Kayak building
Giovanni Strohmenger
What inspired you to create this work?
I had recently taken a kayak self rescue class in Port Gamble and met another participant, a BARN member, who had a beautiful wooden kayak. I never thought in my wildest dreams I could build such a beautiful vessel. To my surprise this gentleman informed me that the BARN was offering a kayak building class and that I could actually build one myself with the support of a teacher and the BARN’s workshop.
Tell us about your creation process including any obstacles overcome or surprises.
While I have a limited knowledge of wood working and of the tools involved, I felt challenged by the project at hand. I was pleasantly surprised to find the skills necessary to build a kayak fairly easy to master. With the experienced advice, tips and help from the teacher and the class' volunteers I was thrilled to create a beautiful kayak. It has given me not only a sense of accomplishment but opportunity to spend hours paddling in the waters of the Sound.
What inspired you to create this work?
I had recently taken a kayak self rescue class in Port Gamble and met another participant, a BARN member, who had a beautiful wooden kayak. I never thought in my wildest dreams I could build such a beautiful vessel. To my surprise this gentleman informed me that the BARN was offering a kayak building class and that I could actually build one myself with the support of a teacher and the BARN’s workshop.
Tell us about your creation process including any obstacles overcome or surprises.
While I have a limited knowledge of wood working and of the tools involved, I felt challenged by the project at hand. I was pleasantly surprised to find the skills necessary to build a kayak fairly easy to master. With the experienced advice, tips and help from the teacher and the class' volunteers I was thrilled to create a beautiful kayak. It has given me not only a sense of accomplishment but opportunity to spend hours paddling in the waters of the Sound.
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Giovanni has loved doing things with his hands since childhood. Once he finished school, he has earned a living using his hands trying different trades, eventually becoming a jeweler.