Mokuchi Studio Episode 4: Jim Blauvelt
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Jul 15, 2023 Jim Blauvelt, founder of Bluefield Joiners, shares his journey from childhood tool exposure to mastering Japanese woodworking. He discusses how mentorship shaped his skills and his transformative experience with hand tools at renowned schools. Jim reveals his love for sukiya architecture after attending a tea ceremony and contrasts the Japanese craftsmanship mindset with Western art perspectives. He also highlights restoring a Kyoto entertainment house and the commitment required for Japanese tools, sharing insights on blade smithing and debunking tool myths.
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Early Start In Woodworking
- Jim Blauvelt started woodworking in high school and sold furniture while still a student.
- He learned antique repair from a neighbor and treated tools as toys from childhood.
Instrument Shop Apprenticeship
- Robert Meadow taught Jim to use Japanese hand tools while making instrument parts.
- Jim developed sharpening and plane-setup skills working in Meadow's studio.
Tea Ceremony Sparked Sukiya Interest
- A tea ceremony at Urasenke in New York sparked Jim's love for sukiya architecture.
- That exposure sent him searching for opportunities in traditional Japanese construction.