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Welcome to this weeks publication of Heart Hand and Eye, Inside Passage School of Fine Woodworking’s newsletter celebrating the work of our students, alumni and faculty.

Artisan D – Joinery & Design

from left Kathleen, Bill, Ryan, Jacqueline, Josh, Robert, Kunga, Jack, Kim, Juan Carlos, Chi Chi, Kenji

JK Lectures

In this week’s lecture, Jim spoke about mortise and tenon, doweling and of course craft. Jim’s inspiring words will soon be available on our website. We met with our technical consultant this past week and hope to have segments of each weeks lecture available for our readers very soon. Thank you for your ongoing patience.

Resident Journeyman Program

Doug Ives from Gibsons British Columbia has been a great help to Yvonne and I with the renovations in both the gallery and at the school. His enthusiasm for the gallery has been fun to watch. Unfortunately it has left little time for his piece. He showed me a few sketches of an upcoming commission which is very exciting.Doug also shared these ideas with this weeks class during the Friday Design session. Doug hosted Elephants this past Friday. A beautiful evening with beautiful people. Doug even showed us his impressive wood pile, although I am not sure that was a good idea.

Juan Carlos from Caracas Venezuela shared with the students this week his fine eye and inspiring design thought process. Juan walked through each of his pieces from sketch through mockup. A fine Craftsman with a warm and patient nature.

Artisan Program

Jack West from Fort Jones California uses one of our shapers fitted with a router collet to rout the rebate in the back of one of the sides of his doweled cabinet. Students then made a frame and panel back and fitted it to their cabinet. Jack and many of our students joined Robert on Saturday which is an optional day at the school and made chair scrapes in palm wood and brass. A sweet man with a strong affinity for our craft.

Kunga Delotsange from New York via Tibet uses a chisel to dial in the fit of the shoulder on his haunched mortise and tenon in ash. This week students were shown the process of cutting and fitting a stub, haunched and through and wedged mortise and tenon joinery. On Friday Robert demonstrated advanced joinery including twin compound angled mortise and tenon live and slip. Kunga and his wife Heather purchased a cottage just down the road from the school where they plan to accommodate a student from our Craftsman Program and return to the coast during the summer months. The coast could use more families like this.

A very focused Kathleen Murphy from Edmonton Alberta uses her oberge cut file to dial in the fit of her through and wedged mortise and tenon joinery in ash. Students were given ash because it does not have the compression factor that poplar has and requires precise fitting. Kathleen is a fine young cabinetmaker with a promising career ahead of her. She is like I was many years ago frustrated with the soulless work of commercial cabinetry and displays the focus and sensitivity needed in our craft.

Josh Shrae from Anchorage Alaska takes advantage of a beautiful summer afternoon and fits a set of dovetails in the courtyard with Chi Chi. Josh took and old card scraper and cut it into scraper blanks for a few of the chair scrapes made on Saturday. Josh continues to embrace the tool making aspect of our craft. I am reminded of the quote by John Brown:

“I live in a beautiful place, I work at something I love and make enough money to live and my demands on the world resources are very meager. What is so unusual about this idyllic circumstance is that there is plenty of room for more to join.”

Ryan Inmann from Vancouver via South Africa cuts the mortises for his shop made diagonal sticks in wenge. Our students have taken full advantage of optional Saturdays and the school. Ryan began the Artisan Program last summer and has returned to finish the last four weeks this year. Always a pleasure to have Ryan and his young family at the school. Since leaving the school last summer he has completed a number of projects building upon the skills taught at the school. We hope you have a very happy First Fathers Day Ryan.

Kim Larson from Seattle Washington shows her completed drawer with fine joinery. She is a true perfectionist and a real pleasure to have at the school. She has already registered for two more classes next summer. We will look forward to her return. I really enjoyed watching the sensible balance of hand and machine tools in her work.

Kenji Konno from Vancouver British Columbia via Japan uses his hand saw to cut the dowels to length after gluing them in the sides of his cabinet. Kenjo enjoys the small details that distinguish our work. This is Kenji’s second visit to the school and will be hanging on for Veneers and Curves next week. He is an impeccable craftsman and has the right approach to turn this hobby into a career when he is ready.

Jacqueline Robins from Vancouver British Columbia uses one of our chopping block and chisel to refine the shoulders one of her mortise and tenon joinets. Jacqueline has a background in craft but is new to woodworking. She is a potter and suggested that while the creative aspects of fine woodworking are similar to pottery she did say that there is an increased level of accuracy required for our craft. She will be returning next month for Artisan A Hand and Machine Tools. We will be looking forward to her visit.

Bill Chow from Vancouver British Columbia uses one of our shapers to rout the rebate for his back panel in the sides of his doweled cabinet. This was Bill’s third class at the school. He is always a pleasure. When he arrived this week he donated a one thousand grit Norton water stone, a book “Understanding Wood” by Bruce Hoadly and a substantial piece of lignum which we had a draw for. He is a generous craftsman always willing to assist our new students. It is encouraging to watch the sharing going on in the benchroom with our students. We will look forward to his next visit.

Faculty

Resident Craftsman & Teacher Robert Van Norman discusses paring with Kim. Robert shared with this week’s class mortise and tenon, doweling, frame and panel and advanced joinery. On our optional day, Saturday students were given the opportunity to make their own chair scrapes.

Candid

Come to Inside Passage, the friendly school!

Doug during recent “Design Session” as he calls it.

Facility

Inside Passage School of Fine Woodworking is pleased to announce the upcoming opening of our new gallery and office.

Our gallery and office will be moving across the courtyard into the cottage adjacent to the Gumboot Cafe. In addition to our students alumni and faculty work, the Other End of the Plank Gallery, will also feature the work of a selected group of local artists and artisans. At the school, this means the addition of a dedicated Wood Room and new Benchroom for Robert with ample light and a separate entrance. With the additional room, we will be expanding our current inventory of hand picked planks.

