Curtis Buchanan: Chairmaker

Segment from the 2012 series Soul's Journey: Inside The Creative Process featuring 22 artists and craftspeople in the South.
Filmed, interviewed & edited by Chanse Simpson
Produced by David N. Hutto

[@dekalbes335]

I like that Curtis came up totally away from the Dunbar branch of the tree. I spoke at length ...( I was a Windsor chairmaker for a long time)....for about an hour on the phone . Very nice guy. I live near David Sawyer , and had the pleasure of sitting in one of Curtis's chairs.

[@areareare9953]

It's one thing to devote your life to a craft, it's quite another to teach others that craft to give them the same life.

[@prestongilbert4199]

I met Dave Sawyer in the early 1980S while I was a rural economic development consultant in the White Mts of NH. I paid him to travel around Maine and NH with me giving presentations in communities showing how micro manufacturing high value wood products was an effective strategy for Northern Appalachian towns. 45 years later it is gratifying to see his son continuing his dads work. I retired 4 years ago. At 74 I am doing green woodworking in Northern NY. I am finally following my own advice.

[@ambermosier3175]

I built one of your chairs and it turned out great, I loved every minute. I enjoy your vids and believe you are a true craftsman.

[@krabenaldt7605]

One of the greatest part of this story is, when you came home from the mall and said look at this, I sold some chairs!

[@gilovadya3607]

Your chairs are piece of art flowing through your love of craft. Thanks

[@jpkatz1435]

I worked for David Sawyer Sr. in the early 1970s as an apprentis making laderbacks. He was a terrific natural teacher. These Windsors ARE beautiful.

[@DanJoy07]

Lovely story, and video....Very well done. Mr Buchanan is saying imortant things about work, industry, choices; Happiness in life which need repeating. It is classical, and stands up to the flow of time, history; But our society has turned its back on the healthy lifestyle and embraced the path of ease; To our demise. Beautiful chair, I've accomplished making one and hope to have several more . Thank you!

[@HagothVoyage]

Wonderful! I took a class from Curtis when he came to Portland. What a great guy. He is as good a teacher as he is a craftsman. A rare combination.

[@jcwong3208]

You have become an artist

[@thomassmith8550]

Philosophies and sentiments are excellent you're a guy who actually loves what you do.

[@frankstalteri972]

I feel that maybe this could be a little glimpse of heaven. Doing something you love .

[@sethwarner2540]

I just love the point of view Curtis has. The uncompromising take on life! Finding what you can do thats useful, pleasing tome and to anyone who recieves it. Knowing that what you put out is top notch, so you can walk away and that person will not have to call my work into question. Ever.

[@philipselman2564]

Curtis I realy injoyed your thaughts an I took in every word that you said yes sir Iam thinking about it rite now I subscribed to your channel an don't know how many times I will watch it + as I am texting you I have got a rocking chair up side down going to repair it lots of water damage an wallowed out holes ( when I was a young boy a 50 year old carpenter told me to make the rockers out of walnut - they won't walk so bad on a floor ) just a thaught that I rembered thank you sir wv.a Phil

[@amyaiken576]

I believe this is your.....zen! Proud of you...❤🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@Roman-hx3qj]

Way to go, watching you was peaceful and gracious. Thank you

[@sammylacks4937]

If I had a barn as purdy as that , I could make a chair too. Aways amazed to see and learn from a craftsman like this. That barn was purdy too.....

[@StellarFella]

Profound, prosaic, and inspirational. Thank you.

[@rolandharrison5651]

It is such a pleasure to see such an artisanal has earned contentment through lifelong endeavor.

[@markluke8447]

Beautiful work, I really like your simplicity and craftsmanship.

[@cyrilnorrie8450]

You are a true craftsman. These are beautiful chairs that will certainly become heirlooms. Keep up the great work!

[@daw162]

I love the flow talk. I agree...for me, it's planes. I think everyone should have something that they can build entirely by hand and build 25 or 50 or 200 of them so that they can feel that flow. You can't have a bad day when you're in that flow.

[@tabithanowak9686]

I love it! Always have and always will! :)

[@AM-dn4lk]

I have thoroughly enjoyed this interview. It is inspirational. You are indeed an amazing craftsman. Keep up the great work.

[@greg6107]

Awesome work Curtis, such beautiful design and proportion, if not the best. You are a rock star in my eyes.

[@dabprod]

We have the same last name. I was a custom picture framer for nearly 25 years. All in wood. Nothing like creating something by yourself that people love.

[@mrdivit1]

How long, on average, does it take? Truly a gift from God only a few people will ever achieve

[@peterellis4262]

If I were asked to choose a craftsperson with whom I could spend a week in their shop working and learning, I would ask to work with Curtis Buchanan.

[@MACLADILLY]

I totally agree about the meditative 'flow' that happens and I too feel that when chair making, especially on the shaving horse using a draw knife shaping chair and stool legs from local green ash...ahhh Heaven!!

[@peterllwlln]

Amazing work

[@guybartlett9587]

Thanks

[@thomascarr1392]

👌

[@MitchellTucker-c9o]

There is nothing more "zin" than working at a shave horse.

[@jugglinglivebabies]

the curl in the maple on that comb at the 2:00 mark is just breathtaking.