Making Problems to Solve

From his start filming for the music industry in LA, to capturing the nuance of Paul Jackman, Justin Mabie has developed a compelling documentary style that finds  story behind the maker. We talked about creating the story in the edit and discover of new fields of navigating humans, or social problem solving, making your subject comfortable and getting them to tell a good story. As has become typical, we talk about building your maker community, from national maker events, to your local maker meetup.  Mentions in this episode: Paul Jackman April Wilkerson Total Boat Erin Longgellow Jimmy Diresta Austin Handel and the Catskill Mountain Maker Camp WorkbenchCon Calavera Tool Works Jason Hibbs Sam Raimondi

Shane Mooney is woodworker, exploring the artistic side of making, with a love for wildlife, nature, and vintage cast iron. From leatherwork, to welding table bases, to band saw magic, Shane is always learning something new.  Find Shane on Instagram. Photo credit Mark Adams Mentions in this episode:  Jimmy Diresta Kathrina Nellis Tracey Cheuvront Fernando Gary LaGuardia Make Something Steve Ramsey I Like to Make Stuff

Hey folks, thanks to Barefoot Finn for letting me know the audio was a bit mixed up about halfway through, that's fixed! George Hrab has a wide ranging musical career, playing percussion with the Philadelphia Funk Authority for 20 years, releasing 6 studio albums (with the 7th on the way) and exploring critical thinking and comedy on over 800 episodes of the Geologic Podcast (contains 0% geology). We explore the extreme competence on display in Star Trek: TNG, the wonderful problem-solving on Repair Shop, and how deadlines and limitations can help creativity.  You can hear George's upcoming album TERPSICHORE April 22, 2023 at the Ice House in Bethlehem, PA! Check out georgehrab.com geologicpodcast.com 

This week I talked to Christy Rivera about getting started and learning along the way. Christy started out learning about DIY home and auto repairs, and she's always interested in learning more whether it's about house history, plaster coating technology or the coolness of tartigrades.  Find Christy on Instragram  Mentions in this episode: Erik Curtis Joanie Sprague Lindsay Zuelich

This week my guest is Heidi Jacobs from Whitehall Pottery. We discuss her start in a maker family, journey through art school, to a production pottery studio. Heidi studied sculpture in college, and learned the value of learning a craft whether it's welding or woodworking.  Find Heidi on Instagram and Youtube, including the Virtual Craft Fair. Mentions in this episode: Ben Jacobs - Slap Stuff Together Joe Thompson - Old Forge Creations Tim Cunningham - The Urban Forge Franco Nocce Carl Jacobson Jamie Page Laura Kampf Fools with Tools Podcast - Brett, Al, Steve The Redsmith Karoline Hinz Jessie Uyeda

Steph from Uncommon Outpost started out building and creating things as a kid, learned construction volunteering for Habitat for Humanity with her dad, and learned confidence for problem-solving along the way. We talk about her experience in art school, and her experience in non-traditional marketing for bar promotions lead to a career in industrial maintenance, product development and marketing with Wall Control. We learn about Free Art Fridays and Game of Shrooms, a worldwide art event.  Mentions in the show: Mark Adams Pictures Jessie Uyeda Brittany Bailey

I had a great chat with Ruth Amos, inventor and engineer, of Kids Invent Stuff. Ruth says she loves to "bring to life, the weird and wonderful", so I had to talk to her. We talked about Ruth's history in creative expression from lego, to theater and home videos, and he effects these foundations have on her creative career today.  Follow Ruth on her Instagram and YouTube as well as Kids Invent Stuff on Instagram and Youtube.  Mentions Shawn Brown Makers Waffle

I am happy to call Rob Rojas a friend. We met at Jimmy Diresta's shop shortly after he restored an antique camel-back drill press. He focuses on improving his woodworking skills and collecting a variety of tools to support that journey. He is never limited to learning just one thing, an we talk a bit about what the future might hold. Don't forget to check out his profile by K+S Precision Metals and his video on making the ice-pick launcher! You can find Rob on Instagram and Youtube.  Mentions in this episode Jimmy Diresta Chris from Cowdog Craftworks Anne of all Trades Tony Rouleau

This episode I was joined by Trevor Higgins, who shares his shop with old and new friends who are interested in learning the ways of the maker. He started his creative journey with Lego, like many, and graduated to music making and audio engineering. Along the way he was always using tools to further his learning. We had a great conversation about the ways we build community, and the different ways to share what we know.  Find Trevor on Instagram and Youtube.  Mentions in this episode: Brett McAfee Laura Kampf Marielle Brinkman Dr. Lisa Patti Gilstrap Photo Credit: Adam Cee

