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

Annie: I am a woodturner specializing in 1:12 scale miniatures. Small turnings require tool control. I started turning large pieces and gradually moved into specializing in miniatures. When I first started turning, I used YouTube videos as a teacher and learned a lot of bad habits. The following year, I spent a week at JCCFS learning the craft. The daily time at the lathe and the help of a seasoned instructor helped me hone the craft and understand the importance of safety at the lathe. 

Joy: I’ve always loved art and three-dimensional forms.  My degree is in landscape architecture, and I’m also a plant nerd.  Woodturning gives me a chance to be creative and it combines my love of trees and my career as a designer. 

Similar to your experience, Annie, I developed skills by taking classes and I improved the most with multi-day classes and daily practice.  It’s exciting to teach what I‘ve learned. Sharing techniques with others is my favorite part of being a woodturner.

JCCFS: What mediums do you use and where do you derive inspiration from?  

Joy:  My favorite materials are domestic hardwoods: cherry, ash and maple.  I prefer to use non-toxic finishes to seal the wood.

Annie: I agree, Joy, I love domestic hardwoods as well. We will use a combination of wood types in the class and talk about the advantages and disadvantages to using them in our projects.

JCCFS: What are you most excited to experience during your time here at the Folk School?

Joy: I’m most excited about experiencing the energy that comes from being in a place that supports learning and creativity.  Much effort has gone into making the Folk School a friendly and nurturing environment, which is why so many of us return to the school as often as possible. 

Annie: Again, I agree! I love experiencing all of the cultural activities as well, dancing, meal times, morning music, seeing all of the other crafting taking place during the week.

JCCFS: What does a day in the studio look like? 

Joy:  The class is structured to begin with the basics and build from there. A typical day in the studio starts with a group discussion, where everyone in the class shares something of their experience so far.  This review often reveals those “aha” moments where trying something new, or even making a mistake, led to discovery and progress.

Throughout the class day we give short demos to the entire group and then spend time at each student’s lathe to focus on individual instruction.  

Annie: The entire week is geared around not only learning the craft, but getting to know everyone in the group. I remain friends with people I met in class.

JCCFS: What is your favorite part about campus?

Annie: The minute I turn onto Brasstown Road and head up the incline onto the campus, I can feel my heartrate slow down, and I am ready to leave the world behind. I love the wood shop most of all. But the fun activities in Keith House, the craft shop, the dining hall are other favorites.  

Joy:  Every season on campus is special in its own way.

JCCFS: How did you hear about the Folk School? What made you interested in coming to campus?

Annie: I won a scholarship from the American Association of Woodturners and, barely one year into woodturning, took the week in early December. What a great time! 

Joy: I was taking woodturning classes at my local club and met several members who raved about the Folk School.

JCCFS: What did you make during your time at the Folk School? What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?

Annie: My first week at the Folk School, we made ornaments. I could not believe that I went from a new turner to one who created a delicate wooden bird house to hang on my tree at home. The instructor instilled confidence in me, and now I am privileged to teach at the School.

JCCFS: What tips would you give a student or aspiring craftsperson?

Joy:  Find a community of supportive craftspersons. Participate, ask questions, and take lessons.  Learn safe habits to avoid injury.  Have fun by learning at your own pace and thinking positive thoughts.  Think of mistakes as design opportunities.  

Annie: I echo Joy’s encouragement of getting involved with local groups. As I said, YouTube was my early teacher and I am horrified at how many dangerous actions take place in that environment. Get a mentor or two early on. I also study the work of people I admire and ask for their critiques.

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

Annie and Joy: Instragram  @annieogg  @joytcowan