How the Blind Woodsman Crafts Wooden Works of Art

John Furniss is a master craftsman who turns gorgeous wooden bowls on his lathe. The only thing that separates him from other fine woodworkers? He's blind. After surviving a suicide attempt as a teenager, Furniss lost his sight. Then he discovered woodworking and with it, a new passion for life. The skilled craftsman shows us how, in his capable hands, a chunk of wood is transformed into a work of art.
SUBSCRIBE: goo.gl/vR6Acb
#Woodwork #Craftsman #Carving
This story is a part of our Human Condition series. Come along and let us connect you to some of the most peculiar, stirring, extraordinary, and distinctive people in the world.
Got a story idea for us? Shoot us an email at hey [at] GreatBigStory [dot] com
Follow us behind the scenes on Instagram: goo.gl/2KABeX
Make our acquaintance on Facebook: goo.gl/Vn0XIZ
Give us a shout on Twitter: goo.gl/sY1GLY
Come hang with us on Vimeo: goo.gl/T0OzjV
Visit our world directly: www.greatbigsto...

[@averynelson1186]

I just realized: they have all these nice pictures together in their home. He can't see them. But he poses for them anyway with a beautiful smile, so his wife can have them. Love is doing something for another when you get nothing from it.

[@Tony-wm1oc]

He might have seen them didn't go blind till he was 16

[@averynelson1186]

@@Tony-wm1oc he's definitely way older than 16 in the pics I'm talking about dude

[@Tony-wm1oc]

@@averynelson1186 and he gets something out of it ever tell a woman no. Pal

[@yaminikathuria6077]

Beautiful words Avery, well said

[@nameless1016]

well its official...im wasting my life. this guy is super inspirational.

[@lil9924]

This is such an inspiring story he is like a sweet character from a fairytale!

[@nathanm4437]

This is my best friends uncle. This guy is so inspiring.

[@aus-li]

No, it’s my best friends uncle.

[@francoisnatasha]

😁😁😁

[@sarashaikh3510]

Apeman Commeth it is really true

[@evilvet]

he lives in a van down by the river with bad reception, it'll take a while to respond

[@branson6162]

Nathan m how much psychedelics has he done and what is that like as a blind person.

[@danielfurniss5116]

Uncle John, you’ve always been so inspiring to me! You had a dream and you made it come true. I want to be able to make by dreams come true as I grow up. Keep being awesome. Proud to be related to you.

[@KapnHook]

You must be friends with Nathan M.

[@lizyyle]

john and annie visited my school to talk about johns life and his experiences and his story inspires me to this day :-) from drug recovery to living life through a different perspective, he is such a humbling human.

[@Yeahbuddy-yf2cv]

Lizy Le yo you are cute I’m 16 you have a patreon or cash app?

[@Tony-wm1oc]

@@Yeahbuddy-yf2cv creepy

[@gilthegreat9046]

Little piece of bread lol

[@rocaez2143]

@@Yeahbuddy-yf2cv Leave her alone dude. Ur so pathetic to even thinking of it. 😡🤬😤

[@rocaez2143]

@Lizy Le We know how it feels like. U keep up good work. One day at a time. Be Clean and Be strong

[@MrZarewna]

This is actually logical. I've seen a video where a blind person started "photographing". He could never see what he took pictures out of, but this dude can feel everything he does. It must be extremely satisfying to feel the end result.

[@glrysyrn]

There's also a book about it: The Blind Photographer

[@naitsirk32]

Teacher: Practice until you can do it blindfolded. John Furniss: got it

[@theblindwoodsmanandhoneybee]

Kristian ha!

[@uncleandy7983]

It's so awesome to see John getting the recognition he so well deserves. It would have been nice if they mentioned that Anni is an artist as well. They both have some really groovy work.

[@tonitouchberry894]

I have taught sculpture and had a blind student! I once remarked to him that several times in my life I had wondered what it was like to be blind and I would cover my eyes and challenge my blind skills, to understand the difficulty of the task at hand!! He very sternly said one sentence - Don't ever pretend that you're blind!! I admire this man's love of his craft and I understand how he can create in his minds eye! I am faceinated at his ability to mark out a piece and execute the job with beautiful precision! i know the tools involved! They're dangerous! But - there are rules, that if followed correctly can produce beautiful bowls! By everyone! Somebody give that man a hug for me!

