Thursday, January 6, 2011

Hands With Something to Show

These men put in a long day putting in big stones in our long wall that is being constructed in Ventura this week. The sandstone is gritty and tough on the hands. The pieces are big and awkward. There is still lots to do in the next four days and there are four somewhat different techniques of walling being taught. The size of the project and the mix of walling skills is making it a challenge and very much of a new experience for instructors and students alike. During supper at the pub there were techniques and new ideas to discuss about why certain stones were being placed and fitted they way they were. That things were actually being done is the important thing. It is very satisfying to stand back see the work of our hands rather than sitting on them and having very little to show .