“I made one object at a time because of the wood, because of the tools, with a certain idea and hope, and somehow these objects won friends and gradually, gradually, my confidence and experience increased. But for a very long time, it was touch and go. Even now, although people may think that I have got it made and things are going fine, even now I am only carrying my end of the plank. Someone else who is sharing life with me has believed from the beginning in what I am trying to do is carrying the other end of that plank”

A Cabinetmakers Notebook by James Krenov.

Alumni Bench Order

Our annual alumni bench order has left Sweden. Leif has made and donated a left handed bench for our students which will accompany our order. Then went onto mention something about beer and the olympics. If you would like more information about these hand crafted benches visit Målilla Hyvelbänkar. Our school will be placing another alumni order next spring.

Alumni

Juan Carlos discusses the design for his stand with alumni Federico Mendez Castro. Two very fine craftsmen who we are grateful to have involved with our school.

The grand opening of Other End of the Plank Gallery will take place the day after first elephants first Elephants. We hope that you will join us.

Artisan & Craftsman for Programs 2008 -2009

There is limited space available in our Artisan Programs for 2008. If you would you would like more information or would like to register call Yvonne toll free at 1.877.943.9663. Alternatively registrations may be faxed to 1.604.885.9711.

We have confirmed our first-year students for the 2008-2009 Craftsman Program. The group consists of men and women from Japan, Ireland, Columbia, United States & Canada. We are currently accepting applications for the 2009-2010 Craftsman Program.

Artisan Program Schedule for 2009

Welcome to this weeks publication of Heart Hand and Eye, Inside Passage School of Fine Woodworking’s newsletter celebrating the work of our students, alumni and faculty.

Facility News

Inside Passage School of Fine Woodworking is pleased to announce the upcoming opening of our new gallery and office.

Other End of the Plank Gallery

Our gallery and office will be moving across the courtyard into the cottage adjacent to the Gumboot Cafe. In addition to our students alumni and faculty work, the gallery will also feature the work of a selected group of local artists and artisans. At the school, this means the addition of a dedicated Wood Room and new Benchroom for Robert with ample light and a separate entrance. With the additional room, we will be expanding our current inventory of hand picked planks.

“I made one object at a time because of the wood, because of the tools, with a certain idea and hope, and somehow these objects won friends and gradually, gradually, my confidence and experience increased. But for a very long time, it was touch and go. Even now, although people may think that I have got it made and things are going fine, even now I am only carrying my end of the plank. Someone else who is sharing life with me has believed from the beginning in what I am trying to do is carrying the other end of that plank”

A Cabinetmakers Notebook by James Krenov.

This quote has always been dear to me, it has always reminded me of Yvonne, and the support she has given me over the years. Each year during the Craftsman Program, I ask one of our students to share it with the class and our families. This year it was Paul Nielsen from Evergreen Alabama who read the quote at our graduation ceremonies. So, as we said goodbye to Paul and Robyn on Wednesday morning, I thought back on the many special people who have done what ever it took to allow us to follow this passion for craft.

The gallery and school renovations are already underway. Yvonne has been painting intends to have the office moved by the end of next week. Doug has the wall up and door hung between Robert’s new benchroom and wood room. We will be in contact with our alumni in the coming months and arranging individual and collaborative shows. The Gallery will continue to hold both our Open House & Show in January and our Student Alumni & Faculty show in May of each year. Watch for details in upcoming publications of Heart Hand & Eye.

Warmest Well Wishes,
Robert & Yvonne

JK Lectures

This week Jim spoke about dovetails and drawer making. In addition to pointing out the many subtleties which contribute to doing fine work, Jim continues to talk about our craft with deep humility and encouragement. We are so grateful for Jim’s involvement with our small school.

We will be meeting with a consultant this coming week to discuss the most efficient way to make segments of these lectures available for our readers.

Resident Journeyman Program

Doug Ives from Gibsons British Columbia works on the mockup for the pierce carving which will be inset into the gentle sweeping arch at the top of his cabinet. Doug has been a tremendous help to Yvonne and I with all the renovations underway. He has a very similar approach to finish carpentry as he does in our craft. I enjoy watching Doug work.

Juan Carlos from Caracas Venezuela shares with this weeks class the of fitting drawer parts to the drawer pocket. Our students learn a great deal watching our Resident Journeyman at work. Both have rather complex pieces underway and nearing completion. Juan Carlos is a fine mentor to our students always willing to lend a hand.

We said farewell to Paul Nielsen and his wife Robyn from Evergreen Alabama. Both Paul and Robyn will be dearly missed by all of us at the school and this community. As a couple they really exemplified what this school is all about. We hope to bring Paul back to take part in the Journeyman Program during a future Craftsman Program. He is a fine young craftsman with with an un compromised approach to our craft.

Artisan Program

Artisan B – Plane Making & Surfaces

from Left Brian, Kathleen, Paul, Doug, Juan Carlos, Jack, Lars, Josh, Tadi, Robert, Anna, Kunga, Jamie, Amber, Chris & Chuck

Artisan C – Dovetails & Tool Making

 

from left Kathleen, Ryan, Jack, Juan Carlos, Kunga, Josh, Kim, Robyn, Robert, Doug & Paul

Jack West from Fort Jones California uses his cocobolo jointer made last week to fit his drawer sides to the drawer pocket on his student cabinet. Jack has taken full advantage of the bonus evening and Saturday hours available at the school. This morning, Robert went through the process of making small wooden squares and diagonal sticks like the ones Jim has used for many years.

