I know so many high school and college students who are buying from farmer markets and even seeking out well-made, thick, used sweaters at "vintage" or Good Will stores. They understand instinctively that things built with stewardship minimizes waste over time. As they can no longer take it for granted, they are beginning to actively rediscover respectful production.Given that, it was satisfying for me to spend an afternoon at The Carpenter’s Boatshop. It represents a microcosm of a respectful production process. (And it was founded by a Bowdoin classmate of our oldest family friend.)
A respectful production process uses:
- Classic designs, with careful updates around necessary and improved functionality (boats have to perform):
One of the many classic designs
- Masters and apprenticeships roles (workers are not interchangeable):
A Master boatbuilder shows her work
- Natural and quality inputs:
New tools, beautiful wood
- Minimal use of the middlemen (who disintermediate the producer from the end-buyer):
Boats in the old workshop are ready for customers
- An established process and business model to refurbish old products (there is a wisdom that comes to organizations that encourages the repair of their old items):
Boats "returning" to be fixed
And then for me there is the additional benefit of a nautical form and function. The New England classic aesthetic is inextricable from the shore.
Obviously, this level of care is impractical with much of what we use and consume. But when I look at fresh milk available directly from dairy farms, even the L.L. Bean Boat and Tote bag, I can’t help but think the amount of products made with respect will increasingly be sought after.
Every boat from The Carpenter's Boatshop has this Scottish prayer...
...including one of our family's boats bought there over 20 years ago, filled with ice, for my husband's and my wedding.
The Reverend Bobby Ives, Founder. Photo Courtesy of The Lincoln County News, Damariscotta, Maine (used with permission)
The Reverend Bobby Ives, Founder. Photo Courtesy of The Lincoln County News, Damariscotta, Maine (used with permission)
8 comments:
A wonderful post about a marvelous craft. I wish I had the God given talent to turn wood into works of art.
Is it silly to be emotional about this post and how wonderful people who construct such products are? Perhaps, but I must admit, I am. Another great post!
p.s. That first paragraph about high school and college students made me smile! (That's me!)
James - I so agree with you. I just wish the saws didn't scare me so much.
Ryan - I am just as emotional! The process is so pure from start to finish; the coastal location; the naturalness of the property; the smell of the wood; the kindness and integrity of the boat builders; the finished product; and how and by whom it is finally used.
My favorite part is the curious Golden Retriever
The boat filled with ice is such a unique touch at your wedding. I love Maine, I have so many memories of summers spent there.
Fabulous! I go to Bowdoin so I'll have to go check it out over a weekend.
Muffy,
Have you ever visited the International Yacht Restoration School in Newport, RI worth the trip if you love wooden boats! Not to mention seeing the old America's Cup J-Boat "Shamrock" over next to the "Black Peril" Restaurant off Thames Street.
Funny you should ask. Just making plans with friends from New York to do just that!
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