Robert, Maha Sensei! Thank you for imparting to me the bridge between the physical and spiritual aspects of the way of timber framing. I feel as though I have only scratched the surface. I will do my best to build upon the foundation of that 1200 grit stone a sharp and refined edge to walk the path. Taking part in an initiation of learning the ways of timber framing under the guidance and care of a true heart centered Master Craftsman such as yourself has shifted my relationship between my work and my craft both in perception and expression. Thank you for the blessing!
-Greg Gardner, March 2024 Graduate
The Forest Sanctuary
This was a great session and I did not want it to end. Robert has an amazing ability to meet you where you are and bring you along the timber framing knowledge path. He will push you as fast as you can learn. So it does not matter if you are green or a pro he will help you learn and make it worth your time. It addition the group dynamics were great partially due to Robert’s skills. Super fun and super challenging. Highly recommended.
-Paul Webber, March 2024 Graduate
“If you, like me, dream of making beautiful timber framed structures, you will find what you are looking for here. This course was like a reunion with a family I had always had but have never known. Robert kindly guided each of us to know more about our dreams, and ourselves. In five days, I have changed into a new me. I can now give shape to my dreams with my mind and a very sharp chisel. I could not be more grateful that I had this opportunity. It is, truly, life changing.”
-Tyler Li, March 2024 Graduate
March 2024 Graduates of the Meditative Craft of Timber Framing
“…Robert can do this work without you; he just can't teach without you…And don't set the hoop on the chisel until Robert shows you how. YouTube videos and Woodcraft instructions will only get you so far, but hands-on in-person instruction is where good habits are formed. For those of you with short attention spans, a head full of movie quotes, a screen addiction, and an urge to be a class clown (like myself), you're gonna suffer for the first few days. This work requires a bit more presence and mindfulness than what you're typically used to…if you don't sign up for this workshop then you're really missing out…”
-Ian Winters, March 2024 Graduate
You could be in the forest where they stood rooted deep in earth, quietly breathing for decades, centuries, millennia.
Felled, hewn, they lie under your chisel, the bent neck of a woodpecker, mallet cocked to strike.
The clay walls and timber frame of Robert’s shop ring richly with the knocking.
Eyes shine wordless worship as layers, years surrender in curled shavings and dust, float like moon-lace to the floor, blooming in fragrant tufts.
Tenderly, you touch the grain, the light inside revealed. Joy and wonder bud from your fingertips.
You, too, have consented to be felled, to be carved – to be pressed to the stone, lovingly honed to infinity, to nothing; to place mind, and self in your hand, for use in careful, perfect prayer, then abandoned–and now you are no one, nothing but light.
-Sequoia Durham, March 2024 Graduate