http://thewoodshed.org

A grassroots organization founded “by artists for artists” in 1985, CERF+ supports craft artists and makers who have lost resources or revenue due to disaster—from hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods to terminal disease, studio fires, and global pandemics. In this short conversation, Cornelia Carey, Executive Director of CERF+, joins the Center’s Artistic Director, Jennifer-Navva Milliken, in the Wood Shed and shares ways to help craft makers, whose livelihoods and practices are more vulnerable than ever in the time of COVID-19.

CERF+ on Opportunities for Artists during COVID-19

I first met Jean-François in 1995 at a French wood turning conference staged in a traditional French village. The entire village provided accommodations and meals for this venture, attended by over a hundred people, mostly French and Germans. I was a presenter and Jean-Francois was demonstrating. My wife Tina brought him to my attention after watching him turn a traditional European trembleur.  Escoulen turned this six-foot long, one piece, delicately-thin sculpture thinner and thinner. Another person steadied the long end as it extended off the lathe. In Europe, fragile trembleurs are protected in tall glass cylinders (see photo below).  Escoulen’s demonstration showcased his training and skills, gained during his formal apprenticeship from age 16 – 23, with his father, a master spindle turner, in his father’s home shop.  In the same conference session, Jean-François featured a fifteen-year old student, Remi Verchot,  who also expertly executed his trembleur, a premonition of what a good teacher Jean-François would become.

Object Lesson: Albert LeCoff on Jean-François Escoulen's wacky, crooked turnings

Josie Milliken holds a Ph.D. In Literature and Creative Writing and is E-RYT-200 certified in yoga. She lives in Tucson, Arizona, where she teaches writing, yoga, and wellness classes. Here, she guides short breathing, meditation, and yoga exercises. Check back regularly for new sessions.

Center for Art in Wood

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