Handmade: Creative Focus in the Age of Distraction

by Gary Rogowski

"Gary Rogowski leads us gently but surely upon the path to a type of success we may not have previously considered. ( it involves blisters)." --Nick Offerman In an era when there are countless competing claims on one's attention, how does one find the internal focus to be creative? For master furniture craftsman Gary Rogowski, the answer is in the act of creative work itself. The discipline of working with one's hands to create unnecessarily beautiful things shapes the builder into a more complete human being. In the tradition of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and Shop Class as Soulcraft , Rogowski's Handmade is a profound meditation on the eternal value of manual work, creativity, human fallibility, and the stubborn pursuit of quality work. Rogowski tells his life story of how he became a craftsman and how years of persistent work have taught him patience, resilience, tolerance for failure, and a love of pursuing beauty and mastery for its own sake. Part autobiography, part guide to creativity, and part guide to living, Handmade is a book for craftspeople, artists, and anyone who seeks clarity, purpose, and creativity in their work -- and it's the perfect antidote to a modern world that thinks human labor is obsolete.

Genres: Nonfiction, Woodwork, Self Help, Art, Philosophy, Memoir, Audiobook

184 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2017

Reviews

[Bill on GR Sabbatical · Rating 3 out of 5]

The hardest job is to stay focused on what is in front of you. Don’t worry about what you can’t fix, like your childhood, your mother hating your posture, or your father criticizing your every move. These memories can’t be changed; they can’t be mended. But they can be ignored so that you can get onto your work.

This is a short memoir recounting how woodworking and hiking in the Cascade Mountains of the Pacific Northwest made a good life for the author. He shares life lessons he's drawn from his own journey to mastery of his craft and from the writings of a wide range of others, including Wendell Berry, Victor Frankl, Anne LaMott, Robert Pirsig, and Sonny Rollins. In addition to writing this and other books, Rogowski founded and has taught at the Northwest Woodworking Studio in Portland, Oregon, and throughout the U.S. and Europe.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

what I needed to hear when I needed to hear it about patience and self forgiveness (and a number of other things). when I was about 1/2 page in, I turned to my wife and said "this is really soothing"...soothing is good.
Gary has a nice, clear voice. He talks about things that I have churned over in my head many times over the years, and arrives at many of the same conclusions. The difference here is that I've brushed up against these ideas and formed a peripheral conclusion before ricocheting off heading for another idea (oh look, a butterfly) while gary gives those notions some flesh and has written them down. Pretty much the book I woulda/coulda written if I only had the talent and motivation.

And the discipline...thanks for writing this Gary, you saved me a lot of work (whew, that was close).

[Ben Kopetti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gary’s wisdom and zen shines through here and I really enjoyed reading what this master has to say on the subject of patience, quality, and hard work. My rating has more to do with the quality of the writing. This book would easily be 5 stars and more valuable to the reader/student with the aid of a top notch editor and a rerelease.

[Lech Jankovski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really resonates with my thoughts. It was real pleasure listening to this audiobook while working on my handmade project.

It's not just about woodworking, but also about life, learning, thinking, going through tough times, understanding human nature, etc.

I found some answers to my questions and would definitely listen to it again.

[Cameron · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some brilliant sections here with philosophical questing into meaningful labor, the nature of self-forgiveness, and craftsmanship. But—holy cow—does this thing need an editor. Some sections (in my opinion, especially the bits on hiking in the Northwest) are rambling and digressive (and not in a good way, like in Annie Dillard or Matthew Crawford’s work).

[Jake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, humble, and moving. An autobiographical manifesto of sorts filled with parables and stories from Gary's life that have contributed to his journey as an artist. As a budding creative myself, I feel inspired by the wisdom and stories contained within.

[Salahuddin Hourani · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a joy to read this book, bye bye dear Gary

Each chapter, 2/3 is about carpentry, and the last 1/3 is about hiking

[Gafortiby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for all artisans. The book happens to contain some details of woodworking, but it is not at all focused on that. Rather it is about the creative process. It is about the philosophy and method of approach in artisanship, which happens to be articulated through Gray’s experiences with woodworking and hiking. Most chapters contain two or three segments that alternate between pondering artisanship and reflecting the same through stories of his hiking trips.

As a woodworking hobbyist I found this book throughly engaging and insightful. The examples he gives using fine furniture design were easy for me to understand, but I don’t think any background in woodworking is necessary for anyone to enjoy the book. (In fact if you have a background in mass-produced cabinetry prepare to be puzzled if not offended.)

I do not ascribe to the zen philosophy that Gary sometimes touts, but there is a deep contemplation of artisan work that I wholeheartedly agree with.

