Remembering the past...
I had a very fortunate childhood. I had thousands of hectares of national park to explore only a short walk from home and a mother who allowed me the freedom to come and go as I needed. I was also blessed with a skilled engineer for a father who had the tools I needed and volumes of materials of all types that he had horded over the years for me to rummage through. As a consequence I spent most of my time either in the bush or the workshop.
As I explored the creeks and sandstone outcrops I learnt about the plants and animals that called this home. My mother would regularly take me and my sisters to the library where I would borrow and read all manner of books about the bush and the skills utilised in bushcraft. When I was not in the bush, I was in the workshop. I would craft all sorts of things. Most of the things that I crafted were solutions to problems - new tools, pouches, knives and various weapons of dubious safety standards devised by the mind of an adventurous child.
Like all of us, our childhood experiences shape who we are as adults. I still continue to tinker in the workshop and feel the need to stretch my legs as I take my children and stroll around the open woodland surrounding my home.
It brings great satisfaction that the products that I create go to like minded people. Sometimes it is a bow going to someone wanting to continue their passion. Other days it is a knife ordered by someone wishing to experience the joy of crafting everyday objects with a knife designed to do the job well.
Everyday, I meet people who are passionate about traditional crafts. I find it encouraging to deal with people that wish to take part in activities that are reminiscent of our collective past.
As I explored the creeks and sandstone outcrops I learnt about the plants and animals that called this home. My mother would regularly take me and my sisters to the library where I would borrow and read all manner of books about the bush and the skills utilised in bushcraft. When I was not in the bush, I was in the workshop. I would craft all sorts of things. Most of the things that I crafted were solutions to problems - new tools, pouches, knives and various weapons of dubious safety standards devised by the mind of an adventurous child.
Like all of us, our childhood experiences shape who we are as adults. I still continue to tinker in the workshop and feel the need to stretch my legs as I take my children and stroll around the open woodland surrounding my home.
It brings great satisfaction that the products that I create go to like minded people. Sometimes it is a bow going to someone wanting to continue their passion. Other days it is a knife ordered by someone wishing to experience the joy of crafting everyday objects with a knife designed to do the job well.
Everyday, I meet people who are passionate about traditional crafts. I find it encouraging to deal with people that wish to take part in activities that are reminiscent of our collective past.