Kunga Delotsange from New York via Tibet selects the material for his drawer. Each student is encouraged to discover the working properties of a variety of woods. Since the beginning of the program the students have used, jatoba, maple, ash, poplar, red cabruva, padauk, alder and wenge. Kunga’s lovely family are regular visitors at the school. We enjoy having our families around the school.

Kathleen Murphy from Edmonton Alberta uses adhesive backed sandpaper to clean up her shop made paring chisel. Old files including needle files are a fine source for carbon steel which can be annealed (or softened) shaped, hardened and tempered with simple readily available tools and materials. Kathleen is taking full advantage of the beautiful place we live and work with morning walks on the beach. We all need to do more of that.

Josh Shrae from Anchorage Alaska uses one of our hand grinders to grind a bevel on one of his shop made chisels. Josh has really embraced the tool making aspect of our program and is taking full advantage of his time here at the school. In addition to making a drawer he made several chisels and tools this week. He has also been taking the time to refine many of the tools he brought along.

Ryan Inmann from Vancouver via South Africa uses a shop made paring chisel to pare a tail on the half blind dovetails on the front joinery of his drawer. Ryan took Hand & Machine Tools and Plane Making & Surfaces last year and has returned to complete the last four weeks of the Artisan Program. Many of our students who take classes a week or two at a time develop friendships with their classmates and return to take classes together again. It is nice to be a part of these reunions.

Kim Larson from Seattle Washington cleans up the corners of her very sweet dovetails. Kim will be staying on for Joinery & Design next week. She has been such a lovely addition to an already exceptional group of people. Kim joined us on Saturday for the bonus day and made a set of diagonal sticks out of wenge. Kim’s partner Roger came up for the weekend. He flew into Pender Harbor and road his bike down to the creek in a heavy rain.

Faculty

Resident Craftsman & Teacher Robert Van Norman shared with this weeks class, the gratifying process of making and fitting a drawer. Students were also invited to explore simple tool making with chisels, bevel gauges, diagonal sticks and squares.

Candid

Chi Chi

Alumni Bench Order

Our annual alumni bench order has left Sweden. Leif has made and donated a left handed bench for our students which will accompany our order. Then went onto mention something about pints and the olympics. If you would like more information about these hand crafted benches visit Målilla Hyvelbänkar. Our school will be placing another alumni order next spring.

Alumni

The grand opening of Other End of the Plank Gallery will take place the day after first elephants first Elephants. We hope that you will join us.

Artisan & Craftsman for Programs 2008 -2009

There is limited space available in our Artisan Programs for 2008. If you would you would like more information or would like to register call Yvonne toll free at 1.877.943.9663. Alternatively registrations may be faxed to 1.604.885.9711.

We have confirmed our first-year students for the 2008-2009 Craftsman Program. The group consists of men and women from Japan, Ireland, Columbia, United States & Canada. We are currently accepting applications for the 2009-2010 Craftsman Program.

Artisan Program Schedule for 2009

New Program

Inside Passage School of Fine Woodworking is pleased to announce the addition of a new program at the school. The Resident Artisan Program picks up where the Artisan Program leaves off allowing graduates of our Artisan Program the opportunity to return to the school and for the designing and making of a fine piece of furniture under the direction of Inside Passage School of Fine Woodworking Faculty and Resident Craftsman.

The Resident Artisan Program provides a great opportunity to refine existing skills and develop new skills in a relaxed and creative environment conducive to doing fine work.

There is limited space in this program. Currently the first session is full and we are accepting registrations for the second session which runs from July 14th to August 22nd 2008. We are now booking Resident Artisan Registrations for 2009. If you would like more information about this program contact Yvonne at 1.877.943.9663 and arrange for an initial consultation with our Program Director.

Artisan A – Hand & Machine Tools.

Back row from left Juan Carlos, Paul, Jim, Jack, Robert, Kunga, Rebecca, Shannon, Kathleen, Doug, Dan, Alex
Front row from left Chi Chi, Josh

JK Lectures

On the final week of our Craftsman Program Jim delivered his heartfelt farewell address to our students. On the first week of our Artisan Program Jim welcomed our new students and spoke of sharpening and for his passion for the hand plane and our craft.

Craftsman Program

A few weeks ago we bid farewell to the class of 2007-2008. In just over three months we will welcome the class of 2008-2009 which consists of men and women from Japan, Ireland, Columbia, United States & Canada. Our year end show was an overwhelming success. We estimate over three hundred people crowed into Gallery Five and the school to view the work of our students, alumni and faculty. On Saturday evening our graduation ceremonies were held at the Gumboot Cafe. Family, alumni, friends, faculty gathered to celebrate this years class. Each student was presented with a certificate signed by each of our teachers including JK himself.

Journeyman Program

 

Visiting Journeyman Jacques Breau from Blackland New Brunswick assists Doug with application of applied edges. Jacques assisted our students during the final week of the Craftsman Program. We are very grateful to have alumni involvement with our school. It was a real pleasure to have Jacques back at the school. I would like to extend a special thank you to this year’s visiting Journeyman, Carl Zytowski and Todd Stockner, Jason Klager and Jacques Breau.

Resident Journeyman Program

Doug Ives (left) from Gibsons British Columbia discusses the mockup and joinery of his upper rail system with second year graduate Federico Mendez Castro. Doug continues to have a strong presence at the school, with over thirty years as a craftsman, Doug has much to offer our students. Yvonne and I are grateful to have his involvement with the school. Federico is a frequent visitor to the school. This summer he and fellow alumni Ian Godfrey and Stephen Esdon are working on a house on a nearby island. All have shops within a few kilometers of the school.

Juan Carlos from Caracas Venezuela assists Kunga with reading the grain during a grain graphics and shaping exercise. Juan continues to work on the stand for his cabinet which was very well received during the show. Juan Carlos is a fine craftsman with exceptional design skills.

