Thread: Bandsawn Boxes - getting started

Believe it or not, I've never heard of Allan Williams. I looked online but could not find a web site. Does he have one? Or, is there anyplace I can see this man's work? I'm dying to see the work of the Master band saw box maker in Australia- I thought that was Tony Ward!
Donna Menke

How's the book going Donna?

Hi Stuart,
The book has been out of my hands since last week. the editor and I did a lot of emailling back and forth to get the last details straightened out. Now they will fiddle with it a little more, and then it goes to China to be printed. Most full-color books are printed in China now. I tried to get it done locally before I got involved with Sterling, but nobody was interested. Oh well.
I am very pleased with how it is coming out. I was concerned that they would alter it without my input, but that was not the case at all. Every change had to be approved by me- and they left most of my words intact. They did cut 8 of the 30 projects, but they were my choices. I hated to see them go, but at 224 pages the book is big enough- we could not keep all the projects. It is amazing to me that they can sell a book like this for $17.95. I thought it would be twice that price. I happy it is so affordable.
Later on I'll do as Tony Ward has done and make PDF files of these and other projects to sell online. I will also be giving 2 free projects (their choice, out of the 8) to people who purchase the book from me. After all, I'll have 500 books to sell- and that is a lot of books.
I noticed that you are not on my master list of people interested in the book's progress. If you will send me your email addy I'll be happy to add you to the list. http://www.sterlingpub.com/book/Cate...BookKey=219717
Here is the ad showing the cover.
Thanks for asking-
Donna Menke [email protected]

Hi Donna,
No, Alan doesn't have a website. I think there is a gallery in the Southern Highlands has his work, and he recently bought a gallery in Dorrigo (where he lives) so there should be some of his work there. Most of his work goes directly to galleries in Europe.

I have photos of a couple of his boxes he had at last years Grafton Artsfest, but I don't know if I will be breaking copyrighjt in publishing them, so won't.

Don

Originally Posted by Don Nethercott

Hi Donna,
No, Alan doesn't have a website. I think there is a gallery in the Southern Highlands has his work, and he recently bought a gallery in Dorrigo (where he lives) so there should be some of his work there. Most of his work goes directly to galleries in Europe.

I have photos of a couple of his boxes he had at last years Grafton Artsfest, but I don't know if I will be breaking copyrighjt in publishing them, so won't.

Don

Don

As much as there are some images of Alan William's work available by visiting one of the galleries, I think we owe it to Alan to obtain his permission before the images are published by this Forum.

I suspect one of the reasons Alan does not have a web site (and we have talked about it at length) is that he apprehensive about people attempting to copy his work.

It is my understanding amongst all of his students that they will use his work as an inspiration and never attempt to duplicate it. I hope this Code of Conduct is respected by all members and visitors to this Forum!

This is my opinion and it may not upheld by Alan Williams or Moderators of this Forum.

Hi Tony,
Yes you are right. I actually had not intended putting up the pictures (as my post said), but they must have gone up by accident. I had started to upload them but cancelled when I rellised the implications. Obviously the cancel did not work.

Fortunately we can edit our own posts so they are gone now.

Thanks
Don

PS you are correct about Alan not wanting his work copied. He will allow his students to make a copy for their own use, but not to sell.

I will try and find his email and see if he will give permission for a pic or 2 as I think his work is brilliant and could be an inspiration to others..

I thing you and he are very similar in approach as you both carve the front of many (most?) of your pieces rather than gluing on a handle. I like that approach myself, but am a long way from mastering it.

I think Alan has the advantage that he is also a woodcarver. He tried to teach us some basic woodcarving tricks last year, but their is so much to learn and so little time.


Don

Unless you are going to hide your finished box under a rock there is a good chance that someone is going to try to copy the design. Look at how many people have copied Lois Keener Ventura's designs. I guess when you make a book like she did that is to be expected. I'm not planning to go into production with my designs anyhow- so go ahead and copy away. . . if you can figure out how to do it. . .
Donna Menke

PM on its way Donna

Stuart- sorry, I've been out of touch for a while. what is the meaning of PM?
Donna Menke

Thanks for Tony's site. I'm new to the site and woodworking. I had no idea about bandsawn boxes so was great to see what can be done and get a free plan for a beginner.