Woodworker's Journal 2002-26-3, страница 10

Northwoods ¹

Island Inspiration

Woodworker Finds His Calling in the Woods

Any attempt to separate Richard Newcom from his Flag Island surroundings, either physically or philosophically, would bring the craftsman's woodworking days to an end. "From motivation and inspiration to materials and time," reflects Newcom, "I'd have to say it never would have happened had I not come up here."

"Up here" is a remote island home in northern Minnesota. Daily existence is "do-it-yourself," and Richard's experiences, from hunting and fishing guide to carpenter and stonemason, show up in his woodcraft.

The influence of days spent laboring with the area's Native American guides is reflected in the blocky, sparse carvings that characterize his work.

Richard's wood choices reflect accessibility. A passion is cedar, scouted and selected in the fall from the low-lying swamps in the lake region. Trees must be dead, but still standing, and are marked for winter harvest when a snowmobile can be used to retrieve them.

"The cedar poses more problems than pine, for instance," points out Richard. These trees don't grow as tall and straight and they taper down more quickly, making some furniture applications a real challenge. "However, it's just that stubborn, rough character that makes people like the stuff so much."

"I didn't come up here to make furniture; I came up here to hunt and fish," Richard said. "I just fell in love with the woods and made a natural move to doing something with them. I just wish someone had told me when I was 10 years old that I'd be doing this. I would've started acquiring the skills sooner."

— Timothy Lyon

Woodcut carvings, along with rawhide and leather laced through burned cedar, reflect the influence of Ojibwe hunting guides Richard Newcom (above) has worked with over the years.

Lsa&v AllGreen mdf

SPECIALTY PANELS

ppF

AllGreen fr @< AllGreen pr

................... - • ^x>..............

FIRE RETARDANT MDF

PREMIUM MDF

AllGreen mr

MOISTURE RESISTANT MDF

AllGreen lt

LITE MDF

• AllGreen MDF available from 7/16" to 2" thick

• AllGreen MDF Low Density 20 lb. up to 60 lb. High Density

• AllGreen MDF is available in a full range of standard and custom panel sizes

• AllGreen MDF has a uniform density profile

• AllGreen MDF is made with 100% recycled wood

• AllGreen MDF specialty applications include:

-Low Density door core for increased sound absorption,

dimensional stability and a quality feel -Premium MDF 1 5/32" stiles and rail -Premium MDF 1" to 2" for components -Moisture Resistant for increased durability -Class 1 Fire Rated for safety

Contact the CanFibre Sales Department today-call 1 -716-827-3008 or fax 716-827-3009.

Visit www.allgreenmdf.com

ALLGREEN MDF is a product of The CanFibre Group Ltd. ALLGREEN is a registered trademark of The CanFibre Group Ltd.

cCircle No. 18 on PRODUCT INFORMATION form)

Woodworker's Journal June 2002

15