Grace prepares the chine logs for her portable catamaran project
While the students continue to make admirable progress on their water craft, they are beginning to understand why I was so eager to encourage simplicity of design and execution early in the semester. I’ve made pains not to discourage anyone brave and bold enough to develop their own unique hull shapes, knowing that the desire to test an idea would fuel the process, and I’m especially proud of those students who were willing to take a risk, risk being the currency of exploration.
Whether they will be able to complete their craft in time for the planned excursion is of less importance at this point, though most students are in a position to finish if they bear down on it over the remaining two weeks. I originally conceived of Micro-Expedition as an exemplar of my adage, “all vessels originate with an imagined voyage“. To this end, my primary aim has been to demonstrate the importance of knowing where you are going before designing and making anything, and learning how to be your own best client in the process.
Sarah has shaped some handsome fins for her scow-end SUP
Peter’s Deadrise SUP is almost ready for decking
Dean is the furthest along in developing his finely crafted folding-dinghy
Dean demonstrates the simplicity of assembling the hull of his folding dinghy
Susan’s kayak with temporary molds, ready for strip-planking
To follow the progress of Micro-Expedition, the Atelier Studio I am teaching this semester as Visiting Wornick Professor of Wood Arts at California College of the Arts (CCA), please click here and scroll down.
Fascinating boat designs – a reflection of a very inventive and intuitive professor ! Keep up the outstanding work .