[@ALilCrazyy]

I want to buy one of his products and keep it as a reminder not to let my perceived limitations stop me from facing the world.

[@helck1153]

Amazing. "If he is getting that done while blind, what's stopping me" is the kind of feeling I get. Not regarding woodworking since I don't do that,but my obstacles

[@Thehighpriestess108]

His voice is so soothing and I love the way he describes working with the wood. I hope he starts a KZbin channel!

[@Irreo]

He already has a KZbin channel, and also Tiktok.

[@robertcallahan7061]

I second that.

[@himalayanknight8]

Such a great guy and also his wife. I wish he could see those beautiful handicrafts he created. and also wished that the video was longer.

[@Irreo]

He has more videos on his channel and also on Tiktok.

[@dankissinger1969]

Love hearing testimonies like this. I have lost my mom and brother to suicide and almost myself. I am so grateful for these kind of gifts someone else is willing to share!!! Life is so good thank you.

[@JustADioWhosAHeroForFun]

Getting a splinter and not being able to see it is the worse experience

[@naitsirk32]

you would know where it hurts though

[@Iucebowel]

@@naitsirk32 hard enough to pluck the damn thing out even with two eyes

[@theblindwoodsmanandhoneybee]

Just A Dio Who's A Hero For Fun It sucks that’s for sure!

[@maplebeari]

The Blind Woodsman wait, that's you?!

[@ariana_208]

Eric Renrut he still has two eyes lol they just don’t work

[@LRSL]

This guy has this aura about him that is just so wholesome 🤗

[@danishmapper9683]

He: makes woodwork as a blind person 6 hours a day Me: Siting home watching Netflix This guy deserves more fans and more respect! Also go follow his TikTok @theblindwoodsman

[@thatguy-bt2hq]

Don't sell yourself short, you'll have something like that. His wood working as to your passion. It didn't take him an instant to become that great. You'll have something like that too.

[@Growing_AppleSauce]

Ok this is one of the few reasons tic toc will be allowed to exist

[@talanigreywolf7110]

How inspirational is this man? I know plenty of sighted people who don't even try to work with what they have. Good for you Mr. Furniss!

[@Amanda-st6pd]

This was an amazing story. He has so much courage to share his story! Anni is the most blessed woman I know of, I truly believe that. I didn’t know what had happened with his sight. In 2016 my 16 year old took his own life. The more I get to know the stories of these people the more amazing they seem!

[@FingeringThings]

Props to this dude for pursuing his hobby even if its difficult enough not being able to see

[@helenwitherspoon9872]

John, i’m following you on TikTok. Really enjoying the education aspect of how to accommodate or deal with people that are blind. Also in my heart I’ve always wanted to do woodworking. Probably never will. I’m a 68-year-old grandma what can I say? But I’ll enjoy it through you how’s that? I’m glad you found your niche. That’s just amazing

[@drelrod5462]

this man is just, can't even think of perfect word to describe him. every word just seems not enough to describe his talent.

[@daniellefrost7682]

I had the privilege of interviewing this gentleman several years ago when I worked for a community newspaper in nearby Camas, Wash. HIs story is awesome and a reminder that even our worst moments can be our greatest redemption.

[@theoneguard]

Beautiful soul this man has

[@TheWoodCrafter1]

From a woodworker, you are a great human being with great inspiration! You can see what we can’t, yet you have a great deal of courage brave man!

[@muhammadnurazrin1662]

This has made my day. Thank you. I pray more great things happen for this guy and his wife.

[@Jobe-13]

This guy is legit a character in a novel in real life.

[@syrianlionidas]

You can see much more than we do my friend.....god bless those hands.

