Today we’d like to introduce you to John Downs.
Hi John, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
“Life is hard and then you die.” How many times have we heard these “words of encouragement”? The fact is that life can be incredibly challenging, painful and discouraging but we can make choices not to concentrate upon that which beats us down but that which encourages and fills our spirits. This reflects my heart and my art.
Surround yourself with things that bring you joy! This is my vision for my art. I create furniture and cabinets. Yes, they perform a function but I refer to them as “vertical art that serves a purpose”. A simple object contributing to a tranquil and peaceful existence where one finds rest and refreshment.
My journey started when my wife asked me for bookshelves in one of our bedrooms. I couldn’t stop with bookshelves. I added a corner desk, cabinets, wainscot paneling and crown molding. This created a desire to do more and that’s lead me to where I am today.
All my work is truly custom. I start with a design program where I prepare a 3D model which produces a cut list that I will use to construct the piece. I invite my clients to participate in the creative process and our only limitation is our imagination! Each piece can be as unique as my clients want them to be.
I prefer natural wood and transparent finishes. If possible, I avoid paint. Natural wood is so interesting and organic. I choose all my lumber and I look for color variances and imperfections, i.e. knots and checks. Just like life, it’s the flaws and imperfections that give my art interest!
The doors and drawers on my art are all inset. Much more demanding and unforgiving from a construction point of view,. A clean 3mm reveal that surrounds the drawer or door adds interest and elegance. A presentation that will stand the test of time.
In addition, I use half blind dovetail joinery on my drawers. This provides a structurally solid joint but the real joy is the visual presentation every time the drawer is opened!
Work can be done quickly or skillfully. Skillful work cannot be done quickly! I drive a Ford F150. I love my truck. It takes Ford 20 hours to produce one from start to finish.
A Ferrari, on the other hand, with any customization, takes 2-3 years to produce and, for those that want to take it to an extraordinary level of customization the production time could be as long as 5 years.
My clients are those who appreciate the finest details of excellence. I’ve been told I’m a perfectionist. I’ve never thought of myself that way. I simply believe that there’s a proper way to do things. My art carries my signature. That’s how I approach every piece I create.
My vision is shared by a small minority. I look for clients who share my appreciation for excellence.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth road?!? Life does not afford us a smooth road! A smooth road does not build strength or character. It’s pushing against a force that seeks to crush but not giving up. This is what builds strength and depth of character! Sometimes it gets the best of us but, when we stare down the giant and yell. “Maybe one day, but NOT TODAY!” We push thru the resistance, even when everything within us screams “quit! It’s not worth it!”, but we reject this lie and persevere and find that our efforts lead us to a place filled with beauty and tranquility. The secret is that it’s the times when we are pressed, sometimes to our limits, that allow us to enjoy and appreciate when the road is smooth and the wind is behind our back. The sad reality is that too many fail to press through the pain barrier and never get to that joyful place that can only be arrived at thru suffering.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My primary motivation is to honor an audience of One! To acknowledge the gifting that God has given me and use these skills to offer thanks for His kindness to me. So, that means every aspect of my work, that which is hidden as well as what is seen, gets the same attention to detail! It’s a solid foundation that largely determines the strength and durability of the building!
I heard a story once about Frederic Bartholdi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty. He paid great attention to every detail, even concerning Lady Liberty’s hair. At the time there was no air travel so there was no reason to believe anyone would see the top of his work but he painstakingly added detail and texture to a portion of his statue he had no reason to believe anyone would view. This has inspired me greatly. In a world of pragmatism where cutting corners are justified, often encouraged, this is not a consideration for me.
People regularly ask me, “How long did that take you?”. I can never answer that question because my joy comes as much from the journey as the destination. The whole creative process is a wonderful adventure that brings great joy to my heart!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
The support of my wife is critical in my journey as well as the encouragement and kind words of so many friends! There is also a man who has helped me to learn the design program I use. He has been incredibly generous with his time and expertise.
Actually, I’m self taught. I’ve found between YouTube and the desire, one will be surprised at what can be accomplished. I wanted to dream big and if I failed we’d just have a lot of expensive firewood!
There’s a popular quote from Teddy Roosevelt that I’ve embraced! “It’s not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or how the doer of deed’s could have done better. The credit belongs to the man in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood. Who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again because there is not effort without shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends his life for a worthy cause! Who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, or who at the worst, if he fails he does so while daring greatly so that his place will never be amongst those cold and timid souls that know neither victory or defeat.’
I believe my best work is still ahead of me and I look forward to discovering those treasures!
Pricing:
- My target client is a rare individual that recognizes quality and is seeking a custom piece that they can participate in designing. Cost comes after that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.serenitycreations.org
