July notes from the shop floor

by Matt Micucci July 21, 2017 in Workshop Journals

On Monday July 17th we had another Would Works session at our new home in Angel City lumber. We had 3 artisans return working a full 8 hour shift. Ali, Jerome, and veteran member Joe were sanding and hand rubbing oil on a new set of white oak boards. Through the din of sanders and classic rock blasting on the portable radio I worked along side these 3 wonderful men. At lunch I asked the group how they felt about this kind of work and how it compared to other jobs. Working towards their financial goals while doing something artistic seemed to be the takeaway. Ali mentioned how in other jobs he was either being exposed to harmful chemicals or making something wasteful. Here he says that using organic material such as wood and putting on a food safe finish feels good all around. 'It's a chance to be artistic' says Ali. It's true. Not to get too mushy but wood has a powerful therapeutic quality. It's a joy and an honor to make something with purpose and beauty from a tree. Especially a tree as noble as the American White Oak as we use.

Also in News

LIVE from Would Works - Channel 11's Good Day LA!

August 01, 2024

In case you missed it, Channel 11's Good Day LA featured Would Works on the show on July 31, 2024! Newscaster Bobby De Castro came by our shop to interview past and current Artisans and shared with the LA community our mission and vision. The Artisans were a natural in front of the camera!

Old California Designs Supports New Southern California Workforce

July 19, 2024

If you have lovingly restored an old Craftsman home, with its dark wood, stained glass, and hand-crafted built-in cabinets, chances are you’re not going to shop for light fixtures at Home Depot.

You’ll make the pilgrimage to Old California in Orange, which individually handcrafts home goods inspired by historical design.

Community Builders Program - Official Press Release

June 15, 2024

Los Angeles -- In 2020, the Bobcat fire burned more than 100,000 acres in and around Southern California’s Angeles National Forest, laying waste to countless old-growth coniferous trees. Thanks to Would Works, Angel City Lumber, and a Wood Innovations Grant from the USDA Forest Service, some of these trees are getting a new life -- and creating new opportunities for people facing barriers to employment.