As I entered Walter's workshop, I unknowingly began a journey of personal healing and discovery. I had approached Walter to teach me violin making, something I had wanted to do since I was a teenager, but became suddenly more real as my first daughter was born. I wanted to do something extraordinarily special for her, something that she could always remember me by, no matter where we each were in life.

 

I started by making some simple wooden toys - from mice to bunnies and kangaroos - all made with natural wood and a linseed oil finish. While simple in design, I quickly learned a large repertoire of new techniques that would be essential for violin making: various hand tools, elements of aesthetic design, wood finishing, inlay, even chip carving. I made dozens of small projects, and felt a burst of joy each time I gifted a genuine handmade item to a friend, family, or coworker.

 

Finally, the day came to start a violin. I eagerly learned all I could, not only taking copious notes from Walter, but also buying a library of books. I even used my chemistry degree to experiment with varnish recipes. I only ever intended to make one violin, but after finishing my first one in just 5 months (while also working and going to school), I knew that this would be a lifetime hobby. I quickly made a second violin, and then went on to my "magnum opus," a Norwegian Hardanger fiddle, complete with pearl inlay, a carved dragon head scroll, and intricate rosing and gilding.

 

During the years in Walter's workshop, I faced some personal challenges. But as I walked into Walter's workshop each evening, the challenges seemed to fade to the background. I found solace from sitting at the bench, creating invaluable items from the gift of nature. During one of my frequent insightful conversations with Walter, he noted: "Machines can't love, but people can; that's why it's worth it to spend the time making a genuine handmade gift. It comes from the heart more than anything else." While I am always exploring new tools to shape the wood, I always strive to keep the personal touch that can only come from a handmade item.