Woodworking is B******T!

Do you feel STRESS at times in the shop?  Many people turn to woodworking and other crafts to relieve stress but once sufficiently into it, those once stress-relieving hobbies can actually become a SOURCE OF STRESS.   Today we talk about the stresses that each of us feel around the shop and making experience, what effects that stress has on us, and how we go about solving or alleviating that stress.

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We've all seen them, pieces of furniture or woodworking where someone throws all these random ass pieces of contrasting figured woods together, thinking that by using figured woods, their piece will look better, or fancy, or valuable.  When in reality, it often looks gaudy and disjointed, and a bit confused.  IS USING FIGURED WOODS A GIMMICK?  Join a spirited debate on how we see the tasteful use of figured woods, but how this simple question speaks to a MUCH LARGER design question of HUGE IMPORTANCE.  We also cover how figured woods develop in trees and what the scientific research says about their occurrence.

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Have you ever felt like an Imposter at work or when creating?  It is estimated that up to 85% of people experience imposter syndrome in their lives, despite training and high achievement.  ARE YOU PART OF THAT 85%?  In today's episode we confront this issue head on with the help of Kristin Siegfried Ballenger, who is an expert luthier (maker or violins and other stringed instruments) and has first hand experience dealing with imposter syndrome.  We all relate our experiences with imposter syndrome, talk about what the research suggests about it, and perhaps most importantly, talk about how to deal with it productively to achieve a deeper sense of confidence.

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As soon as we sat down to record, Erik said, "Let's just WING IT!!" , instead of following an outline for the conversation about: IS BEING COMPETITIVE A GOOD THING?  Paul is noticeably uncomfortable and what ensued is lovely W.I.B. history.

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In today's episode of the Master Series, we discuss the amazing Japanese Americana furniture designer and architect, George Nakashima, widely considered to be the father of slab furniture.  George believed trees had a soul, and through the act of making furniture he was giving them a second life.  His most famous pieces of furniture include live edge slab tables and benches with architecturally inspired bases, with clean lines almost evoking the peace and serenity of Zen Buddhism.  Following George's death in 1990, his daughter Mira boldly led Nakashima Woodworkers forward into their new chapter.  Today, we have the incredible fortune of having two VERY SPECIAL guests with us, Mira Nakashima, daughter of George Nakashima, and her grandson Toshi Amagasu who not only give us an inside look into Nakashima Furniture, but also inside their thriving family legacy.  

For more information on Nakashima Furniture: https://nakashimawoodworkers.com/ 

For a wonderful in-depth documentary on George's Life: https://nakashimadocumentary.com/ George Nakashima Video Clip courtesy of Jim Bunn, with assistance from John Nakashima.

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The current crop of DIY shows make us feel as though we can build anything quickly and easily over the course of a weekend with only a few tools.  But is this ACTUALLY TRUE??? Are DIY influencers selling us a fantasy as a form of entertainment or are they really teaching us how to make things and improve our homes?  In this episode, we review a brief history of DIY culture and how it developed, which helps us to understand the complex nature of DIY as it exists today.  We have a ROUSING episode of WIBS Debate Club, where Erik and Mary pick sides of the DIY argument and the GLOVES COME OFF!

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Are you a PERFECTIONIST? Do you have tendencies toward perfectionism?  Does it steal the joy of making things?  Does it make it difficult to start or finish anything because it's so built up in your mind how AMAZING the next project needs to be?  OR does it make you a better maker/artist with a higher standard of excellence who improves very quickly after each project?  In this episode we consider the double-edged sword that is PERFECTIONISM and how to identify and deal with it.

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Content Creators have taken social media by storm, showing you all their "tips & tricks", advising you what to buy, and how to make things.  THEIR GOAL:  GET THE MOST EYEBALLS TO WATCH THEIR VIDEOS SO THEY EARN MORE MONEY in the form of ad revenue and corporate sponsorships.  This begs the question of whether you can trust their advice.  In this episode we take on this dicey topic, especially because Erik is a self-proclaimed CONTENT CREATOR.  What do you think?  Can you trust what they tell you?  Our good friend Jen DiArenzo again joins us for this lively and compelling discussion.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

In the Masters Series, we review MAJOR INFLUENCES on American Furniture.  Together, we seek to understand their story, belief systems, and guiding philosophies, as a way to understand the objects they made, which are still extremely well know and popular today.  The Shakers are SO MUCH more than just simple furniture.  Did you know they pursued artistic and craft perfection as a way to honor god?  Did you know they believed in equality of the genders and races at a time of extreme sexism and racism in the 1700's and 1800's?  Did you know a Shaker woman is credited with INVENTING the circular saw?  Did you know the shakers EMBRACED TECHNOLOGY and sold their wares, being regarded as the finest money could buy?  There is a fascinating and fabulous story within this episode and if you listen to it, you will never see shaker furniture the same way again.