Paul Nielsen of Evergreen Alabama applies the final coat of oil finish to his desk prior to assembly. Paul has really embraced the no compromise approach to the craft and has set a fine example for this years Artisan Program students. He and his wife Robyn will be dearly missed when they return to Alabama in a few weeks.

Artisan Program

I consider myself very fortunate to a have students like Jack West from Fort Jones California. Jack has been a real pleasure in the first week of the program taking full advantage of the optional evening and weekend hours at the school. Jack has recently completed his dream shop which he will share with his wife, who is a maker of fine jewelry. Jack’s wife is busy carrying the other end of the plank while Jack is at the school. Yvonne and I are looking forward to meeting this lovely man’s wife.

Rebecca D’ Angelo from Vancouver British Columbia uses our Davis and Wells bandsaw to get the correct grain orientation during one of our exercises during the first week. We explore the rich diverseness of our material at our school by exposing our students to several species of wood. This week the students have been exposed to poplar, maple, ash and bocote. Rebecca left on Saturday to attend a Piano restoration program at the Banff Centre for Fine Arts. This was Rebecca’s third class our school.

Kunga Delotsange from New York via Tibet has his spoke shave dialed in and uses it to clean up and shape his ash leg during an exercise. Kunga and his family have joined him on the coast for his program. His twin daughters are attending Roberts Creek Elementary School with our daughter. A lovely family with strong connections with our community.

Kathleen Murphy from Edmonton Alberta removes her safety glasses to reveille her lovely smile. Our students use one of two hand grinders to prepare their tools for honing. Already a Red Seal Journeyman Cabinetmaker from Alberta, Kathleen is adjusting to a very different approach to our craft. As a teacher I have found that experienced cabinetmakers are generally slow out of the gate but once they find their footing it is hard to hold them back. Katherine brings a strong machine background and is already discovering that sensible balance between the use of finely tuned hand tools and our machines.

I regretfully do not have a single useable picture of Jim Sexton from Regina Saskatchewan. Jim was a real pleasure to have at the school and has already indicated that he will be returning for the five subsequent classes of the Artisan Program next summer. Jim took full advantage of his time here and took a keen interest in the setting up of machines which he intends to put to use when he returns home. He also encouraged Robert to spend some time on Friday afternoon talking about the setting up of a shop. He has realized the importance of a sharpening station by the bench which he will be setting up when he returns home. All of us at the school will be looking forward to your return.

Josh Shrae from Anchorage Alaska checks the flatness of his waterstone. Josh comes from a timber framing background. Josh has already made several planes and has used the week to tune a few of them up with many of his other hand tools previously used in a complimentary craft. We have already had a few students from Alaska and I have found them generally to be a very sweet lot. It must be something in the water as each of our students from that part of the world seem grounded focus and sweet, Josh is no exception. I feel very grateful to play a part as they begin their lifelong journey in craft education.

Dan McCallum from Vancouver British Columbia shown here cleaning up his leg with a spokeshave has returned this summer to complete his Artisan Program. This was Dan’s fourth class at the school. He will be returning in a few weeks with a number of his classmates from last summers sessions. It will be like a family reunion. I am so pleased that our students keep in touch after leaving school, cultivating relationships that last a lifetime. Dan is a wood dawg in the true sense of the word, harvesting much of his own material locally using an Alaskan Chainsaw Mill. A sweet man with a real passion for our craft.

Alex Marks from Calgary Alberta uses the bandsaw to cut the curve for his leg exercise. Alex is a self proclaimed tool junkie. He spent the week learning how to refine each of his tools hand and machines. Alex has indicated that he will be returning next year to continue his education in the endless possibilities which exist within our craft. Alex it was a pleasure having you with us.

Shannon Hutchinson from Delta British Columbia uses the Inca table saw to cut the mouth for her wooden spoke shave. Saturdays are an optional day at the school, where Robert introduces optional activities such as tool making and chainsaw milling. Shannon’s enthusiasm was most welcome at the school and we will look forward to her return in a few weeks when she will be taking part in the dovetails and tool making. Shannon and her partner attended our first semester show at our gallery in January where I was fortunate to spend some time with her discussing our craft. Shannon shared with me at the end of the week how she enjoyed Jim’s humble approach to our craft during his weekly lecture.

Faculty

Resident Craftsman & Teacher Robert Van Norman discusses the two important characteristics that distinguish the work being produced at the school, craftsmanship and the careful selection of the material. This week the class wondered over to Gallery Five and spent a few minutes discussing the grain graphics before returning to the school and completing their grain graphics and shaping exercise. Next week we will welcome five new students who will be joining our six week Artisan Students in the making and using of fine wooden hand planes. Robert will also discuss the making of irons and chip breakers. for specialized planes.

Rest

Yvonne and I managed to sneak away in our home away from home to Nakusp Hotsprings for a few days to the following this years Craftsman Program. It was just what we needed to re energize ourselves for our busy upcoming summer and fall at the school.

Facility

Our kiln has been in constant use since the beginning of May. The locally harvested 10/4 arbutus shown here has dropped from 23 percent moisture content to 11 percent in just over a week and removed almost ten liters of water.

Alumni

We are in the process of setting up websites for each of our Craftsman Program alumni. Please forward any images or text you would like included on your web page including a biography to yvonne@insidepassage.ca

Artisan & Craftsman for Programs 2008 -2009

There is limited space available in our Artisan Programs for 2008. If you would you would like more information or would like to register call Yvonne toll free at 1.877.943.9663. Alternatively registrations may be faxed to 1.604.885.9711.

We have confirmed our first-year students for the 2008-2009 Craftsman Program. The group consists of men and women from Japan, Ireland, Columbia, United States & Canada. We are currently accepting applications for the 2009-2010 Craftsman Program.

We have recently posted our Artisan Program dates for 2009.

