Artist Profile: Derek Brabender
Derek Brabender is a Stoughton-based artisan who specializes in carving and turning woodenware using non-motorized green woodworking methods. High moisture content is what gives this form of carpentry the name “green woodworking.” Wood that is freshly felled by arborists or storms has softer fibers that can be effectively shaped with hand tools. Derek’s dedication to workmanship and respect to the environment is reflected in his work.
1) How do you define the word 'artist' and what is integral to the work as one?
What I love about this question is that it can be the beginning of a wonderfully nebulous conversation. There are so many answers! I think that being an artist is about channeling more than just physical energy into one’s efforts—and more about focusing creative energy plus intent to convey a message, evoke emotion or infuse a deeper meaning than what may be visible on the surface. For me, the most important aspect of being an artisan is finding joy within my creative process. I’ve found joy working with natural materials: primarily green wood, hand tools or turning on a spring pole lathe. Being able to shape wood with simple tools, my own two hands—as well as the confidence in my abilities—is empowering. There’s a flexibility in using hand tools that allow the maker more creative control of their work. On the flip side, there is less certainty of the outcome…which becomes more certain as skills and experience increases.
2) What are you most excited about in regard to projects you're currently working on this year?
I’m most excited to return to producing the work I wish to create, as well as offering some of that work for sale (which I haven’t been able to do for several years). 2022 has become a positive pivotal year in my life due to a major career change that presented me with the opportunity to spend more time and energy on my craft.
3) What memorable responses have you had to your work?
In February, I was struggling through a creative rut. As an act of self care, I decided to dust off my spring pole lathe and capture on video turning my first bowl in a year. It felt important to me at that time to have a short video of myself doing what I love. I decided to share it with friends and family by posting the video to TikTok. I had no idea that it would end up unintentionally reaching millions of people around the world becoming a showcase of preindustrial human powered wood turning. Some of the most memorable responses are along the lines of “I had no idea what woodturning before electricity looked like.” If my videos have inspired just one other person to also find joy in woodworking, then I feel like I’ve made a significant difference.