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Is being a HOBBYIST enough?? Or should you lay down all the chips and go FULL TIME PROFESSIONAL??  Today we discuss the pros/cons of this critical decision faced by so many artists to help you evaluate your own decision.  Paul & Mary are hobbyists while Erik is a full time professional, so we have all the viewpoints covered and get INTO IT.  Join us for this important and lively discussion.

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Fact: We're all going to die.  Question: Do we make things, things that can last across centuries, as a way of establishing a legacy for ourselves.  Do you think "this piece will likely outlive me" as you make?  Have you thought, "I wonder who will own this some day and how they will use it, or whether they'll be curious who I am?".  Coming to terms with our own eventual death and the question of making and legacy is on the docket for discussion today and we think it's a FASCINATING question, you should join us.

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Many people will tell you, "Pursue your passion and you'll never work a day in your life", suggesting that if you follow your burning passion, the money will follow.  Others are far more practical recommending  you find a product that will sell and focus on that right away while building your business because WE ALL HAVE BILLS TO PAY.  Which of these is right?  How should we balance pursuing our passion while earning a living?  Does a sole focus on money ruin our passion for a craft that used to make us feel alive?

Join us for a spirited discussion on this topic with our new interim host Jennifer DiArenzo!! (While Mary is traveling this week)  Jennifer is classically trained with a degree in art and illustration, is a phenomenal pyrography artist, and has strong coffee views and a sense of humor that fit right in to Woodworking in Bullshit.

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CNC technology is currently one of the most divisive topics in our craft.  Many argue, CNC use should NOT be considered woodworking, while others insist that it's just another tool, and these "growing pains" occur whenever a new technology comes into the craft.  This speaks to a larger issue of innovation & technology adoption in the arts and the challenges it poses to fields steeped in tradition.

Join us for a spirited discussion analyzing BOTH SIDES of this fascinating topic.  To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

Have you felt creative burnout as an artist/maker?  You feel exhausted, uninspired, and maybe even a bit cynical.  What do you do in these moments?  What do you do when you hit that moment of not caring or not having the energy to keep up with your job or creative work?

In this episode, we share our experiences identifying and dealing with creative burnout, and discuss what research suggests for possible solutions to this very real and common problem. 

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In this episode, we discuss Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cover how we can use this exciting (and sometimes scary) technology in our creative pursuits.  Our host Mary Tsai, who works in the AI field, helps us understand fact vs. myth, as we cover many topics that we are forced to address now that AI plays such a prominent role in our daily lives.

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How do we figure out WHO WE ARE as an artist?  What is it that we want to communicate with our work, either visually or conceptually?  Have you been able to define a style that is immediately recognizable as your own? For most, this is an evolutionary process consisting of much trial and error, taking risks, resulting in both failures and successes.  Join us and our SPECIAL GUEST KEITH JOHNSON as we jointly discuss this most important topic.

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Why do people LOVE and CHERISH certain objects? What is it about those objects exactly?  If we can figure this out, perhaps we can use these guiding principles to guide the things WE MAKE, becoming treasured heirlooms instead of disposable goods.  This has far reaching implications for humanity at a time where resources are being depleted, pollution is impacting everyone, and our society treats nearly everything as disposable.   

This topic has been pioneered by the research of Jonathan Chapman, professor at Carnegie Melon School of Design, in his book "Emotionally Durable Design: Objects, Experiences & Empathy."  Our very own host, Mary Tsai, was a graduate student in Jonathan's lab, studying with him for a number of years.  Mary is the perfect person to take us through this important and fascinating topic.

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"HUSTLE & GRIND BABY!" We've all heard catchy motivational phrases like this, which sound good on the surface, but is HUSTLE CULTURE actually toxic to our creativity?  Does it lead to higher productivity and success or simply BURNOUT?  Join us for a discussion on this topic where we arrive at some quite interesting conclusions.

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Most of us hate being bored.  However, does being bored actually stimulate creativity? Research suggests it DOES! .  How do you handle your boredom?  Do you allow yourself time to be bored or do you constantly take your phone out and browse it like a dopamine addict? Are you doing yourself a creative disservice?  Join us for a discussion on this absolutely fascinating topic.

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We are honored to have our first guest, Konrad Sauer, on the podcast to discuss his views of design with us including:  1 + 1 = 3,  the pitfalls of using computers to design, designing without considering execution details, and more.  

Konrad is known more broadly in the woodworking field for his exceptionally beautiful and function infill planes (Sauer & Steiner), which he has been crafting by hand for the past 25 years.  However, what many people don't know is that he is classically trained in art/design and is incredibly passionate about those topics.  

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & inappropriate AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467