Wood Delights 2026 - Therapy and Hobby

Lead Author Affiliation

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Lead Author Status

Faculty

Faculty Mentor Name

I'm not undergrad author

Research or Creativity Area

Humanities & Arts

Abstract

I am a self-taught woodworker with a lifelong passion for creating with my hands. My work focuses on transforming found wood—such as tree branches and discarded wood—into visually striking objects. I am drawn to the unique shapes and patterns inherent in these materials, and I use mostly manual tools to clean, shape, and finish them, highlighting their natural beauty. Beyond the aesthetic and creative satisfaction, this process has become a meaningful form of therapy for me. Living with primary lateral sclerosis, a neurodegenerative condition accompanied by depression, I have found that the hands-on practice of woodworking provides a significant therapeutic benefit, offering mental focus, emotional relief, and a sense of accomplishment. In this presentation, which follows what I started in 2025 RCS, I will share recent projects and explore how the act of working with wood can foster both artistic expression and personal well-being.

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Wood Delights 2026 - Therapy and Hobby

I am a self-taught woodworker with a lifelong passion for creating with my hands. My work focuses on transforming found wood—such as tree branches and discarded wood—into visually striking objects. I am drawn to the unique shapes and patterns inherent in these materials, and I use mostly manual tools to clean, shape, and finish them, highlighting their natural beauty. Beyond the aesthetic and creative satisfaction, this process has become a meaningful form of therapy for me. Living with primary lateral sclerosis, a neurodegenerative condition accompanied by depression, I have found that the hands-on practice of woodworking provides a significant therapeutic benefit, offering mental focus, emotional relief, and a sense of accomplishment. In this presentation, which follows what I started in 2025 RCS, I will share recent projects and explore how the act of working with wood can foster both artistic expression and personal well-being.