Makers & Brothers consists of brothers Jonathan and Mark Legge and the artisans who work with them in their traditional Irish wood shop. They’re installing themselves in the garden at The Standard, East Village over Design Week (May 16-20) along with fellow carver James Carroll who will be making made-to-order spoons for anyone who’s interested. We asked James Carroll about the art of spooning.
Standard Culture: So, what makes the perfect spoon?
Mmmm. I still have a lot to learn about that. I guess for starters it has to perform well as a spoon, feel right in the hand/mouth and be carved in such a way as to be slight yet strong. However, the process of making, the effort and the intention are, for me, as important as the final piece. I don't think there is a perfect spoon really. Imperfections are far more interesting. But you never know, maybe the next one will be perfect.
How long have you been working with wood?
Twenty odd years.
Where did you learn the craft?
It's an ongoing process I will never learn at all. I have been to various different educational institutions, gone on multiple courses and worked alongside some very good people crafts people. A lot of trial and error too, which is probably the most useful way to learn. I recently picked-up some good lessons on spoon carving from the master, Robin Wood.
All photos courtesy of Makers & Brothers.
