DCI Consumers took a field trip to the workshop of local artist, Charles Stephen Adams. Mr. Adams met us on the porch of his workshop, a shop he had built himself. It wasn’t until later in life that Mr. Adams experienced the joy and serenity of working with wood. He showed us a special tool, a hand adz, that is used to start chipping out the center of the piece of wood he has selected. Other tools used are chisels and scurp to shape the wood into a bowl, tray, or whatever the wood “tells” him it wants to be. This is a slow process that has a peaceful rhythm all it’s own.
Mr. Adams explained that once carving is complete the next phase begins, that of “curing” the piece. Over a period of five weeks or more the wood is dried and then has applications of natural mineral oil applied. Then a coat of beeswax is put on. Remembering the previous visit of our Bee Lady, DCI Consumers thought it was interesting that beeswax can be used on furniture also.
DCI Consumers were fascinated. Looking at various pieces of wood, seeing that the wood can become bowls, trays, or even tables and chairs was food for thought! It was a pleasure, handling the beautiful items, feeling the satiny finish. Mr. Adams enjoyed answering questions about the type of wood chosen for each item. We learned that the color and wood grain would differ depending of what wood was used. DCI Consumers had fun guessing how many pieces of wood were used in the making of a large table top.
We were treated to a walk through Mr. Adams garden, finishing up with
the home made treats Mrs. Adams had been kind enough to bake for us. What a splendid way to end our visit.