Woodworking is BULLSHIT! – Details, episodes & analysis

The current crop of DIY shows make us feel as though we can build anything quickly and easily over the course of a weekend with only a few tools.  But is this ACTUALLY TRUE??? Are DIY influencers selling us a fantasy as a form of entertainment or are they really teaching us how to make things and improve our homes?  In this episode, we review a brief history of DIY culture and how it developed, which helps us to understand the complex nature of DIY as it exists today.  We have a ROUSING episode of WIBS Debate Club, where Erik and Mary pick sides of the DIY argument and the GLOVES COME OFF!

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467⁠

Are you a PERFECTIONIST? Do you have tendencies toward perfectionism?  Does it steal the joy of making things?  Does it make it difficult to start or finish anything because it's so built up in your mind how AMAZING the next project needs to be?  OR does it make you a better maker/artist with a higher standard of excellence who improves very quickly after each project?  In this episode we consider the double-edged sword that is PERFECTIONISM and how to identify and deal with it.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467⁠

How do we figure out WHO WE ARE as an artist?  What is it that we want to communicate with our work, either visually or conceptually?  Have you been able to define a style that is immediately recognizable as your own? For most, this is an evolutionary process consisting of much trial and error, taking risks, resulting in both failures and successes.  Join us and our SPECIAL GUEST KEITH JOHNSON as we jointly discuss this most important topic.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

Why do people LOVE and CHERISH certain objects? What is it about those objects exactly?  If we can figure this out, perhaps we can use these guiding principles to guide the things WE MAKE, becoming treasured heirlooms instead of disposable goods.  This has far reaching implications for humanity at a time where resources are being depleted, pollution is impacting everyone, and our society treats nearly everything as disposable.   

This topic has been pioneered by the research of Jonathan Chapman, professor at Carnegie Melon School of Design, in his book "Emotionally Durable Design: Objects, Experiences & Empathy."  Our very own host, Mary Tsai, was a graduate student in Jonathan's lab, studying with him for a number of years.  Mary is the perfect person to take us through this important and fascinating topic.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

"HUSTLE & GRIND BABY!" We've all heard catchy motivational phrases like this, which sound good on the surface, but is HUSTLE CULTURE actually toxic to our creativity?  Does it lead to higher productivity and success or simply BURNOUT?  Join us for a discussion on this topic where we arrive at some quite interesting conclusions.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467⁠

Most of us hate being bored.  However, does being bored actually stimulate creativity? Research suggests it DOES! .  How do you handle your boredom?  Do you allow yourself time to be bored or do you constantly take your phone out and browse it like a dopamine addict? Are you doing yourself a creative disservice?  Join us for a discussion on this absolutely fascinating topic.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & inappropriate AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

We are honored to have our first guest, Konrad Sauer, on the podcast to discuss his views of design with us including:  1 + 1 = 3,  the pitfalls of using computers to design, designing without considering execution details, and more.  

Konrad is known more broadly in the woodworking field for his exceptionally beautiful and function infill planes (Sauer & Steiner), which he has been crafting by hand for the past 25 years.  However, what many people don't know is that he is classically trained in art/design and is incredibly passionate about those topics.  

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & inappropriate AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

Are you an Artist? Are you a Craftsperson? Does it matter? Why do we use these labels and what are the differences between art and craft? What exactly is art? What is Craft? Are these labels helpful or just bullshit?  Join our discussion on this divisive topic.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the funny & inappropriate AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

Where do you look for INSPIRATION when you're in a creative rut? Why do so many people AVOID original design?  Let's hurt some feelings today as we discuss these extremely important issues.

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http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

We dive in to the sticky, but important topic of COPYING.  Is it OK?  Is it helpful?  Is it a normal part of the artistic process?  Let's discuss.