A two-part presentation exploring classic design from an artisan’s perspective.
Part I – Good Vibrations: a practical guide to proportions with George Walker
George Walker will share what he learned about the proportional mindset that was part of our craft tradition and how this enabled artisans to create work that resonated across time. They understood how proportions could be used to bring a sense of life to objects they created. This knowledge was also key to solving problems at the worksite when directions were not clear or an unexpected problem arose that required a creative solution.
About the presenters:
Jim Tolpin began working as a finish carpenter in the early 1970’s in New England before moving to the Northwest near Seattle Washington. He set up a workshop making custom cabinets and contracting finished carpentry. He also worked as a subcontractor on wooden boat interiors in the Port Townsend Boatyards.
George Walker also began a career in the 1970’s working in the trades in the metalworking industry in Ohio. In addition he took up furniture building as a hobby and became an avid woodworker.
Although these vocations may seem far apart, Tolpin and Walker had a shared passion. They both were curious about how artisans in the historic trades approached design. This search for answers led to Tolpin and Walker writing four books published by Lost Art Press and scores of articles for woodworking magazines and journals. They focussed on uncovering the practical knowledge of geometry and proportions at the heart of our craft tradition. Their method: Scour historic books for clues and put them into practice in their workshops. This often meant setting aside their tape measures and modern mindset to see what lies hidden in plain sight. The result, a long string of discovery gleaned at the workbench or often jumping off the tips of divider points. Old knowledge filled with timeless wisdom for today’s builders.