New Program

Inside Passage School of Fine Woodworking is pleased to announce the addition of a new program at the school. The Resident Artisan Program picks up where the Artisan Program leaves off allowing graduates of our Artisan Program the opportunity to return to the school and for the designing and making of a fine piece of furniture under the direction of Inside Passage School of Fine Woodworking Faculty and Resident Craftsman.

The Resident Artisan Program provides a great opportunity to refine existing skills and develop new skills in a relaxed and creative environment conducive to doing fine work.

There is limited space in this program. Currently the first session is full and we are accepting registrations for the second session which runs from July 14th to August 22nd 2008. If you would like more information about this program contact Yvonne at 1.877.943.9663 and arrange for an initial consultation with our Program Director.

Driving back gave me lots of time to think about my time at Inside Passage and appreciate the experience. I really miss the time in the shop with all of you. I enjoyed the experience more than I can describe. Being there 6 consecutive weeks makes a tremendous difference in your emotional attachment to the people and to the type of work you are doing. Looking back at my time with you, I know that I made the right decision choosing Inside Passage and spending 6 weeks in Roberts Creek.

I am re-reading The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking and appreciate its sentiments for the first time, especially the first 60 pages. Thanks to you, Robert, and to Jim for the inspiration to spend more time feeling, listening, smelling – just sensing wood. I have no idea if what I make will be any good, but it will be more in tune with the wood itself.

I know first-hand how tough it is to make a start-up operation work financially. I also understand the emotional and physical strain that it brings to the proprietors. I think the way you two work together is impressive. Keep that alive and Robert please stay healthy! In addition to providing kudos for both of you, however, I would like to support the school in some way that makes sense. I was thinking about helping you build out the gallery with student work. I would make available for the next 3 years an amount each year for acquiring student work. The pieces would stay in the gallery for 2 years after acquisition date and then would be mine to leave there or move. The gallery would win, in that it has more work to display. The students would have some income. I would acquire beautiful work at a fair price.

Welcome to the final publication of Benchroom this Week for the Craftsman Program 2007-2008. I would like to take the opportunity to thank each of our students, this school not only exists for you but because of you. A special thank you to Jim and Britta Krenov for facilitating our weekly talks. Jim’s words continue to inspire all of us at the school. Our teachers, Ian Godfrey and Gary Kent. Finally, my soul mate Yvonne for keeping the school and our family on course. Benchroom this week will resume on Friday May 23, 2008 following the first week of the Artisan Program.

Warmest Regards,
Robert

New Student Work

A lovely box by Douglas Hagerman of Gibsons British Columbia. The box is made of Indian rosewood, tiger myrtle, red cabruva and makore and features proud and angled dovetails, curved frame and panel lids, bent laminations and shop made hinges.

Michael Miller of Halfmoon Bay British Columbia made this wall cabinet from teak, olive, bocote, London plane and Port Orford cedar. Michael made all the hardware for this piece including the hinges and wall hangers.

Box made by Daisuke Tanaka from Nishio-shi, Aichi-ken Japan. The box is made of curly ash, spalted beech, kwila, silk and brass. The workmanship of this piece is exquisite.

Upcoming Show

If you would like to attend and require accommodation please visit the Bed and Breakfast page on our website.

JK Lectures

Jim will deliver his Farewell Address to this years class on Friday May 9th at 2pm. From all of us at Inside Passage School of Fine Woodworking we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Jim and his wife Britta for facilitating our weekly talks. Jim will continue his weekly talks during the Artisan Programs. We will be attempting to upload exerts from Jim’s lectures over the coming months. Thank you for your on going patience

Journeyman Program

Craftsman Program alumni Jacques Breau from Blackland New Brunswick will be joining us to assist with final week of this years program. We are delighted to have this fine young craftsman join us at a very busy time at the school. After a busy fall of commission work, Jacques recently spent a month with alumni Jason Klager in his shop located just outside of Prince George British Columbia where he has begun a speculative wall cabinet. While it will not be ready for the show, it will soon be posted on the Jacques Breau alumni web page.

Class of 2007-2008

back row from left – Ed, Erik, Paul, Robert & Michael
middle row from left – Yvonne, Gary, Doug, Douglas, Dan & Ian
front row from left – Adam, Daisuke, Juan Carlos, Matt & Walker
foreground – Indy & Chi Chi

Resident Craftsman Program

Inside Passage School of Fine Woodworking ambassador of fine karma, Doug Ives from Gibsons British Columbia. Doug has really taken on a leadership role this year and we are very grateful for Doug’s ongoing evolvement with the school. I fine craftsman and a warm and gentle person. Doug will be staying on at the school for an indefient period of time. Doug is dialing the legs and composing the upper laminated arches of his stand as I write.

Juan Carlos Fernandez from Caracas Venezuela will be taking part in our resident Journeyman Program for the Artisan Program before taking on the role as Resident Craftsman & Teacher this fall. Our school is delighted to have such a fine young craftsman join our teaching staff. Juan’s compound curved cabinet of redwood burl shop sawn veneered parquetry patern really is an exceptional piece, one of many to come. With the doors of his cabinet fit, Juan Carlos has moved onto the stand.

Craftsman Program

Ed Tickle from Kamloops British Columbia received some assistance from resident craftsman Juan Carlos with the fret work of his Islamic inspired panel which will be carved and receive a lip to be placed into a frame with laminated frame members. Ed has been a real delight at the school. The progress he has made since arriving at the school is incredible. Ed will be returning to Kamloops and begin putting his shop together. Robert is looking forward to heading out for a shop setting up visit sometime this summer.

Erik Copeland from Richmond Hill Ontario cuts the shoulders for a compound angled live tenon on the bandsaw. Robert used this method for many years for chair work. It requires less jigging up than a table saw and with a fine blade it needs only minor tuning with a chisel and file. Erik and his wife Erika will be returning to Ontario where Erik intends to work for another furniture maker while setting up a shop.

