The Pursuit of Craftsmanship
Вставка
- Опубліковано 14 лис 2020
- In this video, I talk about some of my ideas on pursuing craftsmanship, whether it's in woodturning or another medium. I share a bit of my own story with the hope that it can help illuminate some of the reality of life as an artisan and some of the potential rewards, as well as begin to answer some of the questions one might have when considering this kind of life. What does it take to begin to make a living at your craft, and how do you set your own expectations at a realistic level? How much time should it take? How do you take the first steps?
ASHLEY'S WOODTURNING TOOLS, RESPIRATOR, AND CLASSES
ashleyharwood.com/
FOLLOW ASHLEY HARWOOD!
Instagram (@ashleyharwoodturning): ashleyharwo...
Email list: ashleyharwood.net/ashleyharwood
Patreon: / ashleyharwood
If you're interested in purchasing the walnut oil that I use in my video, here is a link for ya! A small percentage of your purchase from this comes back to my business and helps us to continue to create more videos like this one - so thanks in advance!
WALNUT OIL FOR FINISHING: amzn.to/3p4VCk4
LEARN WOODTURNING FROM ASHLEY!
Bowl Turning and Spindle Turning videos available:
thewoodwhispererguild.com/pro...
thewoodwhispererguild.com/pro...
Ashley Harwood t-shirt** (mens): www.bonfire.com/first-ever-as...
Ashley Harwood t-shirt** (women):www.bonfire.com/ashley-harwoo...
Ashley Harwood: Push Cut Has a Posse* (men and women): www.bonfire.com/ashley-harwoo...
Camera Gear :
Primary Camera : amzn.to/2X6Y3Gt
Primary Lens : amzn.to/30aSuJa
Primary Wireless Mic : amzn.to/3jRxOgT
Fancy Mic: amzn.to/3hNN0tH
Drone : amzn.to/333Vd8Y
Action Camera : amzn.to/2X6Zi8B
Tripod: amzn.to/3gbxQhv
Gimbal : amzn.to/2BGsxHV
Memory Cards : amzn.to/3hMof0R
Video Editor food : amzn.to/3feZ3yh
Someone once asked me “you hardly make any money at this why do you keep going at it”
My reply was
“why do you breathe”
I guess it’s in your blood and when you deliver your product to the customer and you see how happy you just made them.. well you cannot put a price on that. I just really like making people happy that’s not a crime it’s a gift.
Thank you so much for your videos I’m also a woodworker with knowledge passed down from my father and at 56 I’m still learning.
Never stop ❤️
EXACTLY! a life lived for art is never a life wasted
Those people don’t understand the enjoyment of the process of making something, or the satisfaction of completion and then improvement.
Well said. Having just started turning at 73 I was struggling even with youtube. Took me about 6 months to figure out I just needed to start with the basics and practice. It only took me watching about 15 different teachers on youtube saying the same things till it finally sunk in. I bought a good grinder and diamond wheel, then some sharpening aids and then after watching for about riding the bevel a hundred times.... one day I actually accomplished it......... WOW!
Now I actually see progress each time in the shop..... and screw up a lot of stuff but I'm now to the point of understanding how I "got that catch". It's very rewarding. I now go to my local bar and "show and tell" all my screw ups!
Keep it up, you are doing great work spreading the knowledge.
This video should be required watching for everyone who wants to make crafts as a career and not just a hobby.
This video should be required watching. Period!!!
Ashley, this video could be a TED talk. The quality of the message was that good.
The laithe and band saw are the only machines missing in my shop. After watching one of your videos, I said that not having the tools was not an excuse, so I chucked a jig into my drill mounted the drill so it was stable, and started to turn my own spindles for my deck. Of course, I will never be as successful as a craftsman, as I am missing the most important part. One incredibly beautiful smile that is full of love. Your channel and Culver Propellers are my favorite craftsman channels.
