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Just keep scolling down, it's simpler this way.
| na•ture : 1. The material world and its phenomena. 2. The forces and processes that produce and control all its phenomena. 3. The world of living things and the outdoors. 4. A primitive state of existence, untouched and uninfluenced by civilization 5. A kind or sort.. 6. The essential character of a person or thing. 7. The fundamental character or disposition of a person; temperament. 8. The natural or real aspect of a person, place, or thing. |
before I begin, I thank God.
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My definition of a Master Craftsman is one who has created a piece that is personal in interpretation and complete in design and construction. Although this may appear simple, this"litmus test" is predicated upon personal virtue. I have yet to create that one piece that could not be changed in some way, over the years these changes have become smaller, or less apparent I guess, but these changes have also become much more personal to me as a wood worker. Back to my definition, Once we have created our "work". It is presented to our peers to be judged. Unfortunately in today's world most will never take this step, perhaps it is simple pride that prevents us from turning to our peers and this is truly sad, I also believe that "juried " exhibits are not a substitute for this process. Once our work has been accepted by those who share our passion and commitment, we must teach others. In time our students will share our methods our techniques, tempered by their own hand. So that's it, create, share, teach and watch. I consider myself a simple woodworker. Extremely skilled, but obviously un tempered. I am grateful I have realized this personal weakness now, while I still have so much time to resolve this problem. |
"From a design standpoint, we are all a collection of memories or moments, Our personal style is a simple product of how these moments are arranged and reflected or perceived, by others. To share these feeling is extremely personal it is so important that each of us resist the temptation to lie, by this I mean that moment when we know what someone wants to hear."
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Any of that make sense? Probably not, the whole honesty thing is sometimes better off left , unsaid. It's the craft that matters, regardless if that craft is woodworking, acting, medicine, music or teaching, whatever it may be. Our hands, our voice, our talents and passion are the tools.
The following are my defining/guiding memories and moments
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We lived in this old school bus for many years, moving with my fathers work in construction. I went to many different schools as a child. |
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This would be mom and dad, and of course, me. My mom and dad are the most extraordinary people, I wish they knew this. |
Sallisaw Oklahoma. My father's home today is in the tree line you can see
in the background. Interesting how we often end very near where we began,
or very far. |
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Grandma Golly made the best chocolate chip cookies. I know this is true, because I don't even like chocolate. "Lotta lava lamps when I was young, maybe that's why I like Hawaii." |
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This is Grandma and Grandpa Giersdorf,and me. In the background is Uncle Ed. It was Ed that began calling me Gary. |  |
This is Grandma Hazel, |
"I am so proud of where I come from"
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This is my uncle Reggie, I have many Uncles and one Aunt. But uncle Reggie was the most grateful human being I have ever met. He has passed away now, but he changed my world by just being himself. |
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This is a photo of my step father Richard. I think men like Richard have always been the "heart and soul" of great nations. Never noticed or appreciated, but when they are all gone, nations end. |
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My wife Marilyn, and one of her cats. "their is a freedom in being yourself that is precious beyond belief" |
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Nicholas the oldest, AKA "the animal" | "I remember, one time we went out to the sand dunes in Moses Lake when Nick was small. We were fishing and playing, he would climb the dune near where we were fishing and let his little truck role down the hill and then climb back up and do it all over again. For some reason he decided to go down the other side, away from me I listened and waited after a couple minutes, I climbed the hill and didn't see him, I panicked and ran down to the water. I could see him looking up at me from beneath the surface perfectly still. I have never been so terrified." it took him a long time to get over his fear of water, I never have. |
Nicole, my oldest daughter, her heart is so big. . |
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Audrey, The youngest You would have to meet Audrey to fully understand what it means to be "Audrey" |
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Our home, "change is unforgiving, unflinching, uncaring, it just is. People should not hope for change, history has shown that we are rarely prepared" |
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This is me, I was shorter then, nice hair however. Alittle nervous around strangers, but I am starting to dream again and that's a good thing. |
To summarize, my name is Harold Rhodes and I think relationships are personal, I feel the same way about my work.
| Biography | ||||||||
