Hail Fellow - Well Met.

Why the name?

The word, or when used in a phrase “Hail-fellow”, or “Hail-fellow-well-met’’ is an old English saying to describe someone as a companion, or trusted friend; someone you greet with respect. To my absolute horror, and only after picking the domain name, and my social media handles, I found that (like many things) there can be a back-handed way to use this as well. “A person whose behavior is hearty, friendly, and congenial, typically in an excessive or insincere manner.” As you come to know me, you will understand that coming across as “insincere” or “salesman” like makes me physically ill. Excessive? Ok, fine i’ll let you be the judge of that - but lord almighty, please, not insincere.

Despite how hard we try, we cannot control how we are perceived by others. I think actions are the clearest form of understanding what someone is all about. I hope mine show you that I try too live up to the front-half of that saying far more then the back-handed half.

Where I’m coming from

I, at no point in my life, wanted to be grow up and become a furniture maker. In truth, I didn’t even know it was an option. Like most young men, I hovered around the big three: Firefighter, Police Officer, and Military. After dropping out of high school, the military seemed the only path left. After being posted to Petawawa, the poor soul that was placed in charge of me gave me a life changing piece of advice. “As soon as it’s financially feasible, buy a house.” So, at 21, I bought the roughest looking house on the nicest street I could afford. I couldn’t pay anyone to fix it, so I had no choice but to learn. That ended up being a turning point for me, and before long, I realized that I felt like a completely different person when I was working on my little house.

Fast forward 14 years, I found myself with a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose building things with my own hands. I decided a career change was in order, and a deeper understanding of hand tools, and techniques was what I was after. I had a good understanding of modern tools and practises under my belt, however, I had a childlike curiosity towards what was missing; how did people build all these old, stunning buildings and furniture before they had heavy equipment, and power tools?

Where I am now

Today, i’m in a very fortunate position; I teach others with the same curiosity where mine led me - Rosewood Studio School of Fine Woodworking in Perth, Ontario. With shorter 1-week classes teaching the basics of hand tools and woodworking, to a 12-week intensive craftsman program covering beginner to advanced skills I get to see and continue to learn quite a bit while I teach.

You will forever be a student of the craft, and to think otherwise is a fool’s errand.

With about 120 students a year, and only eight at a time I get to give a lot of myself to students while they are attending a class. This means I get to learn about them; where they’re from, how they grew up, and what they fill their day with 9-5. This has brought me more fulfillment then anything else. With every class and every conversation it feels like another step towards preserving something worth keeping alive; continuing the lineage of craftsmanship.

Why I’m writing

I’m writing because I believe meaning is worth protecting. I struggle with the noise of “one SECRET you’re missing” or “EVERYTHING you know about X is wrong”. My personal favourite currently being “If you want to MASTER x then you MUST do y”. I feel like that’s theater - not teaching. To be clear, I am not knocking the people who have more talent in that realm then I do. It’s likely the case I’m a little jealous. In the future, I may try my hand at something less show-boaty and to the point. Time will tell.

I want this space to move a little slower, to breathe a little. The work I share here is my attempt to show that craftsmanship, sincerity, and patience still matter. In a world that is chasing the fastest and easier path, I exist to remind others - especially those who feel like something is missing - that working with your hands, creating something honest is still one of the most grounding things you can do.

People want to work with their hands and they feel it when it’s missing.

Well Met,

Matthew Walsh