You are so right! This could be a TED talk! You can tell that Ashley is speaking from the heart. Also you can tell she has been there done that!! when all you wanted to do was just get a full nights sleep before you have to get up and do it all over again!! THANKS Dan H
While trying my utmost to stay positive and be as polite as possible, I'm really struggling to try and imagine how utterly sad the lives of the 30 people who've given this video a thumbs down must be. Not sure where you find solace but I truly hope that you do.
Ashley, Thanks for the fresh insight into craftsmanship. I have almost never sold my work, only gave it away. The few times I did it for profit. My passion for woodworking seemed like a job. As I get closer to retiring from working for someone else. I find I am enjoying the challenge of selling my crafts. It's no longer the feeling of a job, but more of a challenge to produce a piece of art worthy of great conversations. Keep turning and talking.
Hi Ashley I love your work & video's I have never done woodturning but due to me having to retire early due to a hit & run on my motorbike I had to find something to help me in my recovery so I watched youtube & saw woodturning so I bought a second-hand mini Jet machine had to do a bit of work to get it running smoothly plus secondhand chisels & tried it & now I love it it has helped me to forget my pain for a while so thank you all woodturners on UA-cam making & sharing your work & advice.
Regards
Steve UK London
The reason why I follow craftsman like you is because of the hardwork and dedication paid to your craft. These are things I would like to eventually do as a hobby, but I don't have that same desire to put in the 12 hour days, nor the desire to give up a really good steady pay check. But these are things that I can admit about myself and not take away from the hard work of others. I hate when I see others commenting that it was just luck, or I could do that if I were given this that or the other. Maybe there was some luck involved, but that luck only comes into play after putting in the hardwork. And the items that were given only helped to get you further along only after putting in the work to get to that point. I think a lot of people are unhappy with their lives and respond by trying to tear others down. That's why when I leave a comment it is either to show appreciation or constructive criticism or maybe a different perspective.
I'm an accountant and have always told people setting up in business that they will have two jobs. One is what they do, plumber, electrician, mechanic or wood turner, for example, and the other is running their business. Once they've done their first job they have to do the second. Paying bills, dealing with payroll, juggling money, planning the next job, ordering materials, marketing, budgeting, paying taxes etc etc is at least as big a job as what they do. Most people don't much like their second job but it's important and has to be done. Well done you for doing so well and I hope you continue to succeed.
The most important thing about having a trade is knowing everything you make is a message that you will make people think about good things.
I am a shop teacher in training. In my part of the world, we go to shop teacher school where we learn basic woodworking, electronics, automotive, engineering, metalwork, welding and other trade related skills that we are to teach high school students. Woodturning is my latest UA-cam binge at the moment. Watching you turn that Barolo table is nothing short of amazing! Also, I just purchased a small lathe to start practicing my technique at home so I can better teach my future students. Thanks for reminding me about repetition and giving myself the space to get the technique right.
I just want to start and say this hit me hard, but hard in a way that was positive. I am new to wood turning and only been turning for a year. I have always worked with my hands in some way or another, but never had the satisfaction I get when I turn. I have this urge inside of me to create and have always been told you won't make a living at it. I have struggled lately with this. Making things for other people brings me such joy. I have struggled lately making mistakes messing up on simple things. I have struggled on selling my projects consistently and for a price that represents my time and work that goes into my projects. I have never worked for something I want in life. I have always tried to please everyone around me. For once I have found what makes me happy. So I guess what I am trying to say is THANK YOU....... I needed to hear this from someone like you..
I am an 80 years young engineer, and all my life, I have designed, engineered and made machines, made large projects, engaged hundreds of people, and felt “great “ when things came through.
Now, I would like to take up wood turning, it will be not only be a hobby, but a very different type of YOGA.
Ashley, your Yoga is spiritually inspiring.
I started turning at 15.
I taught myself how to do the push cut using Ashley's videos as a guide.
I'm currently 17 and looking for a job.
I'm thinking about being an on call firefighter and using my free time to do wood turning as a second job.
I've joined a local group with some great people and are helping me improve my skills all the time.
But without Ashley, I would not have the skills and technique I have today.
