Community woodworking: sharing the love
Rod Safstrom is based In Perth, Western Australia and was inspired by Nev Jones' article in Wood Review issue 130, Wellbeing and Woodwork. He sent some scenes from the community workshops he runs and writes how much these are enjoyed by young and old.
"My craft is mostly from local exotic and local native timbers I have sourced, processed and created with. It is a now a retirement project with my tables and spoons etc being loved by family and friends, and as gifts. I have been making since I was 19, mostly distracted by my environmental work and family commitments.
"My greatest love is sharing ‘Rod’s Bush Woodcrafting'. I have developed portable benches and shavehorses, together with hand tools that I take to rural tree planting and music events, and to Noongar Aboriginal reconnection to Country camps at Nowanup and Yarragin Private Retreat.
"I love it when I my marquees are buzzing with children and adults crafting. Sometimes just the kids, sometimes adults, sometimes men and sometimes women. It is awesome for the kids, adults love it. What is most special is the yarning that happens amongst the crafting. My role is sourcing the wood, set up and set down the workshop and mostly gentle guidance.
"We make tapping sticks, staffs, boomerangs, spears, coolamons, and mallets. Lately I have been making blanks for spoons which has been greatly appreciated.
Photos and words courtesy Rod Safstrom