Woodworking: Frames and Surfaces

This foundational course invites students to experience the art of woodworking at an introductory level and is a requirement for those students seeking to complete the Woodworking Foundations Certificate. Non-certificate students are also welcome.

Frames that carry weight, resist lateral forces, and support surfaces are a principal woodworking and furniture design form – tables, desks, benches, stools, etc. They challenge the craftsperson to think about questions of function, scale, structure, joinery, and strength. In this class, students will learn to make a small table, using lapped, mortise-and-tenon, and other joints. They will experience how simple parameters can inspire creative solutions, working within size, material, and joinery constraints appropriate to the time and tools we have available. In addition to concepts of structure, consideration for human scale, ornament and finish will be addressed. Weekly reading assignments with written component will supplement students’ understanding of topics covered in class. Students will be expected to attend open shop (studio hours) outside of class meeting times to successfully complete their projects.

They will gain understanding of wood characteristics and selection, measurement and layout, human dimensions and scale, and safe and effective use of basic woodworking hand and power tools. They will acquire a deeper understanding of how mind, hand, and tool work together to shape expressive and functional forms. Careful attention will be given to sustainable concepts and wood sourcing to develop an appreciation for the effort, material and process required in the making of beautiful objects.

This is one of three core courses in the Woodworking Foundations: Craft, Culture, and Sustainability Certificate at Evergreen. This course and Woodworking: Enclosures and Containers (fall) can be completed in any order before taking 4 credits of elective coursework and Woodworking: Summative Research and Studio Project (spring).

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:

4 - Woodworking: Surfaces