Your work isn’t as a much a reflection of how the thousands of hours at the lathe have improved your technical abilities, as it is a reflection of how much you have grown as an individual and a piece created by Ashley Harwood is a work of art, infinitely more valuable than one sold in the big box stores.
Excellent information with no sugar coating. This is something all those people offering a true craftsman 1/2 the asking price for a product should watch! All their time and practice and effort are truly worth something.
Even as a beginner woodturner I really enjoy your videos.....I'll never turn most of the things you do, but I certainly admire your talent, artistic vision, how you seem to have a soft or gentle touch with your tools and most of all, your humbleness.
Take care and keep inspiring!
Excellent message. Because of an unexpected change in my health, I was forced to retire early from the only profession I've ever known or loved. Woodworking has always been an enjoyable hobby, but now I am looking at it more as something to maintain both my sanity and to give me direction again as my wife and I go forward in this new normal. Thank you for the clarity and honesty you provide in this presentation.
This is an excellent address of something that often goes unspoken in the pursuit of skill. I do joinery as a hobby, and the box is an important basic form that many start with. Dovetailed corners with a rabbet for a slide top lid, and a rabbet for the bottom. You are going to make a lot of boxes, and I've made a lot of boxes, and will make a lot more boxes. It was while doing this that I realized, truly realized, the lesson Mr Miyagi was teaching Daniel with 'wax-on wax-off'. In repetition of the form at its simplest, that is where you begin to build competency, and from competency you can progress towards skill. Whether you are making a bed frame, a chest of drawers, or a table. The final piece of furniture is derived from the same basic practiced forms, but at different scales and in a different combination.
In photography we always said (say) that Photography is an 80/20 proposition. 80% business and 20% taking pictures. I think to some degree all craftsmen/artist come across the same type of thing once they go into the business. It's all fun and games until the business aspect steps in. Ok, it is still a really good time, but man do those hours involving the business aspect wear you out sometimes. As always, thanks for such a great video. You have such a calming affect. Happy Thanksgiving to you and all of yours.
Love your work but I love your attitude and caring toward others even more. Thanks for your example.
I am 70 years young. Retired and disabled. I can not just sit around, so I started carving some time ago, Now for the past
year I have bought a mini lathe and the journey begins. I watch all your videos I can find and learn from them.
I would hope that someday I could take your classes.
My craft mentor is a master cabinet maker and you touched on SOOO many of the lessons he imparts to me!!! thank you for presenting this without bopping me in the head 🙂
All of this applies across the board in life and parallels directly into martial arts! Practicing the motions slowly and perfectly is far more important than practicing the motions with full force.
My first , and only turning was made in high school woodshop in the late 50's. I made a lamp from a bowling pin which I gave to my son a few years ago but I never had the equipment to do more...till now. I am finally getting set up to do the wood turning that I enjoyed in high school I am Inspired to do much more because of you and others I have seen on UA-cam. I don't plan on making a business from it but I will practice to become better every day. Thanks for your inspiration and example. It's never too late to do something again only do it better.
Having lived in Charleston for a year and a half, giving up A/C is definitely a sacrifice. Thank you for the message Ashley. It really does mean a lot, and may be more powerful than you realize.
Learning? That is more truth than poetry. I spent most of my life in maintenance, that is different everyday and the learning curve is never ending. I retired a few years back, but now I explain to those who are interested in how to do as many things as the 2 of us can do, as well as learn from those other persons. You definitely hit the nail on the head with this video. Great job young lady, keep it up.
Creativity is the catalyst to entrepreneurship. True innovation is derived from creative people. The world is full of geniuses, rare is the person with the creative trait and industrial drive. Very special people.
I had a woodworking business for 38 years. I'm retired now (sort of). You are right, knowing how to run a business is just as important as the work you love to create.
Ashley,
The message you give in this video has spoken volumes to me. I’ve been in manufacturing and logistics for 17 years and recently decided earlier this year that I want to make woodturning my new career. You speak from the heart of a genuine professional who knows her craft inside and out, and what it truly takes to make any kind of viable income from it. I cannot express how thankful I am for your outpouring of knowledge to world of aspiring woodworkers. I look forward to taking your classes one day so I can inhale that knowledge and work side-by-side with the Queen of Woodturning!
