JCCFS: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background in your medium. How did you get started?

RT: I’m a chairmaker based in Decatur, GA. Masquerading as a college professor by day, I make chairs and other furniture in my free time. I’ve taught chairmaking for three years both in the U.S. and in France.

JCCFS: Tell us more about your class’s specific technique or process. What can students expect to leave your class with? 

RT: In the class we will combine your interest in tool making with an introduction to Windsor chair making. We’ll learn the process of making a traditional wooden spokeshave, a versatile tool that is integral to building chairs and other hand-carved wooden objects. Then, use your spokeshave to build a three-legged stool with a carved seat. This fast-paced class is ideal for students who want to build strong hand tool woodworking skills. Students can expect to learn basic skills of tool making, chair making and whole lot of good time. The students will also take home a spokeshave and a stool.

JCCFS: What do you enjoy most about teaching? What attracted you to the Folk School?

RT: I enjoy watching students become more confident with the process and more excited about things they can do after the class. My goal is to share the my love of the medium and skills for independent study. I would like to learn more about the community of makers and artists associated with the Folk School.

JCCFS:  What’s one piece or craft object you’ve made recently that you are proud of, and why?

RT: I helped a friend to carve a wooden pillar for the priory of Mont Saint Michel, in France. The priory dates back to the 12th century. It was a copy of the stone pillar in the next room. My chair making tools came in very handy on this project.

JCCFS: Where do you draw inspiration from for your work? 

RT: I take inspiration from watching and listening to the humble craftsman and the past and the present, many of them have taught at the Folk School.

JCCFS: Where can folks find you if they want to stay up to date on your work?

RT: They can find me on Instagram @rtchernis or visit my website www.tchair.org