There are a few places where I would be uncomfortable letting my little children read it but any adult should be able to read through easily. It is mostly well written and flows well. I am a slow reader but I was able to fly through this book. There are places, I’d say maybe 5 paragraphs in the entire book, where it seems the editor did not pay attention and the sentences are very awkward. But if you learn anything from this book, it is that you need to let those small flaws go. :)

[Scott Robertson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gaining a mastery requires focus, effort, and likely sacrifice
I am a bottom line person - while I do enjoy a good story, I generally prefer a 'focus on the facts' approach for non-fiction books. Gary Rogowski's book is somewhat autobiographical as he presents how he became a master woodworker. Even so, if you keep the premise in mind you get his points about mastery - it requires whole hearted focus, commitment, and dedication. You must satisfy yourself rather than deliver something that you are not fully happy with even when the recipient is fully happy. Never sacrifice quality, and always seek how you can improve and grow your skills. The author makes a point that such a focus as a life style may not provide remunerative rewards - the reward is self fulfillment, but you have to be completely comfortable sacrificing worldly desires.

One point I appreciated was the repeated refrain of getting outdoors and into nature to reflect and get new perspectives, insights, and inspiration.

[Christine]

This is much more an autobiography than a treaties on how to focus in an age of distraction. Some of the author's hard won advice is valuable and interesting, you just have to get through all of the hikes and youthful hijinks first. He is very frank about his verbally abusive father and how that effected his life, as well as steps he takes to keep that voice from stopping his forward progress. He is not religious or spiritual in a standard sense but he does seem to have some belief in a higher power. If you are interested in the life of a woodworker, his philosophies on why he strives for excellence, and some nuggets of wisdom about how you can strive to be an excellent craftsperson then this is a good read for you. if you are just looking for uplifting information about handmaking items, or the history of handmade, or techniques for focusing and entering into a state of deep work, then this is not really a good book for you.

[Will Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book worthy of the highest praise. This book spoke to me as a creative, as a wilderness explorer, as a dog lover, as a woodworker, as someone who is as broken as his friends, and especially as someone who is so mistake prone at the bench. I love the mix of outdoor (mainly mountain climbing in the 70’s & 80’s) and the indoor (in the shop, at the bench). It doesn’t really touch on the ‘why’ of woodworking and surely not at all about the ‘how’. It’s quality is in the range of how working in wood is a metaphor for a well lived life. Thank you Gary, I was able to use some of the advice about our self talk demons to lighten a problem in my own life. I can recommend this book to readers interested in Mind Science, PNW mountain climbing, creatives looking for tools and examples of fighting past our own barriers, and finally curious and thoughtful woodworkers looking to grow.

[cagatay tanyildiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the sincerity of the author. We can think is as a aggregation of his thoughts on several topics which are tightly connected to his profession. I especially liked the structure of his book. Each section consist of several discussions around the subject he decided on top of that he also ends each section with his hiking memories which he think it's relevant to topic he just discussed.

On the other hand, time to time, especially through the middle of the book it got harder to read. I couldn't correlate the couple of hiking stories with the discussed subject which is distractive for me. On contrary, the beginning of the book and the end of it was very fluent.

His honesty, his point of view to his profession really caught me. The way of mastery that he put in front us also very valuable and true. I'm planning to add this valuable book to my physical collection as well.

[Hannah Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rogowski shares a story a little over halfway through this book about a stranger inviting him in to look at furniture in his home. The first part of the tour he feigns interest at the unremarkable pieces until the homeowner finally shares a peak into the private library with an imported handcrafted Parisian structure set up in his office - Rogowski gapes in awe at the unexpected artistry. Similar to that story, the first half of this book is a somewhat dull memoir of a Portland baby boomer who really likes hiking. Not uninteresting but also not riveting. If, like Rogowski, you’re able to stick it out through the home tour first half, the latter part of this book is full of the hard won wisdom and insight of a master on his craft and the overlap of life and art. Lovely writing - first half gets 2 stars, second half gets 4.5.

[Marc Hess · Rating 5 out of 5]

"An intriguing look into Gary Rogowski the writer, master craftsman and human being. After nearly 40 years of knowing this man, I know him better as a result of reading this book.
I gained a clearer, deeper understanding of mastery and the hard work that it takes to get there. And, oh yeah you never quite get there. As Pablo Casals reportedly stated about why he still practiced 4 or 5 hours per day at age 81: “Because I think I’m making progress”. I’ve been inspired to keep practicing after reading Handmade.

Marc Hess, LCSW

[Alvaro Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as a suggestion from a friend, he knew I was quite keen on the topic of mastery, quality and putting deeper thought on the things I do. I have to say that the book itself is a bit all over the place, with sometimes not a clear path between beginning and end, while in some other chapters the points are landed brilliantly.

What I took away from this book is: we have to learn to forgive ourselves, it's a tortuose and hard path if you want to create and do things of substance, but can also be immensely rewarding.

[Gary McCallister · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you believe in the eternal value of working with your hands you will enjoy this book. Gary Rogowski came to maig llater in life similar to myself, Interestingly we both also started our lives in the humanities. He later became a furniture maker and I became a scientist. Later I became an luthier. He entertwines stories about becoming a maker, making, and the challenges of making making a priority. It is quite different from my own book on the subject that talks about the reasons making is so important.