Look into variable speed, swivel head lathe.
@@AM-fo1jp You don't understand. I've been turning for nearly a year already. Own a Laguna and have a small shop. It’s because I’ve been turning for nearly a year that I’ve decided to make it a career. Have an absolute passion for it.
The thing you say at 4:15 was key decision. You can buy anything from ‘offshore’ these days, and so much stuff out there is bought by the container load then passed off at markets as hand made or folk art etc. Proof that you did this was important, glad you did it.
Thanks for the pep talk and keeping it real Ashley. Nothing worth pursuing happens overnight and you spell it all out here beautifully. There is very little luck involved, just hard work, practicing the right things, and having that drive to know you have a goal... but the journey should be enjoyed.
That was an amazing and very well thought out video. You hit the nail right on, woodworking is a passion, and it shows in your work.
I have also loved working with wood since I was very young. Now when I do a craft show, the look on someone's face when they say something like "You made that out of a log you found on the side of the road?" I still get that wonderful feeling of satisfaction. Thanks again for your videos. Very inspiring to achieve the name of "Craftperson."
"Practice makes permanent" made me audibly go "whoa" :D great video!
Beautifully spoken and wonderfully inspirational If any of you have an inspiring young artist whom you plan to have watch this video, ( and you should) be sure to not gloss over Ashley's statement, " One big regret of mine is that I never took any business classes in college." It will help shorten the learning curve immensely and avoid some to the inherent pitfalls along the journey.
I am super impressed with the craftsmanship that you demonstrate. I live in the UK and I am not a wood turner myself, but I love seeing the art that is created from a ‘lump’ of wood. You clearly have the skills, which combined with your passion for teaching make your videos a delightful way to expand knowledge. Keep that smile going too, it’s wonderful.
Hi Ashley,
you’re 100% right I Never had a job outside of woodworking. I have been woodworking since I’ve been 12. I have worked in cabinet shops furniture factory, while doing the craft fair stuff many , thousands of comments by fair patrons, like feels so nice but the sales went there, been self-employed for 30 years cabinetmaking and now I’m five years into working at the University of Wisconsin Madison which I work on a variety different materials Because I they have no budget I build doors, tables office cabinets Lab cabinets repair broken stuff, Most of what I do Is one of pieces, I haven’t worked on a lathe since high school Which I enjoyed doing I recently purchased a lathe for my shop. Which I can do everything that I do at the UW in Mine. I always bought quality tools, Now I’m Doubling my shop It will be 44 x 30 9’ceilings. Like you I do my own electrical, Repairs welding, Cement work etc. and have worked many many all nighters throughout my almost 50 years of woodworking. It would be honor to meet you, I’m getting to the point when I retire I’ll be doing woodworking that I wanna do and have fun with it. Your a inspiration too many!! If I only had the Internet savvy that some of you have?
Wow, someone that really gets it. What it means to be a real craftsman and what it takes. I'm so impressed Ashley. By you as a craftsman and as a businessperson. I want to take your class one day. At 60 years old, retired Army, retired Carpenter, and wood carver. My next leg is wood turner. I hope to meet you soon
Yes. I have been a software engineer for 40 years wanting to be an artist. Retired from software and trying to be an artist. You inspire me.
Ashley. don't regret the Business Degree. It doesn't teach you how to deal with small business finance, dealing with vendors or customers. I guarantee you that you have a knowledge base well in excess of any degree. I have an MBA. There is no substitute for real world experience. Keep inspiring others and sharing your story! Well done.
I'm a woodworker(high end furniture) and there's always some blood, sweat and tears in every piece I make. You're an inspiration to people who don't have a knack for wood turning!
Thank you. I'm just a hobby wood worker. But your words resonate strongly with me. Both for my hobby, but also for my career craft as a software engineer.
