QuantumD's Workshop

1,250 sq ft in Bridgeport south of the Chicago Loop. Three rooms, amazing light.

I moved here 2 years ago, fell in love with the 14ft ceilings and two adjacent rooms each with three windows in to the main room. One I use for Metal and Glass (and storage of templates, forms, crafts, and shipping materials) work the other I try to keep dust free for painting, illustration, clay modeling, and finishing wood.

I enjoy being on the third floor of the building for security, but the freight elevator was important. The rent was cheap, the space kinda falling apart but the landlord is awesome and has stabilized the space. I really enjoy being there and time flies by so fast. I work from 12 – 6 everyday, I work the early morning at my “bill paying job.” I don;t earn enough to actually have the studio run itself… YET!! I am partnering with another woodworker in Indiana for some contract work and teaching is becoming more of a reality.

Before this last move my Bandsaw died.. a tragedy for my productivity… a dear machine I got for nothing at a farm auction. Fix repair daily kind of love affair… that I am sad but fine that she finally died. Thus.. the next huge expense for my studio will be a brand new one. I built my studio off of farm auctions, hand me downs, flee market finds and gift from loving family and friends. Slowly I upgraded and my speed increased. I need a good quality brand new one… well maybe.

Since I am a nature freak and I worked in a New Age bookstore during college… I use feng Shui in my shop. My office, raised above the wood shelves is in “Career”, my books and wood samples are in “Knowledge”, my assembly area is in “Money”, my power tools are in “Family”, hand tools in “Success and Fame” my Craft room is in “Marriage”, Illustration room is “Children” and my in-coming rough materials is in “Helpful People”.

I use plants to take in the Chemicals and CO2 from wood working and to channel energy into the shop areas I want to grow. I keep my place full of trinkets and samples of woodwork.. from my sculptures and turnings, trash finds, other peoples work… exotic wood pieces and shapes… inspirational objects of delight. People love to come hang out in my studio.. which attracted me a one day a week assistant, and people who need help figuring out “How.” My ID background gives me a wealth of ideas, manufacturing knowledge, and design concepts… mix that with art and I enjoy making thing.. I enjoy helping people make things.

I am not a master, but I truly enjoy what I do and want others to feel that they can enjoy wood, enjoy making their world in this odd time of uncertainty.. to enjoy life on a momentary – personal level. Woodworking for me is more than tools or techniques, it is a way of life.. a spirituality.. a moment of truth and knowledge about the world around you.

-- a Master Woodworker is not someone who does not make mistakes... they just know how to hide them very well.