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I enjoy exploring the creative process within the constraints of the wooden spoon. ...and sometimes, outside of those constraints.
I love the creative process, of not knowing what is to come about.... but still having a hand in it. I am intrigued with those moments when I become aware of that third 'something' that takes over the work and I seem to be mostly a spectator. Not a single spoon (or other creation) I've made turned out the way I wanted or intended. Never happens! The work itself seems to take off in a different direction and I just try to follow. And it is that 'not knowing', that evolving of the piece that keeps me going back to the shop. From time to time I experiment with other materials, but wood keeps drawing me back. I enjoy using 'found' wood and wood from ornamental shrubs and trees. Serviceberry has become a favorite. Some woodworkers are self-taught.... I'm more self-learning! Although as of yet, I haven't afforded any classes, I have definitely been inspired by other woodworkers and 'learned from' studying their work. As for wood spoons, I believe they are by nature very collectible. They're small, somewhat inexpensive and the variety is unbounded. If you do a search on Google (or visit my LINKS page) you will find many talented spoon carvers and the range of their work extends from the utilitarian and functional to the nonfunctional and sculptural. My own spoons tend to be mostly dysfunctional. Functional, nonfunctional or dysfunctional.... as you can see, there is 'fun' to be had irregardless of the kind of wood spoons you collect. Here are some indisputable FACTS about wood spoon collectors. 1. People who collect wood spoons are considered more attractive than non-collectors. 2. Spoon collecting releases stress. The average wood spoon collector spends 23% less on medical bills than non-collectors. 3. Wood spoon collectors are elitists. Only 1 in 2,347,840 people own more than one hand carved wooden spoon. 4. Wood spoon collectors are lucky. It has been shown that collectors are 3 times more likely to win the lottery than the non-collectors. 5. In double blind studies it has been proven that wood spoon collectors have much better taste than the non-collectors. (disclaimer): F = Facetious A = Anecdotes C = Contrived T = To S = Sell |