Liquor cabinet by Matt Hales from London England. The carcass is Macassar ebony with an apple interior. The jatoba stand is under way and will be doweled between each of the three cabinets. Matt intends to work for a furniture maker in Vancouver before he opens his own shop. Matt and his partner Catherine intend to move to the Sunshine Coast in the new year.

Walker Savage from Seattle Washington had to leave the program a few weeks early but will be returning for our second Artisan Program and will be assisting for the first week of next years Craftsman Program. Sweet man and fine craftsman.

Douglas Hagerman from Gibsons British Columbia read from Robert Frost when he presented his box to the class last month. Since moving onto his second piece he has been riding a train of enthusiasm and is expected to complete his sculpture stand in time for the show. As I write this Doug Ives and visiting journeyman Jacques Breau are assisting Douglas with the assembly of this fine piece made of Claro walnut and London Plane. Douglas will remain on the coast and will be setting up shop in Gibsons.

Paul Nielsen from Evergreen Alabama has taken advantage of the many hour available to him taking on a very ambitious piece. The fly tying desk incorporates a stand of English brown oak with top and gallery of shop sawn shedua veneer. Paul is staying on for the first Artisan Program to complete the piece. Paul and his lovely wife Robyn will be returning home to Alabama where Paul intends to set up his shop. A very talented young man with a promising career ahead of him. Both Paul and Robyn’s parents and friends made the trip from Alabama for the show.

Daisuke Tanaka from Nishio-shi, Aichi-ken Japan uses some rather complex joinery on his stool of eastern maple. It has been a real pleasure watching this fine young craftsman develop. We are very grateful that Daisuke will be joining us for a second year of study. I enjoy watching Daisuke work, it’s nice to teach someone who reaches first for a hand tool that can effectively and yes, efficiently complete the task. He enjoys his work and it shows.

Adam Larson from Edmonton Alberta uses a tapered block to support his rail as he cuts the mortises for floating tenons. Adam hopes to return this fall and take part in the Journeyman Program. A fine craftsman and an even finer person. He, his wife Jodie and daughter Franka will all be dearly missed at this school. Adam has really embraced the philosophy taught here at the school.

Dan Cearley from San Jose California has spent the last two weeks of the program making lofting ducks. He carved three different styles and sizes and made the forms of plaster of paris. The lead used was recycled from the local tire shop. The ducks were then fitted with hooks made from braising rod. Dan’s abilities as a craftsman extend well beyond woodworking. We look forward to Dan’s return in Journeyman Program.

Michael Miller from Halfmoon Bay British Columbia with a dry run of back of his bubinga chair. I will miss Michael on Monday morning. His long bouncy stride and big smile coming through the back door quarter to seven each morning for the last nine months. Mostly, I will miss our talks and his passion for this craft. We are grateful that Michael will be joining us in the spring of 2009 when he returns for the Resident Journeyman Program.

Faculty

Detail of pull by Craftsman & Teacher Ian Godfrey. This pull is attached to Ian’s side board featured in Fine Woodworking magazine last fall. The cabinet has since been sold and will be heading to Germany this fall. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this exceptional piece proudly exhibited in our annual student alumni and faculty show.

Relief Craftsman & Teacher Gary Kent arranged a tour of Bradley Hunt and son’s commission in Roberts Creek. Incredible work by three very fine craftsman. It is a joy to watch this fine father and son team work. A special thankyou for Gary for filling in the gaps this year.

Resident Craftsman & Teacher Robert Van Norman demonstrated the joinery he used in entrance doors early on in his career. On Friday Robert will demonstrate upholstery, rounding out the years lectures.

Candid

Two very sweet men.

Facility

Craftsman Alumni Bruce Rigby, recently installed an eight foot full spectrum light above the kiln and press table. Make the need for flashlights almost obsolete.

Alumni

We are in the process of setting up websites for each of our Craftsman Program alumni. Please forward any images or text you would like included on your web page including a biography to yvonne@insidepassage.ca

Artisan & Craftsman for Programs 2008 -2009

 

There is limited space available in our Artisan Programs for 2008. If you would you would like more information or would like to register call Yvonne toll free at 1.877.943.9663. Alternatively registrations may be faxed to 1.604.885.9711.

We have confirmed our first-year students for the 2008-2009 Craftsman Program. The group consists of men and women from Japan, Ireland, Columbia, United States & Canada. We are currently accepting applications for the 2009-2010 Craftsman Program.

We have recently posted our Artisan Program dates for 2009.

New Program

Inside Passage School of Fine Woodworking is pleased to announce the addition of a new program at the school. The Resident Artisan Program picks up where the Artisan Program leaves off allowing graduates of our Artisan Program the opportunity to return to the school and for the designing and making of a fine piece of furniture under the direction of Inside Passage School of Fine Woodworking Faculty and Resident Craftsman.

The Resident Artisan Program provides a great opportunity to refine existing skills and develop new skills in a relaxed and creative environment conducive to doing fine work.

There is limited space in this program. Currently the first session is full and we are accepting registrations for the second session which runs from July 14th to August 22nd 2008. If you would like more information about this program contact Yvonne at 1.877.943.9663 and arrange for an initial consultation with our Program Director.

Class of 2007-2008

back row from left – Ed, Erik, Paul, Robert & Michael
middle row from left – Yvonne, Gary, Doug, Douglas, Dan & Ian
front row from left – Adam, Daisuke, Juan Carlos, Matt & Walker
foreground – Indy & Chi Chi

Welcome to the newest publication of Benchroom this Week. Thank you for taking the time to check in on the work currently underway at our small school. This school not only exists for you but because of you and we are very grateful for your on going support. The students and faculty are preparing our pieces for our annual show which takes place in just three weeks. The school will continue to be open from 6:30am until 10pm seven days a week until the show, likely longer during the final few days. If you would like to attend the show and need accommodation please check our our fine local Bed and Breakfasts for availability.

