I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce you to my wonderful studio assistant. Here he is:
He’s quite attractive in his alien space mask, isn’t he? This man is my dad, Sam Kirkland, and what he lacks in style he more than makes up for in woodworking knowledge. He’s been helping me realize my work for many years now, either during the few times we’re together each year or via phone consultations. He’s seen here sanding a walnut frame made while we were home for Thanksgiving. Notice the tongue sticking out? This is evidence of extreme concentration and I do it too. Like father like son, they say.
Our collaboration in the woodshop hasn’t always been so, well, collaborative. As a young child, he would bring me out to the shop and encourage me to help. One time, I tried to help. Given a piece of wood and a sanding block, I began to sand the board. However, I made the catastrophic mistake of sanding against the grain. The horror!!! My dad sternly reprimanded me for my mistake and being one who didn’t take constructive criticism well (I’ve gotten better since, I think), I threw the sanding block down, stormed out of the shop to go play a video game and never returned.
I’m not sure why I became an artist and even less sure why I decided to work with wood. I’m sure a psychologist could figure it all out, but we’ll save that for another time. Regardless of the reason, I have become a woodworker. I don’t make furniture but I have a lot of the same needs as a traditional woodworker. And my dad provides the necessary guidance and know-how. He has almost singlehandedly provided every power tool I have. In fact, for each birthday and Christmas since my interest in wood began, I have received a new tool. This year it was an 18V cordless drill and sawzall. Sweet!
Anyway, we got started on a rough note some 20+ years ago. But I am thrilled that I get to share wood with my dad. He’s been working in wood for 6 decades now. I’m still in my first. I’ve learned a lot and I know I’ve taught him some things too. I look forward to many more years of collaborative woodworking.
Thanks, Pops, for being a great studio assistant. I couldn’t ask for a better one.
3 Comments
December 2, 2009 at 2:12 pm
This is a very sweet post.
My father is a handy guy. Like your dad, he tried to interest me in his field, auto repair; and like you, I ran away from it to play video games. Over the years Dad has given me most of my tools, also. I call him up every now and then for help with car trouble.
December 3, 2009 at 12:56 am
Very thoughtful JT, and its always nice to seem him at your art openings.
January 25, 2010 at 8:11 pm
Just treasure all the knowledge your dad has to share with you.
I too was taken to my dads workshop at a young age and encouraged to play and make stuff and he made it fun. He taught me everything I know about woodcarving (I’m a carver of bespoke frames) and I miss him dearly.
So enjoy your assistant and don’t make him sweep up too much ;o)