you, thank you!
I agree that sometimes 1+1=3 and when that happens you can't stop smiling!
Such a beautiful pair of art works!
Thank you, Jeff!
What a thoughtful video, thanks. I like that school's vibe, reminds me of studying under Tage Frid at RISD in 1967. And kudos to you and her for fine work.
Thank you! And a little jealous you studied under Tage Frid I won’t lie haha
I binged your videos a few weeks ago. I absolutely love the difference you are bringing to the youtube woodworking space. Teaching people how to be real craftspeople, showing them what it takes, and proving that there's more to woodworking than the fancy tools. Bringing art back to woodworking youtube. Thank you :)
WOW! That's just...wow
Thank you 🙂
Just a moment in time, and what a wonderful ending to this project. The fact that you step back and give this all the introspection that you did is amazing. Well done and appreciate your transparency, but more your growth.
Thank you so much!
You have that fun mix of education and entertainment. Makes the learning the way easier. Glad to have discovered your channel.
I chased my dreams as a paramedic this is my hobby I love it
I love to hear that 👏
Your enthusiam for the creative process and the end result is reviving to watch
Thank you! I’m glad it resonated with you.
You continue to inspire, educate and entertain with beautiful pieces and visually stunning videos. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much!
Wow. Two beautiful things with a synergy that creates something even more beautiful. Teaching is about inspiring and creating a love of subject, and you nail that! Thank you.
Erik, it is not possible to remain indifferent to your videos. The reflections you make, on a topic as specific as carpentry, can be applied to all possible topics. I'm not a carpenter, nor an apprentice, I just like to see the execution process. I find myself reflecting on life, with your videos. You must be, as we say in Portugal, where I live, an excellent conversation starter :)... accept a hug from the other side of the Atlantic
Thank you so much 🙂
I only recently found this channel, but dude, you've quickly become my favorite woodworking channel here. You're a great teacher, and an even better storyteller, but it's clear that your main drive for this channel is to inspire us to recognize the art and craftsmanship of woodworking. And you are really inspiring to me, personally; as I'm taking the first steps toward selling my work after several years as a hobby, it's encouraging to remember that fine woodworking is first and foremost art, followed by utility, and I want to sell my work to people who really do cherish the craftsmanship of it.
And that cabinet is so beautiful, a very well-deserved place in that gallery!
Thank you. That means a lot!
Congratulations on the fellowship Erik. At one company i worked for we referred to them as "Fellers."
I keep coming back because I'm getting more and more inspired to finally set up my workshop properly (as opposed to the disorganized disastrous mess it is now) and really LEARN furniture making. I wish I had the ability to attend the intensive at CFC.
Thank you so much for the weekly inspiration Erik.
Thank you. I hope one day you get a chance to attend CFC, even if for a one week class. In my opinion, it’s absolutely worth it.
A tree that you open to see the heart.
You are so correct about keeping the conversation going. You really never know what will come of it. In this case (no pun intended) it all came together. You always miss 100% of all the shots you do not take. Thanks for the inspiration! Thanks for sharing!
I was lucky in this case (well played) that it did all come together. It’s a beautiful thing when that happens.
Splendid! That cabinet is a definite success.
Thank you!
Awwww this was very emotional video for me. Thank you for bringing me to CFC.
Ex student here 👋
Glad you enjoyed it!
Sir, I subscribed to your channel several months ago, although I am just a hobbyist. I am intrigued by your style and your honesty. I have found several nuggets in your videos that are extremely useful to me, even though I am not a furniture maker. I appreciate what you do and I am continually amazed at how easy you tend to make things seem, even for someone like me. Keep up the good work and I love your mug.
Thank you for the kind words, sir 🙏
As a musician, I enjoyed the video very much. Then, I watched a few videos of yours from two years ago. You have come a long way as a video maker!
Thank you! Yes, the growth is plain to see 😂 but I’m glad at least that they are improving. That’s the only aim.
That was one of your most enjoyable videos yet! I would love to see more of the case and the work that went into creating it, but you are spot on about goal setting and the personal value it brings!
Thank you! I may have to revisit this case in the future for a technique video. Lots of good techniques to explore in there!
Ok, this is now my favourite video - maybe on ther whole of RUclips. I know I said the last one was, but you know … you never know what you don’t know.
Retired English teacher, hobbyist woodworker. Yes; thank you. Preach.
Very Inspiring Erik. Thank You. One of the if not the best woodworking youtuber.
Thank you so much 🙂
Congratulations sir. You very well deserved it! 💪🍀
Thank you kindly 😁
This video is a work of art in itself!
Been watching you for a bit now, and gotta say - you're kind of inspiring. I'm just getting (back) into woodworking and you are helping fan the flames. Not literally because that would be dumb to burn what i make, or maybe it wouldn't, but you know what I mean. Thanks for doing these and teaching instead of just showing off.
I know precisely what you mean. Thank you. I appreciate that.