You are very welcome
You have gust turned a light on in my head. In my work it is not the product but the reflection of the joy and love embedded with in every piece a one off or 50. Thankyou
Ron
You are an inspiration, I teach at a college in ontario, and will pass on these words of wisdom to my carpentry students. Love to see women excel in the trades. Thanks for being awesome!
After four decades in business there are a few fundamental truths I have come to (not because of me but because they are just facts..).
If it is not a viable business, it's a hobby.
The person signing the front of the check make the rules.
The craft will never be as hard as the business.
It doesn't take motivation, it takes dedication.
What an outstanding talk Ashley, you have covered these facts of life so well. Such a joy to hear.
Hi Ashley. I’m 67 and love to watch your videos and learn off them.
Ashley - When I retired a few years ago I started watching UA-cam and Instagram in lieu of television. Your videos were one of the first I viewed and was immediately intrigued by your dedication and commitment to the craft. Now that I know your story you have my utmost respect. Thank you for keeping both the arts and the industry alive and giving young people a common knowledge of what to expect. Witnessing your experiences is the best way to get you message to the masses! Keep up the great work and keep the videos coming if you can!
Ashley very well done. I have been at it for 30 plus years and work every day, 7 days a week...and I still love it. I think I am very fortunate to make a living as a crafts person, it is a gift. Keep turning!!
Perspective and Passion, Ashley has both. I think my family would be good friends with hers.
I attended your demo in Raleigh, NC and saw you demo for the first time, live. Loved all of it. This video of what it takes to do this full-time, is also spot-on. Clear, concise, down-to-earth, not afraid to share that you are human, which makes your message heartfelt and believable. As a female who has spent her entire adult life in male-dominated professions and hobbies, I have lived some of those experiences you described. Keep speaking your message, there are a lot of young people who need to hear it.
Ash - Great educational tour of your career path and growing your businesses. Congrats on who you’ve become. I have 14 yo triplet daughters (and two older sons) and all of them will be asked to watch this video. I try to expose them to inspirational leaders who have and are enduring in life by pursuing their passions. You say you wish you took a business class - as a person who has multiple business degrees, have confidence that you are so far beyond the lessons learned in the best business schools. They have something to learn from you. Pls keep up the amazing craftwork and teachings.
Ashley, you definitely have inspiration flowing! I am 70 years old ,moved my shop to Taos New Mexico, 2 1/2 years ago, and have worked more less everyday since. Everything you have said in your video is so true and inspiring. Keep up the good work!
That is awesome! I am so excited to hear that you are still creating and enjoyed this story. Starting a business at any age I think is one of the most rewarding and hardest things to do.
@@AshleyHarwood It has really been a Road Trip of life ! I grew up next door to Ev ert Sodergren an iconic 3rd generatinon Swedish cabinet m aker in the Pacific Northwest scene . He worked in his shop every single day till into his early nineties. But I chose the food path too ,and became a professional chef for the better part of 20 yrs. Had kids, changed it up ,and fell back to woodworking /remodeling ,allways with a shop at home. Got lucky in selling our house ,after 28 years of working on it and the shop , and building out restaurants, garnering clients from the cooking days. Taos is a beautiful place full of funk and artistic people . Just reinventing myself at 70! My daughter has 20 some thousand followers on IG called GhostingCarbs a keto site. We are going to collaborate on some products for her site. My trusty General lathe is rarin' to go
I’m 72 and an average bowl turner. I’ve much to learn about the craft, but as you say.....practice , practice and with enough repetition you will see how your technique is changing and your work becomes “Better”. Never stop learning! Great videos....keep it up.
Well said!
Out of all your videos I have watched, this one has had the most impact on my self image as a woodworker/turner/maker. You have inspired me to a higher level of desire to learn my craft. I thank you and look forward to seeing more videos of your work and travels.
I am retiring in 3 or 4 years, I plan on enjoying it making woodturning, windchimes, paracord items...crafts in general to sell at our hometown days. and side jobs that come up. I am building my own Barndominium in Glenwood Arkansas on the beautiful Caddo River! Great informational video...I'm glad I didn't plan on getting rich making things I enjoy. Just enough to buy materials I need to replace what I make.
