Hidden Art Found in High School Wood Shop

I never realized that a building could be a work of art until I discovered this very fact in my very own backyard.  After having 13 trees cut down to make room for a swimming pool, I realized that I would need a building to house the equipment and supplies that would go along with operating a pool.  I knew the high school shop teacher worked with wood and taught his students how to build small storage sheds, so I approached him concerning this task.  I was caught off-guard to find out that he owned his own sawmill, and could not only build the structure, but could use the very trees from my own yard to produce the lumber for the job.  The resulting structure was indeed a work of art that employed a construction method known as timber framing, which is outside the box of today’s “quick gratification” building styles by forgoing nails and instead utilizing mortise and tenon joints, and wood towel pins. 

Mr. Mahn, who attended college during the Viet Nam era, revealed that his building philosophy leaned towards the “back to earth movement” that was famous during the unrest of the 60’s.  Never interested in the accumulation of wealth, James and his wife believed in being self sufficient and working hard for life’s necessities.  Even though James was a graduate of the University of Michigan, he preferred physical work and used books to teach himself the timber frame method of construction.  He confessed that the reason he became interested in timber frame construction was because, “it could be built right from a tree, using a minimum of tools: a hammer, chisel, and a saw.”  He also like the fact that is was the cheapest method of building, because it had the fewest steps of manufacturing. I guess you could say Mr. Mahn was “green” before it was cool. 

Listening to James speak of his craft, one understands that building is more than just a hobby for him: 

            I enjoy the end product, all made from wood, as well as the skill and craft that go into the construction process. This is much more appealing to me than a sterile drywall finish.  Wood is warm and comforting.  The massive beams give a sense of security.  The uniqueness of doing what most people, even a good carpenter, can’t accomplish, gives me a sense of satisfaction.  Also, the thought that the timber frame house will be there for centuries makes me smile.

James is quick to label himself a pragmatist, and admits that he cannot see the flaws in his work.  What he does see is “beauty in the symmetry and function of the end product, coupled with the warmth and beauty of the wood as it changes with time.”   He finds joy in feeling that he is preserving this nearly lost art form, and his strong faith has given him the belief that there may come a time in the future when these skills will again be needed.   The beauty found in his work is evident as I admire the art that has come from his calloused hands.  Each project is a functional piece of art that contains its own unique beauty of exposed materials as well as a tiny piece of the artist as well. 

Student Art

I hope the students in Mr. Mahn’s shop class understand the opportunity he provides to teach them a skill of this magnitude, as fewer high schools offer wood shop classes, which were once a staple of American education.  Besides learning a trade, the students develop the ability to calculate measurements, create designs, work as a team, and appreciate the beauty found in the symmetry and function of the end product.  Just as James believes his craft is “shaped by the ideas of those involved, and enhanced by the natural combination of the various wood used;” his students are likewise shaped by his ideas and enhanced by the combination of a teacher’s passion for his craft, and the care he shows for his students.  What a winning combination!