Woodworking – Carving Out Your Niche

11 May 2016Solomon S, Whittall ‘18

Woodworking class is a place where you mold and shape your ideas to produce something to be proud of. While in class, you learn that planning every step is better than going ahead and just doing it without one, because you tend to make mistakes when doing it the other way. Through personal experience I have found woodworking an enjoyable art. While I am working on one of my projects I go into this peaceful zen-state of mind where I can create without being distracted. Mr. Hunwick, one of Brentwood’s great woodworking teachers, has taught and guided me through the steps needed in creating something with the fewest problems or errors. In his class we learn to use the materials around us, and to make something inspiring out of them. Class is a place where you can let your imagination roam wild; you can then take those ideas and put them in physical form. As Mr. Hunwick reflects, “I enjoy being able to create something completely original and wood is a wonderful material to use. I like that it is an organic and biodegradable material and can be easily shaped.” Nowadays, you don’t see a lot of hands-on creators with materials such as wood and metal; most of this work is getting done by machines. With all of this happening, I personally believe that it weakens humanity’s ability to be creative and makes us lazy. Mr Hunwick has shared some of these beliefs as well: “Woodworking is a hands-on process, and in today’s world of high technology, I think it’s important to retain the skills needed to craft beautiful objects, skills that have been transferred over thousands of years. Students learn how to use tools, learn the properties of wood, and begin to develop skills in creating their own ideas and realizing they can actually make something they are proud of.” It also gives you a sense of confidence once you have completed a project. Lanny L, Ellis ‘18, one of my woodworking classmates, expressed his thoughts about about the class: “I enjoy the fact that I can design and create something without somebody telling me how to do it and what it should look like. When I’m in class, I feel like I can let my creativity flow through me. No one can judge you because of your work, but they can be inspired by it!” We share a craving for carving, a will for woodwork! Solomon S, Whittall ‘18

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