| Q:
Okay we know you like it, but how did
you get into woodworking?
A:
After being employed in a large range of jobs,
I decided that I needed to do something with
a more creative emphasis. I tried sewing for
a while, but couldn’t handle the constant
movement of the fabric. Having an affinity with
wood, and an awareness of the fact that it too
moved (albeit more slowly) I set about learning
how to play with wood in a way that allowed
it to do its own thing, while I did mine! By
going to exhibitions I found the work that most
appealed was that of two people—Neville
Selleck and Helen MacPherson. Naturally I wanted
to learn from them. At the time they were both
based at the Meat Market Craft Centre (Vic).
A vacancy arose there and I asked both if I
could pick their brains/assist on jobs/watch
them work. Both said yes (as long as I didn’t
get in the way) and so I started to learn proper
woodwork.
Q:
Who are your woodworking heroes/gods/gurus?
A:
Apart from Neville and Helen, I’ve also
learnt a lot from Hamish Hill, and the books
of James Krenov: The Incurable Romantic.
Q:
What do you mainly make?
A:
A mess.
Q:
Your thoughts on traditional vs ‘new’
and digital?
A:
Mix and match, but never allow the tool/technology
to dictate (the tail should not wag the dog).
Q:
What are you pet woodworking hates?
A:
Grain that turns around and bites back—especially
blackwood in the sides of harps.
Q:
What is your desert island hand tool/
machine/ timber/ woodie book?
A:
An Estwing leather-handled tomahawk.
Q:
The best thing you’ve ever made?
A:
I don’t know yet.
Q:
Your best excuse for not getting something
quite right?
A:
It’s always the wood, isn’t it?
Q:
Your most often-made mistake?
A:
Blaming the wood.
Q:
Your biggest woodworking disaster!!?
A:
Not buying Raf Nathan’s stockpile of Huon
pine.
Q:
The thing I would most like to change
about wood is…
A:
Deforestation.
Q:
The thing I would most like to change
about woodworkers is…
A:
Waste.
Q:
The thing I would most like to change
about my own woodworking is…
A:
Impatience.
Q:
My final word on woodwork is…
A:
Always look on the bright side of life…whi-hoo,
whi-hoo, whi-hoo…"
Email: mcorbett@giant.net.au
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