Part II – Sticks, Strings & Symmetry: Geometry in the Minds & Tools of our Craft Tradition with Jim Tolpin
Jim Tolpin shares a journey into the geometry that lies beneath everything in the built world and how our tools on the jobsite reflect those invisible truths of geometry. He’ll share how the historic trades harnessed this knowledge of geometry to invent efficient layout and production methods that we still use today. Of course, in modern times, much of these truths of geometry are embedded in tools using lasers and digital readouts. Yet, a practical knowledge of this artisan geometry is still a valuable skill for tackling jobsite problems.
Jim Tolpin began working as a finish carpenter in the early 1970’s in New England before moving to the Northwest near Seattle Washington. He set up a workshop making custom cabinets and contracting finished carpentry. He also worked as a subcontractor on wooden boat interiors in the Port Townsend Boatyards.
Although these vocations may seem far apart, Tolpin and Walker had a shared passion. They both were curious about how artisans in the historic trades approached design. This search for answers led to Tolpin and Walker writing four books published by Lost Art Press and scores of articles for woodworking magazines and journals. They focussed on uncovering the practical knowledge of geometry and proportions at the heart of our craft tradition. Their method: Scour historic books for clues and put them into practice in their workshops. This often meant setting aside their tape measures and modern mindset to see what lies hidden in plain sight. The result, a long string of discovery gleaned at the workbench or often jumping off the tips of divider points. Old knowledge filled with timeless wisdom for today’s builders.