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Why We Make Things and Why It Matters
- The Education of a Craftsman
- Narrated by: Traber Burns
- Length: 5 hrs and 37 mins
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Summary
In this moving account, Peter Korn explores the nature and rewards of creative practice. We follow his search for meaning as an Ivy-educated child of the middle class who finds employment as a novice carpenter on Nantucket, transitions to self-employment as a designer and maker of fine furniture, takes a turn at teaching and administration at Colorado's Anderson Ranch Arts Center, and then founds a school in Maine: the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, an internationally respected nonprofit institution.
Furniture making practiced as a craft in the 21st century is a decidedly marginal occupation. Yet the view from the periphery can be illuminating. For Korn the challenging work of bringing something new and meaningful into the world through one's own volition—whether in the arts, the kitchen, or the marketplace—is what generates the meaning and fulfillment that so many of us seek.
This is not a how-to book in any sense. Korn wants to get at the why of craft in particular and the satisfactions of creative work in general to understand their essential nature. How does the making of objects shape our identities? How do the products of creative work inform society? In short, what does the process of making things reveal to us about ourselves? Korn draws on four decades of hands-on experience to answer these questions eloquently, and often poignantly, in this personal, introspective, and revealing book.
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What listeners say about Why We Make Things and Why It Matters
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- Glenn
- 03-09-15
fascinating life story and philosophy
I'm really interested in craft and it's sociological functions and this tapped directly into my interest. Mr Korn tells a life story with the lifelong development of his craft at the centre. in between he expands on his understanding of how his craft has informed his development as a person. I found it very interesting and inspiring and couldn't wait to return to it
I listened while I worked ony canoe. which seemed appropriate!
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- Miguel J Velez
- 01-03-24
Finishing high school? Read this.
I recommend it for every young person about to embark on the wonderful journey of becoming. And for those like me, already in the journey looking for strength to prevail.
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- Anonymous User
- 25-10-23
Great insights
A little rambling and a personal rant but that’s the nature of one persons insight into their experience. Part academic, part experiential, all interesting.
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- Anna
- 26-02-23
Lovely insights
A gentle meander through such a lovely self deprecating guy. Such insight into craft but told with such honesty. Loved it
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- Jeremy
- 11-01-23
A simple yet inspiring biography, read excellently
It’s not a particularly glamorous life nor one to pity that Korn has lived, but a fulfilling one and it’s from these people we can learn to live.
This book is mostly a reflection on his journey and the value of craft for him and the world around him/us. He sometimes delves into the philosophy and theory as interludes and this keeps the biography fresh.
The performance is really excellent, and fits the book very well. The recording was done well too, with a rather neutral, if a little woofy tone (though, I am an audio engineer, so I might be a stickler)
This book doesn’t sparkle or shout. It’s unassuming and meditative. It was fantastic company for washing dishes.
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- Anonymous User
- 05-01-23
Enjoyed it!!
I enjoyed hearing the philosophical thoughts about creativity. I listened while woodburning. It was a nice voice to listen to. It reflected some of my own realisations about creativity
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- Amazon Customer
- 18-12-22
Profound and humble
A vast, quicksilver subject, mapped and explored, with enlightening sensitivity. Full of heart and insight.
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- richard2
- 10-12-22
Personal and egocentric
rather than a wider exploration of ideas on why making is so profound a need for everyone . I found the ‘my life in carpentry’ element less than absorbing
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- Grif
- 20-10-22
Womderful
Wonderful story, both of life and meaning; as a craftsperson skilled in craft and understand the joys of life. Well worth a listen.
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- Bruno MacDonald
- 25-08-22
not so much why
a man and his life with woodworking. a lot of thoughts and dates but why, not so much.The book is a nice biography, but title is a bit misleading
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