The sharing of acquired skills moves us forward by keeping us connected

Solid social connections are necessities for community health. In the same way that a doctor can share knowledge to improve the health of a patient, artists can share skills that can improve fitness to individuals, families, and communities. As an artist, i am not sure that the skills i share have the most impact. I do believe, however, that the act of sharing itself can truly have a great positive effect.

I have developed a special skill-set that is slightly unusual--traditional, non-electric woodworking. It is indeed a strange niche, especially now when many people don't know them well or even have a need for their specialized function. To help introduce the skill, i have acquired many specialized tools and modified them for teaching. On the surface, my techniques and tools may seem a better fit for a historical re-enactment museum rather than in contemporary art and social practice, but they still have current potential. As far as tools go, they are inefficient and difficult to master, so i work to teach how they can be used as methods of community building rather than as tools for the creation of static objects. My intention with these projects is to share skills as means for healthy social connection.