Using limitations as inspiration

A couple of years ago I watched the movie "The Five Obstructions" in

which a director is challenged to remake five versions of a twelve

minute short he'd made many years earlier.  For each version he has

specific limitations placed on him.  These limitations cause him to

step out of his comfort zone and work more creatively.

I found this idea intriguing and wanted to play with it in my

woodworking.  I started thinking of ways to implement this for future

gallery pieces.  One thought was to build a piece using only a

circular saw and a couple of hand tools.  As a diversion from my

normal work, I started exploring the limits of a circular saw.  I used

it to carve, burn, shape…This was accomplished by removing teeth from

blades, using masonry blades to burn rather than cut wood, etc.  A lot

of the scraps of wood I experimented on ended up in the woodstove, but

some grabbed me and I set them aside for future use.

I've also found this a very nice way to come at a project when

collaborating with a new client.  I tend towards the "yeah, I can do

that.  I'm not sure how, but…"  Treating limitations like a puzzle can

make potential roadblocks fun.

I have yet to build an entire piece that way, but some of those

experiments have found a way to my furniture.  This first materialized

in a bed I made this summer.  

On the panels I "dinged" the circular

saw sideways (don't try this at home) to create a bamboo leaf motif

(shown).  My current project is a shoji (folding) screen being made

for an acupuncturist's office that also uses this motif. (See photos).

 I will post a picture of this finished piece soon.