The Tribune

By DEIDRE M BASTIAN

Darius Kazemi once asked if there was a difference between carpentry and art? If you ask me, I firmly believe that carpentry is altogether art, as it creates something out of nothing.

Do you know that a wooden log, after going through a carpenter’s hand, earns its identity upon completion? Carpentry is unquestionably an art of its kind, which makes the carpenter the maker of variety.

I have the utmost respect for this type of skill, as it requires immense concentration, dedication and a passion to create. From wooden floors to staircases, a wall unit or a cabinet, it is their experience and skill that polishes the craft from beginning to end. The wood has no life, character or identity beyond a carpenter’s hand and mind.

Carpentry is one of the oldest trades in the world known to man. It has been used for centuries to create functional objects as well as pieces of art. The craft of carpentry and joinery is varied, and has seen many styles and forms throughout its rich history.

For hundreds of years, people have been using logs and turning them into awe-inspiring structures, and both functional and beautiful pieces of furniture.

One of the biggest reasons why many individuals choose to build with wood is the fact that it is readily available, and is also one of the most beautiful and durable natural resources on the planet.

While watching a documentary on TV the other night, a question formed in my mind when I saw a man cutting wood with a handsaw. It got me thinking: “How long would it have taken to build a house before all the modern day conveniences such as power tools, computers to design or machines were created to quickly manufacture everything?”

Everything would have been cut by hand, fastened manually and put together like a sculpture. This may confirm that watching someone build a house back in the day may have been like watching an artist at work.

This professional career is one that is highly respected, as it has so many areas of specialisation. Do you know that a carpenter is one of the most prestigious and essential of all building trades due to their focused knowledge and techniques?

I would like to believe that a carpenter can never stay jobless. The work is perpetual. No house, commercial place, building or office can function without these skilled men. Some of which are: Construction, installation and repairing. Any construction, whether it is a bridge, a building or an automobile, cannot be completed without being touched by a carpenter.

Strengths of a carpenter: This is a job that requires a good eye and hand coordination, as well as a sharp sense of balance to avoid getting injured or damaging the wood.

Core educational strengths: Carpenters need to be able to solve mathematical problems with ease, and have good oral communications and language skills. A good understanding of physical science is also helpful. Additionally, a successful carpenter can see the big picture and not just the immediate assigned task.

Detail oriented: One of the most important aspects of carpentry is being able to measure and cut accurately.

Problem-solving skills: Carpenters will face various problems while on the job; perhaps a board will break, or a tool will stall. Therefore, recognising the problem and finding a quick and effective solution is paramount. By the same token they also need to be able to look at a wooden structure and assess the problems simultaneously.

Carpentry tools: While there are hundreds of tools used by carpenters, there are certain tools that every aspiring carpenter needs to become intimately familiar with.

Finally, I struggle to elucidate this without getting all gooey but, ultimately, I think of an artist who creates because he or she enjoys it, and feeds off his or her soul and not the instrument or tool. These are the gems that always reap the greatest benefits. Consider this: Just as everyone who owns a copy of Adobe Photoshop does not make a graphic artist, the same applies to a carpenter. Not everyone that owns a hammer and a drill is a carpenter.

Carpentry is philosophical, and no doubt an art that causes a skilled-minded carpenter to connect deeply inside. At the end of its voyage, the creativity should offer a peaceful and satisfying feeling inside, for the reason that a piece of wood has no life, character or identity beyond a carpenter’s mind. Until we meet again, fill your life with memories rather than regrets. Enjoy life and stay on top of your game.

• NB: Columnist welcomes feedback at deedee21bastian@gmail.com

ABOUT COLUMNIST: Deidre Bastian is a professionally-trained graphic designer/marketing coordinator with qualifications of M.Sc., B.Sc., A.Sc. She has trained at institutions such as: Miami Lakes Technical Centre, Success Training College, College of the Bahamas, Nova Southeastern University, Learning Tree International, Langevine International and Synergy Bahamas.