We received a very thoughtful gift from a craftsman in Palo Alto California. A beautiful piece of secupira confirming that the piece we had, thought to be the last was infact not. We are all very grateful for the wood and for his gracious comments about our school. I am heading down to the beach and enjoy Earth Day with my daughter. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Warmest Regards,
Robert

Artisan & Craftsman for Programs 2008 -2009

There is limited space available in our Artisan Programs for 2008. If you would you would like more information or would like to register call Yvonne toll free at 1.877.943.9663. Alternatively registrations may be faxed to 1.604.885.9711.

We have confirmed our first-year students for the 2008-2009 Craftsman Program. The group consists of men and women from Japan, Ireland, Columbia, United States & Canada. We are currently accepting applications for the 2009-2010 Craftsman Program.

We have recently posted our Artisan Program dates for 2009.

New Program

Inside Passage School of Fine Woodworking is pleased to announce the addition of a new program at the school. The Resident Artisan Program picks up where the Artisan Program leaves off allowing graduates of our Artisan Program the opportunity to return to the school and for the designing and making of a fine piece of furniture under the direction of Inside Passage School of Fine Woodworking Faculty and Resident Craftsman.

The Resident Artisan Program provides a great opportunity to refine existing skills and develop new skills in a relaxed and creative environment conducive to doing fine work.

There is limited space in this program. Currently the first session is full and we are accepting registrations for the second session which runs from July 14th to August 22nd 2008. If you would like more information about this program contact Yvonne at 1.877.943.9663 and arrange for an initial consultation with our Program Director.

JK Lectures

Last week Jim’s lectures dealt with Chair Making and Life after School. This week he it was a review of dovetails, doweling and assembly. These topics came at a very good time in the program with final projects underway. As with all his lectures which it was his drifting off topic into other areas of our craft which many of us find this words the most inspiring. Jim is currently making planes from afromosia which he working properties likens the mesquite he had been using. This coming week Jim will be discussing NK and side hung drawers.

Jim Krenov continues to lecture on a weekly basis. Segments from these lectures will soon be available on our website. We are working with our computer advisor on the logistics of making this a simple process. My experience to date has been things with computers are seldom simple and counterintuitive to the way we, or at least I work. We are very grateful for Jim’s evolvement with the school. His words continue to inspire a new generation of craftsmen.

Journeyman Program

We are putting together the Journeyman Program schedule for this coming fall and spring. We are grateful to have our alumni and the alumni from the College of the Redwoods Fine Woodworking Program assist with the curriculum delivery. Each year we have had several visiting craftsman, each providing our students a fresh perspective into the limitless possibilities which exist within our craft. Any alumni interested in participating in this program please contact Robert toll free at 1.877.943.9663.

Resident Craftsman Program

Doug Ives from Gibsons British Columbia with dry fit of cabinet with integrated stand in afromosia, zebrano, wenge and Post Orford cedar. Doug is busy dialing in the shape of his legs and will be attaching a tapered laminated arch which will secure the legs at the top. I enjoy watching Doug work. He doesn’t neglect the use of machines but emphasizes the use of hand tools. Doug has been a fine mentor to our first year students and we are pleased that he will have an ongoing conection with the school in a capacity yet to be determined.

Juan Carlos Fernandez from Caracas Venezuela has fit the rosette for his cabinet which had to be done on a compound curve. Juan has since carved an arch in the underside to lighten it up. Juan Carlos is busy dialing in the hinge fit before turning his attention to the final glue up and then stand which will be made of some very sweet African mahogany we picked up at Gilmers this past fall. We are very pleased that Juan Carlos will be joining our faculty upon graduation.

Craftsman Program

Dan has the forms nearly completed the forms for lofting ducks. They frames have been aligned with dowels and have a temporary partition placed while the plaster of Paris dries. Once these forms are cleaned up we will be melting down recycled tire weights with on a small gas camp stove and pour into the molds. Once dry brasing rod will be inserted for the hooks.

Ed Tickle from Kamloops British Columbia completes the necessary spline joinery before moving onto surface preparation which he is using his finely tuned cabinet scraper. The panels and rails will require final shaping and finishing prior to his glue ups. Ed has done a fabulous job at aligning the grain graphics for this piece.

Erik Copeland from Richmond Hill Ontario has been busy with the joinery for his rocking chair of red cabruva. Erik is currently fitting the back splates to lumbar and crest rails which have to be done with live compound angled mortise and tenon for structural reasons. A very challenging joint for any fine craftsman.

Matt Hales from London England trims up his applied edges. Since this photo was taken Matt has completed the dowel construction of the three cabinets which will be joined by the stand with consists of two frames of jatoba which well require carefully cut joinery.

Walker Savage from Seattle Washington checks his top panel to Jim’s original drawing. Unfortunatly, Walker has to return home for the remainder of the program. At this point we are hoping that he will able to return for the show and graduation ceremonies. Robert has invited Walker back for the month of August to complete his piece and remain on for the first week of the Craftsman Program while taking part in the Journeyman Program. Walker will be dearly missed by all of us at the school.

Douglas Hagerman from Gibsons British Columbia completed his lovely box and has begun a sculpture stand of claro walnut. He has all his parts broken out and is allowing them to settle while he completes his mock up, shop drawings and cut list. Douglas, Daisuke and Michael will each present on Friday afternoon when the pieces returns from being photographed.

