Wisdom-through green woodworking
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Wisdom Through Wood explores the value and significance of woodcraft and natural materials in cultivating mindfulness and practical knowledge. Our courses explore how working with wood—through carving, turning, and joining—offers lessons in patience, precision, and creativity. The process of creating simple utilitarian objects like spoons, stools and chairs mirrors personal growth, teaching skills such as problem-solving, resilience, and attention to detail. This approach highlights the connection between human craftsmanship and nature, suggesting that engaging with wood can foster a deeper appreciation for the environment and a more profound understanding of oneself. Our courses embrace the transformative power of hands-on, artisanal experiences.
The voyage of discovery In life some may want to blame others for problems. However, to externalise cause is to close the door on discovery. Marcel Proust wrote, 'The voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.' Rather than blame the wood, discard it for another piece or naively attempt to change the wood, look at it through 'new eyes'. New eyes invite a pathway to learning and evolution of design (or a complete change). On this intruiging path you learn that error and failure are but unhelpful words, you let go of the notion of control over the wood and see beauty emerge from the unplanned. Often a green wood piece - be it a fine Windsor chair, a simple stool or a bush pole frame - will have a discrete aesthetic that you can't quite put your finger on. Chances are, the latent image of imperfection tells of a woodworker who favoured the will of the wood over his or her own. In letting go, they stepped towards a deeper more authentic relationship with their piece. And we too now benefit. Why wisdom? Green wood offers us a wiser approach to life and woodworking - one that is ecologically sensitive, tactile and insightful. |
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Ecological - I tread lightly in the woods
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Green woodworking is ecologically sensitive. Wood is one of the rare building materials that regenerates itself. Unlike us, trees give back far more than they take. Green woodworkers who tread lightly in the forest are highly selective about the trees they fell – or the windfall they select.
On a Wisdom Through Wood course you will be invited to plant a tree seedling before you source your wood from the surrounding bush. |
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Tactile - I sense the wood
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Green woodworking is a tactile and human experience. A sharp steel blade becomes an extension of your hands. Your sense of touch provides immediate feedback as to whether you are going with the grain or against it. You do not have protective equipment interfering with your relationship to the wood. Your human energy and senses are responsive to the will of the wood. Your relationship is one of cooperation and understanding.
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Insightful - I learn about wood and myself
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Green woodworking is insightful. You can step away from the normal social context, disengage from the digital world and put ‘stuff’ aside.
You move to a safe place, work at a human pace and engage in the present. You have opportunities to discover, reflect and learn – about woodworking and yourself. |
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