Thank you Ashley, not only for the great woodturning videos, but also for the great advice. You have transcended craftmenship to become an artist of true note. Keep it up and thanks again for sharing.
Ashley, I really enjoyed this video. I was very informative and well presented. I am a 67 year old retired maintenance engineer with a flair for creativity. Your part about learning other skills to help get your ideas into fruition, such as let's say building a metal art piece. First you may need to know how to use machines or tools to cut the metal, second, maybe you'll need to know how to weld, all of the way to maybe what polishing compounds to you to polish your piece. I could ramble on, however, I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your video and will subscribe and continue watching.
Very positive, authentic and real message. Much appreciated. "You get good at what you practice.......good or bad" so it makes sense to learn how to practice progress not perfection. Thanks for this.
Thanks for sharing Ashley, some truly inspirational stuff. My 11yr old daughter is keen on wood turning, but as she has sensitive hearing she finds it hard to even watch me turn as she can't stand the noise, even sanding noise is an issue (doesn't help with the dust extractor). I personally, would love it if you shared more of your projects, but I also understand that commission work can't always be recorded, and that in particular your technique videos and classes are how you earn a living. I"m lucky to be in a position where I don't actually need to sell work to survive, and turning is more of a hobby, but I do agree that technique and practising good technique makes one better.
One of the best woodturning videos I have seen.
Thank you so much Ashley . I am working on a "shadow box" coffee table . I have spent all summer working on it , questions came up in the design, issues that I had to address on the fly. I work as flooring installer with my brother for a "surviving job" . To keep a long story short , I have been restless with not moving my creativity in the direction I want .The direction of a self sustaining business. I love every aspect of wood working , from carving to turning to making furniture; I even get into the cutting down and milling of my own timber, more to do than I have life in me I am afraid.
This video was a good way to tell me to "do your business or get off the pot ". Well , your words of wisdom hit home . your way more talented than you let on. your a beautiful person Ashley. thanks for letting us into your life through the "miracle" of UA-cam.
Keep the inspiration coming , I know I need it . Bless you lady
My wife and I are going to make 2021 our year by starting a business for our crafts. This video on craftsmanship is so very timely and directly what we are trying to capture. Seriously, your efforts and craftsmanship are so awesome! Thanks so very very much for sharing!!!!
Thank you for sharing this with us. I really enjoyed it and it spoke to me. As someone for whom woodworking is a hobby; I mostly make pieces for myself and friends and the occasional side project in order to pay for my woodworking habit I have to re-examine my approach to woodworking. I have it too much in my mind to quickly finish a project in order to get to the next one and I need to adjust that thinking. It causes me to get impatient and rush a project. We all know how that works out. I appreciate your channel and will keep tuning in.
I think it's a great idea to do what you love, until you can't (I loved working in a darkroom but...all gone) then re-invent yourself. Don't let the fear of change stop you. You made a good point of doing hard things incrementally, in small steps you can master and add to your toolbox. I'm still a photographer, but I'm an electrician for pay and sew for fun. I am also unable to stop making things, at least I always have something to wear. I like how you approach challenges with thoughtful determination.
Boss woman, this is a one in a million woman, I say; a deep breath of hope and strength.
Good video. I admire your work and dedication. I have been a craftsman & artist most all my life. I went to art school, BFA, and I have an MFA under my belt too . Earlier in my life I have had moments of fame. All very rewarding! ......... however, and I mean this sincerely......... the business of art and making a living is so crazy difficult . Art schools really don't talk about the elephant in the room. Sadly , most artists would be homeless and starving if they relied on their work live a decent life .
You are an inspiration. As Jim Sprague says: be proud of your work and sign it.
I am so glad you talked about how many hard long hours you have to put in to have a successful business! Also how you had to give up things in your life (like a car A/C) to invest in your business! I just sold my successful HVACR business that I started 18 years ago. I have never work less than 40 hours plus per week for the last 18 years! Everyone thinks that if you are a business owner you come in late and leave early!? I have to stay on for one more year to make sure that it is a successful transition to the new owners. Then I will be signing up for one of your class's to to the next chapter in my life. My dream of being a crafts-person !! THANKS Dan Hamilton Bennet Nebraska
Ashley, I have watched all of your videos and so far I found this video is the best one . You looked relaxed and was very informative. Thanks for sharing.