[@edelleaa]

i've been dealing with depression and other mental issues for many years now, feeling like ill never amount to anything and it's very hard to overcome but videos like this give me hope that maybe it's never too late to start over and be happy, thank you

[@АлександрИльяшенко-о1п]

Strong video, very emotional, there is nothing better than seeing how a person finds himself, it is the magic of humanity

[@shaynastanton5780]

I started watching you on TikTok and thought your ability to keep going with the amazing wood work while being blind was very inspirational, and then I say you love story and fell in love with both of you!! God bless you both!!

[@RKtheWOLF]

This is my first comment in +15 years of using KZbin. I have never seen such a talented, such an inspiring person in my life. Thank you brother..

[@theblindwoodsmanandhoneybee]

Rıdvan Karakuş wow, thank you!

[@meaniepoopoo]

So you've been on KZbin almost since the launch?

[@stockholmsweden1142]

@NightPlayz It's possible he or she watched videos for many years without creating an account🙄.

[@bloodspritz4156]

@NightPlayz Maybe they used other accounts?🤷‍♂️

[@aconfusedmancx8323]

@Fallen the fact that you even checked is sad

[@seenaiqbal9841]

what a man, what a vid. hats off to the GBS team

[@johntoves9015]

He is exactly right. You can tell by the sound when a cut is going well. His hands are wood worker hands too. You can tell he's the real deal. That takes a lot of work to get that good at turning.

[@toniavila928]

His positivity warms my heart

[@GrowthGuided]

Love this story. Thanks for covering it. What a champion this guy is

[@aaronquit1395]

i watch him on tiktok but it seen this the day it came out. love this man

[@leob8363]

I really enjoy all the videos. Yet, this one tops it all. From the quality of the video, from the approach, to the narrative. It was awesome to have a glimpse of the vision of this wonderful carpenter. And much love to his wife for supporting him 110%. God bless you sir

[@AseemSehmi]

One of the Best Coverage from Great Big Story. It is actually a GREAT BIG INSPIRATION STORY. We Love you John Furniss. Love from Punjab, INDIA.

[@iplayrunescape301]

Thank you for sharing your experience and story with us! You're a true motivation!

[@beepbeep9043]

It’s so inspiring that he was able to accomplish this after struggling with suicide and addiction. So many people don’t make it.

[@catg8383]

WOW! I thank God He not only chose to continue giving you life, but a new abundant life. I see the power, mercy and goodness of God within you. God is good. He blessed you with an amazing and awesome gift. May the Lord continue to bless you and your beautiful wife.

[@pavelp7690]

Respect for this Man.

[@juliemcinnis3472]

His hands are his eyes and ears. Very inspiring.

[@yato809]

I’m not blind and still wont be as good as he is with the same amount of practice.What a legend!

[@chessyburgerlover129]

I can feel his peacefulness through the video.

[@tonekmechanist5192]

I don't usually cry but on this one tears are dropping

[@84bobcat]

Amazing. Never stop being you John.

[@duchesscate7817]

I love his creativity and eloquence. God bless you both.

[@delcodel6835]

This is unbelievable. So inspirational. He and his wife both.

[@megankeily4858]

He has a beautiful soul, he is an angel.

[@monicashallow4574]

Thank you for sharing your story. You both are so lovely. I have to believe you're saving lives - thank you!

[@MarsRedSky9]

Beautiful connection to see

[@kaitlynwilliams9491]

John is amazing! I love his content on TikTok! He and his wife are so wholesome!

[@mikeisley4445]

Your a awesome man enjoy your videos very much I'm a carpenter I'm 63 been doing it along time but don't do any framing anymore take care keep the stories and videos coming north Carolina here buddy

[@collisw8302]

Wow I’ve been following Great Big Story and John for a while and had no idea this video existed! 2 of my favourite creators :)

[@kelsyduncan2986]

Thank you for sharing your story. If you haven't checked out their tik tok you have to. Him and his wife are such beautiful souls

[@thermalcare3989]

Unbelievable and this type of work very valuable

[@ryanrogers6055]

Saw his tik tok now I'm here man legit saved a life and inspired me Thank you Mr John and Mrs anni

[@the_tattooed_medusa3060]

I love love love his tik toks. He is super talented!

