Thursday, March 29, 2007

This is just a bit more for students, Joe... There is a thing that happens to those who know too much. It is the SawZen equivalent of the full cup. For instance, if you've grown up listening to Andre Segovia play the guitar or listened carefully to each of his albums, and then pick up a guitar for the first time and try to play, you will be disappointed. No matter what you do in your first efforts, you won't come within miles of your expectations, and you may lose heart. You would be better off playing as a beginner with no preconceived notions, and let the instrument steal your attention and hook you deeply in the gills. Later, you can take lessons, or listen to albums and learn even greater potentials for yourself and the instrument.

It is the same with woodworking. You can spend too many months reading the magazines and end up disappointed in your own work. It is better to start as a beginner, unconstrained by knowing too much. Just do it. Decide on a plan and follow through. Make something. I guarantee that it won't be your finest work (that is yet to come). But it will hook you on the process. Growth is always a process. It takes time. It may take all your attention for a time. It is a choice. We invest in something, or we slide. If great things came easy everyone else would have done it first. When you get a few pieces of woodworking done, and think that you are quite the master, look at the pages of Woodwork magazine or Fine Woodworking or attend a craft show. You will see work that will challenge you and inspire your next round of growth. Then go for it. Do some more. At some point, your work will offer challenge, inspiration and encouragement to others.

1 comment:

  1. Anonymous10:55 AM

    There is a story I heard about a reporter asking Pablo Casals at age 94 why he still practiced. Casals had the perfect answer. He said, "I'm beginning to see some progress." I feel the same way about my woodworking.

    Mario

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