Right on!
I just started wood turning you , Nick from UK, and Ben works from Australia really thought me well I watch y'all and take it all in thanks for taking the time
I am an armature woodtourner from Italy and i really loved everything you just said.
You are an incredibile woman and a superbe artist.
Bravissima 👏
i started making pens becasue i was layed off from a job and for 18 months made these pens and sold them by word of mouth. I never went to a farmers market because they can be brutal. For 18 months made enough to pay the bills working until 2am, going to bed and then getting back up at 9am and doing the process all over again. I still make pens and turn bowls and make replacement parts for repeat customers. Craft is, I think in the heart and soul of every human being to be creative. You inspire me to do better. THANK YOU!!!!!!!
Ashley, thank you for your videos, my wife a I watch them and look forward to them. We strive to improve with every project and have been making family Christmas gifts for several years. You inspire us, thanks again!
Woodturning is not just a hobby it’s an addiction and therapy.
This was by far the best from the heart video concerning choosing woodworking as a possible career. I echo many of your statements in the video. After 42 years I look back at the early days just starting out, the mistakes and the sacrifices I made. A big Powermatic Bandsaw over Car AC. Bandsaw wins everytime! You inspired me over the past few months to buy a new Laguna 1836 (An upgrade from my Jet Midi Lathe), chucks, tool rests, better bowl gouges etc. A host of other items I see you use. I figured heck if she can get good so can I, at least I hope so. Turning pens and other small things are okay, but look out bowl turning. Richard Raffin was who I have looked up to over the past 25 years, now I look up to you! This video was long overdue, Thank You!
Love how the southern slips through from time to time.
An awesome chat, enjoyed listening to your message, especially the part about practicing. I recently started turning rolling pins, I am amazed at with that simple product, with each one I get better and better. When I did the first one to finish it, I started at 80 grit paper, now I am starting at 220 grit paper which means the smoothness off the chisel has increased exponentially. Thanks again.
While not a wood turner, every word hits the mark. I can appreciate my journey as an artist/animator. I'm now retired but I can agree there are no shortcuts - even the computer aided drawing packages require a significant learning curve. They simplify in many ways, but don't help with the basic skills involved in drawing and colour.
Inspiring, succinct life lesson for any artist or craftswoman/craftsman. Thank you for giving this tough talk, with raw honesty, and experience to back it. Every college student should be required to hear this, and spend a day working with you. Thanks & God Bless You!
Such a great treatise on craft and crafting. She eloquently covers process and product in her usual, pleasant delivery. I'm reminded of a Wendell Berry line - her hands know as much as her head.
So generously shared, Ashley. You have covered in less than 20 minutes the sage skill set and dedication most people take a lifetime of hard knocks to learn and then they still need to add the business skills. I have had the privilege of spending my working life in the greenhouse farming world and now as I reach into my 60s I have taken to bowl turning as an aside. Your current video is invaluable as a learning tool set in any career. To end off, as a farmer I fully understand your having to master many skills and your having to wire your shop had me smiling in deep understanding. Well done and thank you, so many reminders for me in 16+ minutes.
Brilliant woman.
Brilliant person!
Thank you for a great video. I have had the privilege of being a carpenter with some very good teachers when I was young. I have people working with me that get upset when they are having trouble with something and I can do it like nothing. I always remind them that I have decades of experience. Any time they mess up I try not to make a big deal and find the lesson in it. Odds are I have achieved the mess up to a way bigger degree in the past myself. The best teacher of all, omg.. don't do that.
What a rant to say I loved your video lol.
I like to approach it as learning a new language, you are trying to communicate an idea in your mind and it's interpreted by other people. The better you get at speaking the language the easier people will understand you and you can in turn convey more complex ideas.