[@R3MMY]

Man there’s something about watching someone being so passionate with something you know

[@PK-vv6bx]

Unbelievable And Really Inspirational 🙏🙏

[@TheSleepyDwarf24]

Beautiful. Inspiring. Eye opening.

[@remp919]

I would love to buy every single piece of woodcarving he has done :3

[@deborahhannah8275]

Great Big Story is one of the best channels on KZbin.

[@jerrybear6440]

Wow.........talent.....

[@shellycarney4041]

I love his story

[@bbilal111]

not only is this story inspiring, it's also filmed really well

[@E-qv4ii]

he is amazing !!!

[@Gayatridevi1008]

What an inspiration! Thank you so much for sharing your craft with us!

[@catherineguidry367]

What a blessed man🙏🏾 Thank you God for a blessed gift🙏🏾♥️

[@maharghyaniyogi4300]

Such an awesome story.Truly an inspiration and a wonderful human being

[@roxys6562]

This is so beautiful and inspiring

[@nibornarwhal5521]

I love this kind soul! I follow him on TikTok and KZbin. 💚

[@researchmastertv7830]

Keep growing... azaming information get from your channel...

[@AnnasWild]

This is an amazing and inspiring story. Also the editor of this video did a fantastic job! I love the creativity in the cuts and transitions

[@wazup80]

How absolutely beautiful!

[@davidmtaylor5236]

I know John from a Habitat for Humanity ReStore that I volunteer at regularly. I did not know about his woodworking skills, but it is obvious that he is amazingly talented. At the ReStore, I have worked with him in our metal recycling area and he can disassemble things like a microwave without help. That is amazing. Feel free to try to disassemble a microwave with your eyes closed if you don't believe me.

[@ftc22]

What a story. I love your determination. Hey everyone, look at this person. This is someone who gets it. The song of the wood as he creates his masterpiece. I admire you sir. You make me feel inept. I admire your grit. And to your wife, you are quite lucky to have him as I know he is lucky to have you. Death would have cheated us all of your talent. I am inspired.

[@shoryu2]

beautiful story, this is true art

[@ryanwindham2997]

This is absolutely incredible

[@ryang4685]

Truly amazing nothing is impossible

[@elisecooper1942]

I seen you on tik tok simply amazing to watch your videos.

[@mariacargille1396]

Your art is beautiful, and I'm so glad you're here. I just got a taste of woodworking in an art class this past semester, and serious props for your fearless and careful use of your equipment. It was definitely daunting for me have high powered saws anywhere in my general vicinity. XD

[@theblindwoodsmanandhoneybee]

Maria Cargille I used to break into a cold sweat every time I had to use a table saw for the first couple years!

[@Hxrb]

He'll never know how beautiful his masterpiece looks like😭😭

[@theblindwoodsmanandhoneybee]

Herbi I see it before anyone else does as I design it in my mind :-)

[@billybobjoeanimations118]

he can feel it with his his hands though

[@felixsummy-carabin5949]

I find his story very inspiring.

[@t0byl1c10us]

Amazing for sure! I am curious as to when/how your blindness started.

[@ByDaviddessine]

Hello thanks for this beautiful video top quality excellent result big big like

[@dawnvega383]

What beautiful bowls!

[@silkieshag9703]

What an excellent human being.

[@resplndnt]

I imagine blind woodworkers can be pretty skilled craftsmen given the sound and feel can make up for sight

[@lucyloose89]

This guy is nothing short of amazing

[@blackmonday738]

Such a Beautiful Story. I've Always loved the smell of wood and blown glass. 🌸Chicago hearing yr Story.🕊

[@aurora9252]

Absolutely beautiful

[@yajpillay8789]

This just proves that anyone can do anything if they put their mind to it. Pursue your dreams people!

[@leonbezuidenhout7232]

Amazing what a wonderful positive story.

[@slebli8047]

Bless him wow what an incredible person

[@Jasongy827]

I’m so fucken you open a story about him!!!! It’s so inspiring

[@NaturesParadox23]

Seeing you is life changing. ❤️

[@user-jo7wf9wf9u]

*Wow! Just wow! Such an inspiration!*