Instructor Profiles
Jason Gold
Director of MFS
Woodworking / Leather Smithing / Homesteading Arts
My Philosophy...
Many years ago, one line from an obscure song changed the direction of my life. The line is simple and something I heard many times before - “I want to be a Great Man.” In 1998, I set out on a philosophical journey to discover my own greatness, what it means to be great, and how it affects others. Now, more than 23 years later, I can confidently state that I have not achieved the popular definition of greatness. Instead what I have successfully achieved is the pursuit of universal greatness. My personal philosophy is not to become great, but to become a better person everyday; better to myself, to my family, to my community, to my world. This is accomplished through little steps, not grand gestures, and the power of FLOW.
I teach people artisan crafting. Whether we are a tying a broom, designing a chair, or sewing a leather bag, my goal is to create an environment wherein a person can learn to harmonize their hands, head and heart together to achieve a wonderful product, a unique and rewarding experience, and the fulfillment of a community that cares.
Many years ago, one line from an obscure song changed the direction of my life. The line is simple and something I heard many times before - “I want to be a Great Man.” In 1998, I set out on a philosophical journey to discover my own greatness, what it means to be great, and how it affects others. Now, more than 23 years later, I can confidently state that I have not achieved the popular definition of greatness. Instead what I have successfully achieved is the pursuit of universal greatness. My personal philosophy is not to become great, but to become a better person everyday; better to myself, to my family, to my community, to my world. This is accomplished through little steps, not grand gestures, and the power of FLOW.
I teach people artisan crafting. Whether we are a tying a broom, designing a chair, or sewing a leather bag, my goal is to create an environment wherein a person can learn to harmonize their hands, head and heart together to achieve a wonderful product, a unique and rewarding experience, and the fulfillment of a community that cares.
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"I seek to never blame myself or anyone in my life for anything. See, the happy optimistic people I meet offer me possibility. The angry pessimistic people I meet offer me experience. The most self-centered, greedy people offer me a lesson. And, the caring, thoughtful, compassionate, understanding, inquisitive people offer me the best memories. " -J.Gold |
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My Story...
Born and raised in Michigan with the gift of gab and curiosity of a cat, I spent more time looking out the classroom window and daydreaming than studying the scribbles written on the blackboard by my teachers. Having been raised into a Jewish family, I honed my gift of rhetoric. It was both of my grandfathers who showed me the pride that one could have from working with my hands. My Papa Bernie was a master plumber and his work can still been seen in old Detroit today. My Grandfather Gordon was a handyman and painter who worked only with hand tools and crafted with a perfection that today is rarely seen. I decided at an early age that I was going to be a modern-day explorer, and I am proud to say that have not let my younger self down. I have explored positions as a leather worker, electrical journeyman, business owner, woodworker, homesteader, high school teacher, farmer, toymaker, historic preservationist, academic, book seller, remodeler, marketing director, baker, trainmaster, writer, researcher, broker, videographer, farmers market manger, and…..the list goes on and on. But the last ten years, I have taken all my experiences during my journey as a modern-day explorer and blended them to meet the needs of a folk school. Today, I am the Director of the Michigan Folk School and an instructor of broom craft, leather work, and wood. |
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www.ourhandmadelife.com
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Classes I Teach
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