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.

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A Look Into Our Transformative 2023

December 27, 2023

Dear Friends and Supporters of Would Works,

Winding down this year, we express deep gratitude for your support and engagement with Would Works. 2023 began expansively: WW Community Builders Program Artisans and our team took a field trip to the snow-covered Angeles National Forest in the San Gabriel Mountains north of the city. Shirley is the Artisan Lead at Would Works and was born and raised in LA. She’s now in her mid-60’s, yet she’s never been up to the Angeles Forest. Our city is surrounded by abundant landscapes, but many residents who face barriers to employment also lack access to experiences in nature. This forest visit reflects the growth trajectory of Would Works, which we illuminate here.