Thoughts on Perfection and Mastery
I have to ask myself, particularly as a craftsman, what is my pursuit: Is it mastery, is it perfectionism, or is it wisdom? We have all heard the trite sayings “Practice makes perfect,” “practice makes progress,” or “see it as a learning opportunity.” Certainly, you don’t set out as a novice, hoping to stay the beginner who makes every mistake made by countless artists who have come and gone. But, my perspective of mastery is a lot like happiness - more of a byproduct than a pursuit in and of itself. Master craftsman and teacher Gary Rogowski said it best in his book Handmade, “Mastery has no endgame…there is no turning point felt and [none] achieved.”
As craftsmen (and women), we are acutely aware that each piece we complete is a representation and a reflection of our skill and dedication to the work. In pursuit of perfectionism, one must strike a delicate balance between honing the important skills needed and embracing the imperfections that make each creation unique. It is in this fine equilibrium that we find wisdom as artists. We are our worst critic, but simultaneously aware of the impossible standards we set for ourselves. Somewhere, within this tension, lies the “it hurts so good” feeling we get as we bring a project from raw material to finished product.
Woodworking, at its core, demands patience and precision. Craftsmen meticulously select wood, envisioning the final product, wood movement, and finish: even as the project is in its infancy. Mastery is cultivated through years of trial and error, as each project presents a unique opportunity to refine techniques and overcome challenges. The ability of a woodsmith to learn, adapt, and evolve is the wisdom that can only be won through repeat passes of the plane, strikes to the chisel, and draws of the saw.
Perfectionism, which can never be attained, can be a double-edged sword in woodworking. The desire for flawless execution can lead to frustration and discouragement, which stalls creativity and stifles innovation. When it comes to the interplay between mastery and perfection, one must recognize that it is not only flawless execution but also one's ability to navigate and appreciate the flaws that inevitably rise; again wisdom rears its elusive head. The skilled, wise woodworker leans into these flaws, turning them into design elements – celebrating that each piece has taken form exactly as it ought to do.
Woodworking, as an ancient art and revered craft, has a rich history of masters who have left an indelible mark on the discipline; some living, some having passed into oblivion. Their legacies continue, past their physical presence, to inspire contemporary woodworkers. They have illustrated that mastery is not a fixed state but a continued journey of exploration and growth. Within and without the communities of woodworking, shared knowledge, insights, and techniques continues to provide fuel to the fire of the collective pursuit of excellence.
Finally, we see that mastery and perfectionism are not the goal, but wisdom–the careful consideration of knowledge and experience in the pursuit of a desired result. This endeavor of wisdom in woodworking shapes the artisan’s journey. The path is wrought with complication as one hones their technical ability, embraces the organic nature of wood, and refines design sensibilities that amalgamate into a symphony of beauty and functionality. Wisdom is the key, wisdom is the goal.
