Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Handmade :: Hands

Not long ago I read an interview with Bruce Gordon, one of the elder statesmen of the handmade bicycle community, and one thought has stuck with me.  I don't remember his quote word for word, but he said something to the effect that most people in America today don't interact on a regular basis with anyone that actually makes something with their hands.

With this in mind, I was going through the many great photos shot by Chris Milliman during his recent visit with us, and the hands really stuck out.









How many people did you interact with today that use their hands to make something?

Cheers,

G.




4 comments:

Dan O said...

Cool post - and very true - most folks don't fix or construct much with their hands.

I've worked in IT now for 20+ years, way too much screen staring time, with clean hands as proof.

Years ago, during my bike shop era, the only time my hands were completely clean, was during a few days off. The dirt and grease embedded into every crease.

At times now, when building up a frame in the garage, repairing something, or cleaning a chain - enjoy the sight of attempting to get my hands clean afterwards. I avoid using rubber gloves on purpose.

A bit of a revolt against all things on a screen and clean soft hands...

Marek Parajka said...

cool post indeed..the same with me..
working in the IT office. Kinda taking care of my hands but then I take it hard in my workshop. Cuts, burns, dirt all I often ends up with. My ex loved it, she even took the very same pics of my hands at the time.

ruthworkssf said...

Grant Peterson recommended a book to read, shop class as soulcraft.
I listened to it on CD as I did my sewing, before going to my full time job at a school. It talks about the value of working with your hands. I work with my hands every day, making bags. It is the best thing in the world. I spend hours and hours on it, and it's just a hobby for me. I wouldn't change a thing. -ely ruthworks

bg said...

You might want to check out - www.sopwamtos.com
SOPWAMTOS IS BACK!!

Regards,
Bruce Gordon
Bruce Gordon Cycles
www.bgcycles.com