Woodworking: Enclosures and Containers

In this class students will explore design and construction with wood to make forms that enclose and contain – boxes, containers, chests, cabinets, etc. Students will each build a series of small projects, considering how boxes and container forms can both conceal and reveal what is inside them, learning to be shapers of meaningful, beautiful, and useful things using wood and essential woodworking tools and processes. Students will learn how simple parameters can inspire creative solutions, working within size, material, and joinery constraints appropriate to the time and tools we have available. They will gain understanding of wood and wood selection, measurement and layout, human dimensions and scale, and safe and effective use of basic woodworking hand and power tools. They will acquire a deeper understanding of how the mind, hand, and tools work together to shape expressive and functional forms. Careful attention will be given to sustainable concepts and wood sourcing to develop an appreciation for the effort, material and process required in the making of beautiful objects.