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For nearly 40 years, Brad Smith has made his living as an independent craftsman, cranking out a quirky line of what he calls “Farm-Fresh” Furniture. 

William H. Macy loves acting like an enthusiastic woodworker.

The accidental blade-maker

Eric Gorges grew up in a woodworking family in Detroit, Michigan; his grandfather was a professional cabinetmaker and his dad was a serious hobbyist. But Eric’s career path led him to a lucrative corporate job. In his twenties, he began suffering panic attacks, but the road to recovery was found by working with his hands.

Eric Gorges grew up in a woodworking family in Detroit, Michigan; his grandfather was a professional cabinetmaker and his dad was a serious hobbyist. But Eric’s career path led him to a lucrative corporate job.

West Coast furniture maker and woodworking teacher Jory Brigham has a modern take on nostalgia. He designs pieces with mid-century flair and the idea that furniture should last. And Jory believes that anyone can find their individual style. You just need to do two things: Work with your hands and don’t let adulthood erase the creativity, curiosity, and energy you have as a child.

West Coast furniture maker and woodworking teacher, Jory Brigham, has a modern take on nostalgia. He designs pieces with mid-century flair and the idea that furniture should last. And Jory believes that anyone can find their individual style.

The Discovery Channel will be airing the “Ultimate Ninja Challenge” which is a new survival competition show. It premieres Sunday, August 5, at 10 p.m. and will run for eight weeks. We played a small part by providing Japanese axes and outdoor knives to be used on the show.

An exhibition showcasing the creativity of 41 artists and artisans who work with wood found in the Appalachian Region opened at The Dairy Barn Arts Center in Athens, Ohio. The show will continue through September 3, 2018.

Mira Nakashima is a mother, wife, architect, furniture maker, author, and daughter of renowned woodworker and author George Nakashima. She’s also a longtime friend and woodworking compatriot, thanks to my having worked in her dad’s finishing shop many years ago. When George died, Mira took over the business—knowing full well how challenging it would be to walk in the footsteps of her famous father. Remarkably, Mira has the same passion and reverence for wood—and fine woodworking—as her dad. I caught up with Mira recently to talk about family, wood, woodworking, and what the business has been like since her father’s passing almost 30 years ago. —Andy Rae