It Is Up To You

Have you ever thought “I wish I knew how to use a skew like Alan Lacer!” Or, “I wish I could turn finials like Cindy Drozda!” Or, “I would love to turn boxes like Richard Raffan!” If I just had someone to teach me those kinds of secrets, I could learn to do it too. You know what they say, wish in one hand and pour water in the other to see which one happens first.

I have been fortunate during my career to have crossed paths with many of the prominent members of the wood turning community and the insight I’ve gained from them is invaluable. In every case, I took the initiative to meet them and start the conversation. It was up to me to get things rolling. I was never impolite or pushy, but when the opportunity presented itself, I acted. A few years ago, world famous bowl turner and all around good guy, Mike Mahoney came to Atlanta to teach a series of classes at our local Woodcraft Store so I signed up. It turns out that I knew somebody who knew somebody so I volunteered to pick Mike up at the huge Atlanta Airport and take him to his hotel. I also managed to wrangle a quick dinner invitation along the way with just the two of us.

I was more than happy to provide the transportation and pay for the dinner, but I had also created an environment where I could ask a couple of non–personal advice questions without the usual interruptions you have at a show or symposium. Mike was very gracious with his advice and he knew full well exactly what I was up to. It was great advice which I still rely on these many years later.

The most intense training I ever received was completely accidental. Here is the short version. Chris Stott originally from England now lives in Spain is best known for his book “Turned Lidded Boxes – 50 Designs”, and that is how I knew him also. Chris used to come to America for 2–3 months each year. Since Chris had to change planes in Atlanta on his way to Saint Louis one year, I invited him to stop over briefly in Atlanta and stay with me during one of those visits. I needed some one–on–one paid instruction for myself. I was thinking the visit would be 2–3 days. It turned out to be a full week. Normally this would be wonderful if you plan for it with a little advanced notice. I had a full time business to run and I didn’t find out until Chris got into the car that he would be staying a full week and that he would be mine 24–7. It was one of the best and worst weeks all rolled into one.

I will remember this one exchange all the rest of my life. By the second day, Chris said to me “Are we friends yet? Of course, why?” I replied. “Chris said “because I’m going to make you mad. Everything you’ve been doing up to now. . . it is all wrong! We have to start over from scratch and teach you the right way to do things.” We did start over, he did teach me the right way and I am still reaping the wonderful benefits from learning at the hands of a master turner like my friend Chris Stott.

We all need mentors like Chris Stott and Don Russell to accelerate our learning curve. But sometimes, we become the mentor accidental or otherwise. You can never know what one of your students may go on to achieve. I’m sure Chris wondered what he had gotten himself into with me. The help you receive or the help you give is up to you. I would encourage you to always consider that each encounter may actually be a divine appointment so pursue those opportunities with enthusiasm. Because, wherever you go, there you are. Merry Christmas.

Here is my inspiration for this message:

Prov 20:15 NIV

Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

2Tim 2:24 NIV2

And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.