Woodworking is B******T‪!‬ Woodworking is Bullsh*t

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.

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

"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.

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

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.

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

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 [http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467]

Are you an Artist? Are you a Craftsperson? Does it matter? Why do we use these labels and what are the differences between art and craft? What exactly is art? What is Craft? Are these labels helpful or just b******t?  Join our discussion on this divisive topic.

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