Pure Joy

Meet Gary.  I was happy to spend time with him in his woodshop a few months back.  Gary is a man of MANY talents.  He can build just about anything, and never hesitates to help a friend. Woodworking is one of his passions, and I've seen some beautiful pieces roll out of his shop.  When we moved into our new home a couple years ago, he showed up with a house-warming gift.  A gorgeous wood vase, inlaid with gold, and yes he had made it.  Poured hours into it.  I remember feeling so thankful (and special) that he would give us something that he put so much time and love into.  When I started this passion project, I knew he had to be part of it.  I asked if I could come to his shop and get some photos, and he was happy to oblige.  Honestly, I didn't want to bother him too much and I showed up thinking we would pose some photos in the shop. But he was ready to do some real work with me!  Yay!  I could see the pride and enjoyment in his eyes as he walked me through the steps of making a wood bowl from a fallen tree on his property.  He showed me how he turns his pieces on the lathe, walked me through sanding and sealing, and he finished by burning his signature into the bottom.  As we were wrapping up, he showed me several pieces he had made from another tree in his back yard.  It had been hit by lightening, and rather than getting rid of the mess, he made vases and bowls. He had showcased discolored streaks in the wood that had been left from the event.  It takes someone special to look at a burned up tree, a mess in the yard, and turn it into something spectacular.  But that's just the way he is. 

Thank you, Gary, for allowing me to capture part of your story and for playing in sawdust with me!  I truly enjoyed every minute.