My woodworking Hobby
From S Balachandran (Photos from 1964 and 2022)
I was delighted when Bala commented on my "To Blog or Not to Blog Post".
Hi Mahendra,
I am grateful for the presence of the Blog, and I take my hat off to Lucky for having initiated the Blog. I am like one of the comments mentioned about keenly following the blog, but seldom contributed. I think in the twilight hours of our life, we need to keep in touch through the blog, given that travel and face-to-face meetings are becoming ever more difficult. It would be interesting and appropriate to have photo recollection of colleagues. Needless to say Speedy, you are doing a wonderful job of promoting.
I have not been following the blog regularly since losing my lifetime partner, Pat recently. While she was alive a year ago, I started making nearly 20 ‘Keepsake Boxes' for my family and close friends. This is one way to keep myself occupied during these difficult days. I still do some part-time ‘doctoring’. I would like to share some of my recent additions to my woodworking collection.
As we continue to lose many of our colleagues, it reminds me of the saying, ‘Dance before the music is over. Live before your life is over’. Speedy, please do not get discouraged. You are doing a great job, and keep it alive, Bala
Bala followed this up with this email.
Hi Speedy, I try to keep myself active by devoting my spare time to woodworking, some gardening, and chasing the little white ball. My recent loss has certainly made it hard for these activities. But life must go on!
Here are some of my recent indulgences in woodworking. I do not have the luxury of my Old Shop. Now, I am confined to my garage, and it's quite a chore to manipulate some of the heavy machinery.
However, I enjoy dabbling in assorted exotic lumber... Cheers, Bala..
Picture 2
Display cabinet - Made of Birdseye maple, Bloodwood, and cherry trim. By its side is a wine rack.
Picture 3
The third is cherry and curly maple. The arch handles are the difficult part of the trays.
Picture 4
Wooden Lamp Shade - The shade itself was made of maple, delicate and strenuous. The base is made of dark walnut.
Picture 5
Picture 6
I hope you enjoy looking at these works of art from Bala. I have added a "then and now" photo also (which will delight Suri!)- Speedy
Hi, Yankaee Bala, I really enjoyed viewing your very delicate carpentry. More strength to your elbow and fingers! Please continue to contribute to our BlogSpot
ReplyDeleteHello Bala
ReplyDeleteSo wonderful to see you on the Blog and long may this continue. I love the woodwork you've been doing as a hobby. They are so beautiful and so very professional looking. It seems like such a difficult hobby which you have mastered to perfection. Well done.
You were at my end of the alphabet . In the faculty we did many things together like ward classes, clinical appointments and were seated in the lecture halls close together. I remember vividly enjoying the faculty humour together. We often played table tennis and they were close games too.
It is so wonderful to connect with you again after such a long time. Do remain in touch. The Blog is such a fine forum to stay connected.
Best wishes - ND
Bala, thanks for sharing some of the beautiful results of your artistic talent. Not only are you skillful, but you must have a lot of patience. You being a Vascular surgeon, this does not come as a surprise.
ReplyDeleteI remember many moons ago when I met you with your late sister Indrani in England. That was a memorable occasion.
I was sad to hear the loss of your beloved wife, Pat. May you have the strength to come to terms with it. Please do keep in touch and if you ever come to the UK, let us know so that we can arrange a get-together.
Hello Bala, your creations are absolutely outstanding! I suspect that focusing on creating these objects helps you to process the recent loss of your loved ones. The grieving process takes its own time.
ReplyDeleteI have many questions, because the only "woodworking" I have managed to do is assembling a few pieces of furniture that arrived in a box from Ikea! Do you have someone to help you hold things in place when you are working with larger projects? I would love to hear about the unusual types of wood that you use. Where do you get them? What is blood wood? (Long ago I helped my son in law in Germany with a project and learned to use a circular saw. That's about the extent of my woodworking experience!)
I love the coffee table displaying your surgical instruments. That is a great idea.
Hi Bala
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed looking at your woodwork,very skilful display.Thanks for your contribution hope you participate regularly.
For those who would like to see my interview with Bala a few years ago., here is the link. https://colombomedgrads1962.blogspot.com/2022/11/speedy-dialogue-series-11dr-subramanium.html
ReplyDeleteHi Bala
ReplyDeleteI am speechless with admiration at your stunning woodwork. I can imagine the time and effort you have made to turn out these beautiful creations ! You certainly have a magic touch.
I am sure that apart from keeping you occupied, it must give you an immense sense of satisfaction.
I am also amazed at you dexterity.. I know I am a couple of years younger than you, but I struggle to do the hand embroidery I used to love. In spite of ready made stuff being freely available, I loved turning out of he Christening robes, embroidered pillow sets and smocked and a embroidered dresses for my grand babies ( all 6 of them ),alas I struggle now to even thread a needle !
I hope and pray that you will be able to continue your exquisite craftsmanship for a long long time !
With my warm regards
Suri
Hello Bala, Iam amazed at your artistry. You've joined together a variety of timbers of different hues to create very elegant items.
ReplyDeleteWorking with wood cannot be easy- probably needs enormous strength and stamina and only a passion with the craft would make it possible. Your work is beautiful and appear well finished . Thank you for sharing these high quality photos .
“ He who works with his hands is a labourer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hand, his head and his heart is an artist” ? author -
Bala You are an artist. Keep going -my best wishes .
Thank you very much for all the comments. Most of the exotic lumber comes from Africa and I get them from speciality lumber yards. I am glad I was able to contribute to keep the blog going. Cheers. Bala
ReplyDelete