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  • Why We Make Things and Why It Matters

  • The Education of a Craftsman
  • By: Peter Korn
  • Narrated by: Traber Burns
  • Length: 5 hrs and 37 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (122 ratings)
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Why We Make Things and Why It Matters

By: Peter Korn
Narrated by: Traber Burns
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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.

©2013 Peter Korn (P)2014 Blackstone Audiobooks

What listeners say about Why We Make Things and Why It Matters

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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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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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Profound and humble

A vast, quicksilver subject, mapped and explored, with enlightening sensitivity. Full of heart and insight.

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    2 out of 5 stars
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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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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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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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

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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