2011-2012 Update... Exciting News!

Again its been about a year since my last posting.  And again I have completed few if any projects.  During the winter break I was in a brief fervor of creativity, designing and dimensioning lumber for a new shoji lamp.  The idea was inspired by a good friend of mine whose studying electrical engineering.    He fabricated a standing lamp made with PVC and sewn cloth, where the main appeal was the programed LED lighting system.  These expensive little lights could be set up with a computer chip to give a mesmerizing light show.  My design was focused on using that lighting system while being incased in a Japanese style shoji lamp with a "Fibonacci Twist."  I wanted the kamiko, or lattices, to  divide the screen using the Golden Ratio, a famous sequence used in many classical designs.  Sadly, my creative drive to build something was sidetracked with the Winter quarter demands.  As a result, I have another project put on the back burners.

Late one night, toward the end of my Spring quarter, I was googling "carpentry apprenticeships available in the United States," while procrastinating working on my senior thesis. About every three to four months I do this search just to entertain myself with possible openings with Japanese carpentry companies like Takumi Design, Eastwind Inc., or Joinery Structures. For the past 2 years not much would turn up.  However, this June I was astounded to see on the 5th page of the google search, a link came up titled, "Zen Joinery Apprenticeship."  To my pleasant surprise it was an 8 month program being offered through the San Francisco Zen Center where participants would study under Paul Discoe, founder of Joinery Structures and ordained Zen Buddhist Priest.  Every other Saturday, the class would meet at his Oakland shop to learn everything from design, layout, wood preparation, tool care, cutting of joints, and assembly.  At the end of the program is a two week intensive workshop held to complete an entry gate at the Tassajara Zen Center, with food and lodging accommodated.  The whole Apprenticeship has a tuition cost of $1400 and only 8-10 spaces available.  To me, I instantly see this as an opportunity of a lifetime, just the kind for which I have been waiting for and apply right away.  And after a month of going through an interview of sorts and exchanging emails, I am very proud to say I am a core member of the Zen Joinery Apprenticeship program.   I have committed to spend every other Saturday for the next 8 months in Oakland learning exactly what I want to learn.  I see this as a tremendous opportunity to gain valuable experiences under a master of the trade.  

My first class starts this Saturday with an emphasis on design.  Our homework has been to read several books like Japanese Homes and the Surroundings, Zen Architecture and various books on understanding wood and how it behaves.  Hopefully, I will find the time to give updates on my progress with the apprenticeship.  Stay tuned... there should be more in the next few weeks.