How Working With Your Hands Changes You.

Problem Solving

Creating something with your hands often involves embracing mistakes and learning through problem-solving. Jonathan Fields shares his journey of building a concrete table, highlighting the unexpected challenges he faced, such as the need for a stable substrate to prevent cracking. He emphasizes the joy of experimentation and the satisfaction of overcoming obstacles:

One of the best parts of making is winging it. It's the making mistakes and then having the chance to problem solve that, honestly is much more fun than just following a set of rules.

--- Jonathan Fields

This process of trial and error not only enhances creativity but also leads to moments of genuine awe and surprise 1.

   

Crafting Connection

Crafting the concrete table was a journey of creativity and connection for Jonathan. He describes the tactile experience of working with concrete, where every mark and imperfection became part of the table's story. This hands-on process allowed him to reconnect with a primal desire to create:

When we honor that primal desire to turn raw materials into something beautiful, when we strive not for perfection, but connection, engagement, absorption, elevation.

--- Jonathan Fields

Despite the challenges, such as working with heavy materials and balancing other life responsibilities, Jonathan found joy in making something tangible that his family could gather around 2 3.