Paul Nielsen from Evergreen Alabama dry fit his desk stand of English brown oak this week and has since dialed in his top supports which will be attached to the front and rear upper rail with twin live through and wedged mortise and tenon joinery. Paul has also finished applying his bake ins and is edge jointing his top veneers of shedua. Already allot of subtle details in this lovely fly tying desk. Artisan Program students will benifit a great deal from having this fine young craftsman around for thier program.

Daisuke Tanaka from Nishio-shi, Aichi-ken Japan is busy shaping his six legs of his stool which will feature multiple live mortise and tenon joinery and parquetry veneer on the seat. When I asked Daisuke if he would be shaping the legs, on the shaper or by hand. He replied it will take me longer to set up the shaper than to just dial them in with a spokeshave. I concur, Daisuke has developed very fine hand skills since arriving at the school. We are very pleased to have this fine young craftsman back for a second year of study. Daisuke is also preparing the wooden screws for the bench he intends on making in Brian Newell’s shop which he has rented for the month of August back in Japan.

Adam Larson from Edmonton Alberta has been busy shaping the components for his chair. He will get the shaping very close before assembly after which time he will need to go back and dial the shaping in. Adam’s partner Jodie is taking part in the Sun Run today in Vancouver. From all of us at Inside Passage School of Fine Woodworking we extend our support and congratulations. Adam and Franka will be there to cheer Mom on! We are very grateful to have this wonderful young family back when Adam returns for his second year of study.

Dan Cearley from San Jose California with the dry fit of his front and rear frames in Costa Rican cocobolo. The panels will be pierced carved Nicaraguan cocobolo, the interior will be shop sawn pacific yew and four antique glass panels. Dan’s piece is filled with micro twin mortise and tenon joinery and lovely details.

Michael Miller from Halfmoon Bay British Columbia completed his rather complex curved frame and panel wall cabinet in teak and olive and has already shaped the front and back legs of his chair and has a good start on his multiple floating mortise and tenon joinery. Michael has made incredible progress this year as a craftsman we are grateful for his ongoing evolvement at the school. Next year Michael has been working on a desk which he plans to complete as a second year student.

Faculty

The above sideboard by Craftsman & Teacher Ian Godfrey will be on display at this years student, alumni and Faculty show next month. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this fine piece of craftsmanship. The piece has been sold and will be crated up and shipped of to Germany in a few months. Ian’s sideboard was featured in Fine Woodworking Magazine this past fall. Ian has been working on a lovely Danish inspired stool in ah for the show which features housed twin mortise and tenon.

Last week Resident Craftsman & Teacher Robert Van Norman lectured on Chair Making and Life after School. This week he moved onto curved drawer fronts including curves side to side and top to bottom. He did manage a few hours on his chair. The arm to back leg and front leg is nearly there. Assembly soon. Only three weeks to the show! This coming week Robert will discuss NK and side hung drawers with the students.

Candid

Douglas with hair!

Sculpture, an extra curricular activity at the school. Creativity lives even during daily cleanup.

Michael, with far too much time on his hands.

Alumni

Our Annual Student Alumni & Faculty Show will once again take place at the James & Britta Krenov Gallery and Gallery Five located just across the courtyard on May 9th 2008 at 7pm. If you have any new work you would like to present for this event please contact Robert or Yvonne at the school.

We are in the process of setting up websites for each of our Craftsman Program alumni. Please forward any images or text you would like included on your web page including a biography to yvonne@insidepassage.ca

On Monday morning, when I arrive at the school, I will tack a little sign on machine room door. It is handwritten on a thin piece of plywood about the size of a postcard. It reads, “Its getting to be that time, please rush slowly”. It is the very same sign that Jim tacked to the machine room door when I was in school in the final month of the program.

The students and I are busy preparing our pieces for our third annual Student, Alumni & Faculty Show which takes place one month from today in our Gallery and Gallery Five located just across the courtyard. If you would like to attend and need accommodation try one of our local Bed & Breakfasts. Thinking of taking a program at Inside Passage School of Fine Woodworking? Don’t miss this opportunity to visit the school and meet our students, alumni and faculty. Graduation weekend concludes on the Saturday evening with our Graduation Dinner & Ceremonies at the Gumboot Cafe. Any alumni wishing to attend should contact Yvonne by e-mail or call the school at 1.877.943.9663.

That concludes this publication of Benchroom this Week. The sun is shining and I am heading out to the garden. Enjoy your weekend, we will be back again next Saturday with more pictures and run on sentences.

Warmest Well Wishes,
Robert

Alumni

Our Annual Student Alumni & Faculty Show will once again take place at the James & Britta Krenov Gallery and Gallery Five located just across the courtyard on May 9th 2008 at 7pm. If you have any new work you would like to present for this event please contact Robert or Yvonne at the school.

We are in the process of setting up websites for each of our Craftsman Program alumni. Please forward any images or text you would like included on your web page including a biography to yvonne@insidepassage.ca

Artisan & Craftsman for Programs 2008

 

There is limited space available in our Artisan Programs. If you would you would like more information or would like to register call Yvonne toll free at 1.877.943.9663. Alternatively registrations may be faxed to 1.604.885.9711.

We have confirmed our first-year students for the 2008-2009 Craftsman Program. The group consists of men and women from Japan, Ireland, Columbia, United States & Canada. We are currently accepting applications for the 2009-2010 Craftsman Program.

New Program

Inside Passage School of Fine Woodworking is pleased to announce the addition of a new program at the school. The Resident Artisan Program picks up where the Artisan Program leaves off allowing graduates of our Artisan Program the opportunity to return to the school and for the designing and making of a fine piece of furniture under the direction of Inside Passage School of Fine Woodworking Faculty and Resident Craftsman.

There is limited space in this program. Currently the first session is full and we are accepting registrations for the second session which runs from July 14th to August 22nd. If you would like more information about this program contact the school and arrange for an initial consultation with our Program Director.

Updates