Thanks Ashley. Your channel is my new favourite. I’m a hobbyist making some simple stuff like honey dippers and dough pins.
During my 20's, I ate, slept, lived, breathed, and did photography. It was my life and everything and everyone came second. That is the way it had to be to develop the skills and to get where I wanted to be. For me, I had to get to the point where mind, body, and camera were one. That goes for all the arts. Then, and only then, can you do instinctively do what your mind conceives. And once you achieve that, it gives you the confidence you can do it with anything. It builds strength of character for any challenge in life.
Yes, exactly!!
You're very right about pursuing an art, (any art and why not more than one!), and the rest of your life gets better. More real, more focussed and more satisfying. Nothing more rewarding than bringing an idea or a point-of-view to life. And when something hand made communicates...
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and frankness. I started turning just a few months ago after watching YT videos for three years. You were an inspiration along with many others.
I've always been good at working with my hands plus I've got perfectionist tendencies so my work has already received praise. Several have told me I should sell my work but I don't want to make this a business because I want to remain fun. Trying to pay the mortgage, keep the lights on and food in the cupboards by making wooden bowls is too steep a mountain to climb. I have sold a few things and I'm not opposed to earning a few $$$'s along the way (still need a bandsaw LOL) but I'll keep my day job. I hope to take one of your classes next year so i can improve my skill set.
Stuart
Thank you Miss Ashley! You speak words of wisdom that ring so true. I’ve been a woodworker for nearly 70 years and realize that never a day goes by when there isn’t something new to learn. We’re never too old. Good Craftsmanship is indeed a quest we all strive for and as you say, it takes a lot of work. Keep up your great work and stay healthy.
I've been a professional photographer for 40 years, and what you said applies to my craft too, I connected exactly with so much of what you said, thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much for watching!!
@@AshleyHarwood I failed to mention that my father taught high school agriculture and shop for 35 years, I was raised around woodworking and it's always been a passion / hobby. Keep up the great work and determination.
We are leaning the manner of wood working at this job with your beautiful videos . Hope you have a great life, wishing the best for you
Thanks for your outstanding videos.
From Iran 🇮🇷
Wow...Ashley this was an inspiring talk. I have watched every single UA-cam video since you started and this one is by far the most captivating and thought provoking video you have produced. Even though there was no teaching, training, demonstrating or how to’s, it is precisely the reason I thoroughly enjoy and appreciate the effort you put into your videos. I’m mostly retired and love to tinker in my wood ‘play shop’ and wood turning is a passion. You are a treasure to watch and listen to, keep up the great work. Cheers from Alberta, Canada.
I like your talk, I was inspired by the kind words you have to say about not stopping and continuing going on because it is not about how much money you can make but it's about your happiness. I don't know if can do woodworking, but I was told it is about learning and continuing to learn. The same words you mention
You are an absolute inspiration......at present I can only sit in my shop and look at my tools and wood....had a rotator cuff operation......
Fantastic video; you and Alec Steele have so much the right attitude. Inspirational
Hi, I just started following you. I forwarded this video to my daughter in-law who is just beginning to follow her passion in photography as a business. I've always told her she had a great eye and now needs to focus on technique. Your story here is so on point for her and anyone trying to pursue a career as a craftsperson. Thanks you...
Ashley, you seem to be a natural in front of the camera. I sell my turnings in a gallery, and truly enjoy woodworking in general. Your journey and progression are inspiring!
im a disabled woodcarver...im feeling very discouraged..i needed to hear this.
You mentioned that you didn't take business courses.....I've taken a lot of them, but that is the best business presentation that I've ever heard. I truly enjoy you channel. Take care and I wish you the best.
I was batching out a few wood face plates/ jam chucks, and my bandsaw blade broke, so I decided to take it apart and change some bearings, and lubricate things and try to get the wheels coplaner, now Im waiting for big wrenches to arrive just so that I can fix it, so I can go back to making spindle tapped face places. If it's not one project, it usually creates others.
This video is from your heart. From the heart of a father of four and grandfather of eleven....thank you!