Yesterday I had a chance to visit a friend of mine. We spent the day in his back yard by the fire carving spoons. He’s a bigger guy and visibly strong, with military experience. As we worked however, I noticed that his axe cuts seemed measured and precise; his use of the hook knife, subtle – almost delicate.

I stopped for a few seconds and thought about my own technique, which can sometimes best be described as unorthodox. While there’s no doubt that I enjoy this craft immensely, I occasionally find myself growing impatient and forcing things along. When that happens, this work will inevitably become the object of my frustration.

That this pattern affects my life in areas other than my carving isn’t something that’s lost on me. And recently I’ve become aware that I’m finally closing in on the part of me that requires things to be this way…