I am enjoying your videos and philosophizing (in a good way)...if that's the right word. I am encouraged by your words and dedication to getting it right, or at least to have fun trying. I would like to see more of the design and construction and functionality of the case you made.
Thank you! Yes I may revisit this piece in the near future to dive into some of the techniques used.
Another stellar build/creation (and video). Excellent work!
Thank you! Cheers!
I saw it... you drove past Lie Nielsen. Was reading a fine woodworking magazine article last night from the 90s??? Was an article on something like "When is work buying an expensive tool?" Of course the first tool was a low angle jack plane which I happen to have bought two years ago myself. Just sprung for, at your recommendation, their small solid brass block plane. On backorder. CAN'T WAIT! Keep on, keeping on bro!
Excellent channel and wonderful content. I’m brand new to wood working and you’ve inspired me to work with wood using hand tools. I just added a bunch of hand tools and books to the power tools o already have.
A wonderful experience. Also, I understand the value of working around very talented people. As an engineer I worked around mostly PhD's for a couple decades. Rewarding in every way.
It’s incredible the things you learn from being around those folks!
Goals are so very important. At 75 years old, getting up each morning is an important goal, but does not push me to build furniture, shop jigs, or even spread forty bags of mulch! Being in my shop fulfills me, leads me to create, to build something useful but is also nice to look at, to touch, to feel the silky finish and admire the colors as light strikes it in different directions. When I'm in my shop, the hustle and bustle of business and the noisy, constant traffic melt away. Though I work with fifty-year-old tools, and don't have the best laid out shop, being there calms me (until I see someone left a soda can on my cast iron table saw!).
Not the table saw!! Haha I appreciate the comment though and I agree 100%. Something about the creative process forces out all the other noise. Even after all this time it still is a labor of love.
gorgeous piece ! very elegant.
Thank you. Well done.
Thank you
Amazing work on the case. Thank you for this video. You're an inspiration.
Thank you 🙂
Looked her up....Yea, accomplished is an understatment..,.,gotta be honest, im nowhere close to any sort of decent woodworker but I could imagine it would be hard to not feel like your work will be looked at very closely from such a customer.....
On top of that, seeing how much those violins that she restores goes for etc....boy this could be the start of a very lucrative friendship is all goes well.....
Also just wanted to add....your a good dude....keep that....its good lol
Congratulations!!! You are an inspiration to us all.
Thank you so much!
Lovely piece, I would love to see the build video
Thank you! I may revisit this piece in the near future to dive into some of the techniques used.
One of my favorite things about your videos is the music, it fits perfectly with your personality and the vibe of this channel. I'd love to listen to more music like it, but don't even know where to start trying to find it. Could you recommend some artists or playlists for me to explore?
I get my music from a royalty free service called epidemic sound, but I usually stay in the genre of modern blues. Lots of variation in there and can be pretty powerful.
Very inspiring video I must say. Thanks for taking us along the journey of this project. It came out spectacular. I connect to a lot of your stuff because way back in the day, I was an art major. Fast forward (I’m 47 now) and have found wood to be my medium of choice with the last 10 yrs approx ever since I’m came across Paul Sellers and hand tool work. I like to incorporate “art” or at least the approach there of into my woodworking and you do that with utmost excellence. Great video.
Thank you so much! I try to take a similar approach. Glad to hear that someone with an art background can appreciate the attempt 🙏
I recently built a couple of planters that I'm super proud of. Am I at the end of my journey? Absolutely not! It's just one step along the way to bring the furniture builder inside of me that wants to come out and say "Hello World! This is me."
I think you’re missing a “Z” in front of the channel name. Just found your videos recently and I’m an instant fan. Much respect for your journey and appreciate the content and artistry. Well done brother, well done indeed
Thank you!
Dude, I have been watching your channel and have been trying to learn your technique and your artistic vision. Thank you for trying to inspire me to grow and not settle. It’s hard to change what’s between my ears. It’s easy to settle. Thank you for the push! (Humpty Dumpty was pushed too btw.) I do want to grow; grow in my craft, grow in my marriage. I also want to see more about making that fiddle box. My wife pulled up your stuff on instagram so I could see it there. I hope you make a RUclips video on that case.
Congratulations on reaching your milestone! Getting a piece displayed in a gallery is hard.
Thank you so much. I appreciate the kind words and I’m glad it resonated with you! Keep on keepin on my man 👊
I really liked what you said about striving to be the dumbest person in the room. Phenomenal general life advice.
Fellow woodworker here, and Maine resident. The woods of Maine is truly a place to “get away.” Beautiful country for sure. Anytime you wanna come up to my shop and let me be the dumbest person in the room, just let me know. I’ve even got some acreage you can set up tent on. 😆
Haha Maine is a very special place. Couldn’t agree more with that statement.
I come for the woodworking, I stay for the philosophy :)
Well done, well said!