[Pavle Pešić · Rating 2 out of 5]

Moglo bi se reći da je 2.5.

Toliko sam želeo ovu knjigu da pročitam i kupio sam je kada se Bookdepository zatvarao, iako je bila skupa. Očekivao sam više.

Gari Rogovski je stolar koji je završio književnost i otud njegova ljubav za pisanjem. Međutim upao je u zamku da nije hteo da piše čistu "praktičnu" knjigu niti čist roman. Rezultat je mnogo loš. Na momete je previše stručno, na momente je previše prozno. Poslednjih nekoliko glava su zaista dobre pa su popravile utisak.

Ko se bavi obradom drveta svakako bi trebalo da pročita.

[Bird Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio

Yeah, probably could have used some further editing but I didn’t find the tangents so off putting. Reminded me of being in the Sculpture department and just having a talk with a friend.

The book is about woodworking (specifically furniture)and dedication to craft, how mastery of any craft isn’t dominion and control but journey and understanding there is always more to learn. It’s a critique of the faster pace our society heads towards that wants cheaper, quicker, more convenient. The book is littered with tangents about hiking.

Overall I enjoyed this very much. The primary message and last sentence of the book is “Do good work.”

[Sierra Diemer]

An oddly charming piece on craft. Rogowski is artistic, realistic, and dramatic throughout - each section moves back and forth and around again with these tones, but it creates a steady reading pace and balance. If I put it in fewer words, the book is strangely soothing, seemingly gentle, and momentarily haunting.

He may feel a little preachy at times, but he’s self aware enough that the book doesn’t seem to suffer from sounds of arrogance.

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful view into the creative process of someone else who works with their hands, it’s also a meditation on what it means to create. A lot of the woodworking talk spoke to me personally, though I’m sure that might not be the case for everyone, but I think everyone can get something out of this one.

Worth noting; this book was cited in Digital Minimalism, which is what prompted me to pick it up. A good choice.

[Charles Carter]

I loved this book. I read half of it in my first sitting and frankly couldn't put it down. While largely a memoir alternating between various stages of the author's woodworking career it is also a discourse on how to live and a meditation on what we lose with the ultra efficieincy focused mindset that dominates modern society. I have read books that touch on similar subjects more broadly but found Gary's approach much more meaningful and thought provoking.

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man, I honestly have to say that I was quite surprised by this book. There is so much wisdom in it, you just have to stop and reflect a little on it. The beginning was a little disjointed for me, but the further the book went on, the more it made sense. I was in a creative slump, but the embers have been fanned and now I just need to add some fuel to burn. If you do any creative work, I suggest reading this book.

[Patrick Hanlon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very much in the lineage of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance but surpasses it for its focus on the craft time and again. Rogowski's contemplation of his carpentry, comparison to fellow carpenters and creators keeps the book grounded and meaningful where Persig's may have at times drifted away from access in favour of poetic excess. With humour, wisdom and a spare humility to the writing this is a reassuring read whether you intend to swing a hammer or just appreciate the work of those who do.

[Michael L · Rating 4 out of 5]

An artisan whose works rises to art and who can write this well deserves to be read. It's a lifelong arc of practice described personally and in detail and its sometimes surprising influences. The chapter on mistakes, frustration and learning how to proceed without destroying months of work should be required reading for anyone striking out on a similar path.

[Gints Dreimanis · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was hard to understand what point exactly did the writer want to make as the content was all over the place - woodworking, biography, minimalism, and hiking/rock climbing stories.

Still, I'd listen to him rambling for hours, easily. The man is a genius. If you see this, Gary, perhaps it is time to start a podcast.

[newheartdesign · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book was written in a very different style compared to the self-help books im used to reading and i didn't really like that...was much too anecdotal for me, and anecdotal in a way that left me wondering what the point of the anecdotes were. there are some good portions here and there but they're pretty rare, the last couple chapters i semi-enjoyed because they were more focused to me

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Figuring out the why

This book was enjoyable because it made me thinkabout the whys of my life. It also made me realize that wood working may never be a part of my life but thepriciple of just doinggood work is relly its own reward.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Philosophical, autobiographical, wonderfully written. The value of doing excellent work, the passion to continue learning, the need of solitude and even "wasting time" for creativity, the value of passing skills on. Many excerpts written in my bullet journal!

[J Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books offers quite a mix. The writing varies from genius to mediocrity, the subjects from personal to grandly philosophical, and the perspectives from nostalgic to Ludditic. On the whole, it’s worth a few hours.

[Marilee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I would have enjoyed this more if I were a carpenter like Mr. Rogowski, but he does share good advice of how to stay grounded, how to really perfect your craft and why you shouldn't take the easy way out in every aspect of your life.