I love handmade furniture. I am intrigued by the potential of the craftsman’s expression. Each piece tells a story, intentionally and sometimes not. As I recently looked at a cabinet piece, I listened to the salesperson tell me about the artist. She used words that were supposed to give me insight into what went on behind the scenes. They included the following.
Passionate.
Dedicated.
Gifted.
Loves wood and working with it.
An artist that wants to say something through his work.
The particular piece I was looking at told a very different story. As I ran my hands over the edges, they were rough. I could feel the gaps between the joints. Visually, the corners were not square. They were not curved either. The only word that I could use to describe them is random.
As I took more time with the piece, I was not sure where I would be able to find passion. I did not see dedication. He may be gifted, however it was not showing in this piece. He might love wood, but in this example, the relationship I found was combative. Nothing quite worked. Little made sense.
I was curious.
“How did he learn about wood and cabinet making?”
“He is mostly self taught.”
This I could attest to. Everything I saw, felt, and sensed affirmed this statement. The potential was there. This piece was many things. Although it was not fantastic, it could be an example of passion and dedication.
I am not the first to make this discovery. Across history, people represent that they are something other than what they are. One group tried to expel a demon. A writer noted the response. “The seven sons of a certain Sceva, a Jewish high priest, were trying to do this on a man when the evil spirit talked back: ‘I know Jesus and I’ve heard of Paul, but who are you?’” (Acts 19.15)
I am still on a quest to experience great artists. Some discoveries infuse me with hope and energy. Others remind me that there is work to do.
