Spirit

This documentary film explores the world of the bow and the extraordinary masters who make them. The bow is the Cinderella of the orchestra—the overworked and overshadowed ally to its more glamorous partners. Few people, even among lovers of classical music, think of the bow as an instrument in its own right, but players of stringed instruments see them differently. To musicians, the bow is as essential to expressing the soul of the music as the violin or cello. The film follows the journey of the “silent servant” of the music world—from the workshops of the virtuosos of the trade, to the birthplace of the bow in France, and to Brazil, home to the imperiled tree from which the world’s finest bows are made.

On Canada's Pacific coast this film finds a young Haida artist, Robert Davidson, shaping miniature totems from argillite, a jet-like stone. The film follows the artist to the island where he finds the stone, and then shows how he carves it in the manner of his grandfather, who taught him the craft.

In the 50 years since he carved his first totem pole, Robert Davidson has come to be regarded as one of the world’s foremost modern artists. Charles Wilkinson (Haida Gwaii: On the Edge of the World) brings his trademark inquisitiveness and craftsmanship to this revealing portrait of an unassuming living legend. Weaving together engaging interviews with the artist, his offspring, and a host of admirers, Haida Modern extols the sweeping impact of both Davidson’s artwork and the legions it’s inspired.

A story about the lives of Leila Avakh and Sedigheh Momennia who have chosen, with much love and passion, carpentry as a profession, a profession that is considered extremely masculine in the traditional society of Iran. As such, these two face many difficulties and obstacles. However, they are determined to prove to themselves and their society that it is not impossible to achieve your dreams. Leila and Sedigheh are amongst the first female carpenters in Iran.

Kolrosing (coal-rose-ing), originally from Scandinavia, is the delightful art form of creating exquisite fine line decoration in wood. From spoons to furniture - beautiful geometric, floral, and animal images come alive using only a single incised cut from a knife. Kolrosing is very accessible to the beginner, yet it offers a lifetime of creative expression for experienced carvers and woodworkers. With Excellent close-ups, Judy clearly demonstrates • Design Principles • Drawing your Design • Transferring Patterns • Carving the Design • Decorating a Spoon • Sanding and Oiling • Working in you Lap • Tools and Materials • Design Sources • Gallery of Fine Kolrosing

The Bapst Brothers: Romain, Maurice and Jacques – whom we will also meet in The Gruyere Chronicle (produced in 1990) – are peasants and carriers and work with their father. In autumn and winter, they bid for the community’s wood, cut down the pine trees and bring down the logs through the snowy woods by horse-drawn sleigh.

After writing “The Anarchist’s Tool Chest” in 2011 people kept asking what specific tools are in Christopher Schwarz's tool chest? What follows is a one-hour tour of the tools in his chest on a summer day in 2011.

To get the best performance from your handsaws they need to fit your body and be properly set up. Host Ron Herman shares with you his years of experience with handsaws to make sure you're getting the most from these essential woodworking tools.

Terry Wilson is a 70-year-old lifelong resident of Meadowvale Village, Ontario's first heritage district. As development looms and begins to destroy Terry's favourite place in the world, he recreates pieces of history in his backyard, crafting an oasis where it feels like nothing has changed. A beautiful tribute to his childhood, his mother, and his town, Terry passionately fights to preserve history in a world that's too anxious for change.

Documentary about the making of a pair of skis using old methods, from the scouting for the perfect tree to finished product.

Woodworkers who use traditional tool chests swear they're the most convenient way to organize tools for work in their shops or offsite. Now, Christopher Schwarz has designed a chest you can make in just two days using modern materials and contemporary joinery techniques. Whether your focus is hand tool or power tool woodworking, you'll find this tool chest indispensable.

Join Christopher Schwarz for a woodworking tutorial and learn how to build a workbench in two days. With a base built from standard 4×4 lumber, a base with half-lap construction, and a top made from two IKEA countertops, the demonstrated design is a seriously sturdy bench that no one will question for quality. Once the workbench construction is complete, you’ll have no shortage of working surface or dog holes.

"A short documentary about one of my favorite people."

Ian loves camp. 2011 marks his seventh year at William Lawrence Camp in New Hampshire, USA. After many summers as a camper, 2011 was his first year as a full camp counselor. Ian's love and enthusiasm for his summer retreat are unrivaled. How will he adapt to the demands of his new role?

Renowned Haida artist Bill Reid shares his thoughts on artistry, activism and his deep affection for his homeland in this heartwarming tribute from Alanis Obomsawin to her friend's life, legacy and roots.