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In this introduction to the 2020 season of Why Make? Robb and Erik talk about what’s new for 2020 including their new Patreon page to help fund production of the podcast, upcoming guests and of course life in these strange times of the corona virus and recording with their new remote podcasting platform Squadcast. They also share their thoughts on the first season of Why Make and what worked and what didn’t

A continuation of our wonderful conversation with wood turning luminary David Ellsworth. In this episode David talks about his transition from working in clay and resin to woodturning and creating functional objects and doing craft shows to focusing on one of a kind pieces and the art scene. Needles to say Robb and Erik spend some time discussing the whole art vs. craft dichotomy.

Part 1 of our conversation with woodturning luminary David Ellsworth. We discuss his origins as a sculptor working first polyester resin and then clay before become a woodturner and then get into a lively discussion of the nature of art vs. craft and his philosophy as a teacher.

It’s a host-on-host free for all! Well, no... it’s actually just a gritty and sticky conversation between two sawdust hogs. Robb Helmkamp takes the rare chance to interview Erik Wolken, his brother from another mother, in his studio in beautiful Chapel Hill, NC. 

In Episode 10 of Why Make? Erik talks about school, banging boxes, cartography, inspiration, restlessness and his transition from furniture to sculpture. 

WARNING to all listeners...there are graphic discussions of useless things that allude to function and West Virginia ramp consumption. Enjoy!

After growing up and studying industrial technology in San Francisco, Hickory, NC maker Joel Urruty discovered a passion for furniture and pursued an MFA at the School of American Craftsmen at RIT.

In Episode 9 of Why Make? Robb and Erik have fun talking with Joel about his journey, influences and ultimately eschewing furniture to create figurative sculpture and wall hung assemblages.

With a career spanning close to 40 years and one of the first graduates of the program in production crafts at Haywood Community College, David gives us some practical insight into what it takes to make a career as an independent craftsman.

A revealing and heartfelt conversation with Canton, North Carolina woodworker and maker, Susan Link. After growing up in Brevard, NC and attending the Professional Crafts: Wood program at Haywood Community College in 2004, Susan has made a life for herself designing and building furniture in Western North Carolina.

Susan talks with Erik and Robb about the importance of her community & friends, dedication, good shoes, and the blood, sweat & tears it has taken to follow her earliest childhood dreams of becoming and maintaining a career as a woodworker.

From growing up in rural western North Carolina to living in Costa Rica after high school and then venturing out west to attend the renowned woodworking program at the College of the Redwoods to life in his own shop and finally director of Grovewood Galllery in Asheville , Russell describes a rich and interesting path as a maker.

Notes