This episode my guest is Ryan Smith of Smith Makes, an all around woodworking problem solver, and printmaker. Ryan even bought a new printing press between the recording and release of this episode! We talk about Ryan's creative transition from musician to music festival poster collector and beyond, as well as how a challenge to make a dining table led him to the current state of his woodworking shop.  Check out Ryan @smith_makes on Instagram or his Etsy Shop Mentions in this episode Jimmy Diresta Kyle Toth Frank Howarth Mark Spagnuolo Bob Clagett David Picciuto Bobby Rosenstock

I talked to Brett McAfee, mostly a blacksmith,  about his journey as a maker and artist. He shares about how his teachers affected his thoughts and perspective on creativity and problem solving. We cover chaos and uncertainty as a source of inspiration and the spectrum from entertainment to art. There's a good bit about video games and we hardly mention Steve at all.  Find Brett on Instagram @skullandspade13, Youtube, and his Podcast with Al and Steve, Fools with Tools where you can hear more about chaos just about every week.  Sorry Mark Adams, not this time. 

This episode we learn about Brittney Carbone from @brittneycarbone.art we we discussed the maker journey of a middle school art teacher. Brittney is making waves, literally, by molding and reshaping epoxy resin as it cures to create unique seascape inspired art.  Learn more at https://www.brittneycarboneart.com/ Mentions in the show:  Peter Brown Andrew Burke Blake McFarland Cover photo credit Mark Adams

This episode I talked to Paul from Copper Pig Fine Woodworking about his journey to fine woodworking. We discuss the opposite of the "taste gap", more of the reverse, where a maker realizes their skills to create have progressed beyond their design skills, and it is time to find inspiration. Then we come up with several ways to find that inspiration.  Learn about Paul's work on Instagram or his web site.  Mentions this episode: Marc Spagnuolo Keith Johnson Katie Freeman

This week I talked to Tamara Robertson, chemical and biomolecular engineer, cosplay artist, maker, and Mythbuster. We talked about Tamara’s path from curious kid to engineer to costume design and science communication and outreach. Weaving together all her skills and experiences to a career combining engineering, live panels combining superheroes and science fiction with real life scientists, comic books, and outreach for science, technology and work in the trades. Along the way Tamara gave me a new way to look at how art and science are related.  Learn more about Tamara's work at her website with links to all of her work and projects.  Listen to Tamara's Podcast Tinkering Belles The Jessi Combs Foundation USA Science Fest Mentions in this episode: Char Wooden Maven Pat Lap The Catskill Mountain Maker Camp

In this internet exclusive Luke and Priscilla completely open up, knocking down our private walls, sharing parts of their background and history they’ve never shared before. According to Priscilla, I do an amazing job of navigating the conversation of art and engineering, unintentionally revealing the separate individuals they are; artist and maker. Dive deep into where my friends came from. where they are today, and where they might be going next! Learn more about Luke and Priscilla as well as their business PLSmithed and their community support project And They Make. Mentions in this episode: The Art of Craftmanship Jon Mulhern Austin Handel - The Catskill Mountain Maker Camp

Welcome to the epicsode with the expert maker and waffler Andy Pugh! He has his mind and hands in all kinds of making, here and there, and he's known for supporting every maker he meets, as well as a constant companion on more than one Discord community. We talk about his journey through making and his creative eye for photography. You can find Andy every Sunday live on the Makers Waffle Podcast (with Jamie Reader), Tales from the Tinkerage, Thoughts from the Tinkerage. Mentions in this episode:  Andy Birkey Making Our Way Podcast (Austin, Dean, Christie) Allie Katz (listen to their episode 20) Ruth Amos Two-thirds Focused Podcast Fools with Tools Podcast Lindsay Creative

This episode I talk to Andrew Burke @burkemakesstuff on Instagram, about teaching, finding his way in the maker community, and his experience as an educator in a creative field. Mentioned in this episode: @nymucci @jimmydiresta @woodbrain @blackthornconcepts @leaharipotch @nerdforge @plsmithed @morleykert

Brooke and Michael are the proprietors of Makers Workshop in Maynard, Massachusetts a maker space that have developed a great community. Besides supporting their community, they reclaim lumber from their local area and create slabs and milled laser ready wood. Check out their slab sale November 18-20, 2022 (if you're listening when this comes out!) Check out Makers Workshop on Instagram and Youtube Mentions in this episode: Laura an Louis from Imee Made Peter and Emma from Ptreesworkshop

I talked to Jeremy Specce about his journey to become an electrician working in the film industry, as well as his maker journey. I met Jeremy through May for Makers, and he's been a big part of the maker community, recently contributing to the Blackthorne Timber-In building the timer frame bridge at Maker Camp 2022. He decided to make mallets from reclaimed building materials to thank everyone for sharing in the learning experience and he'll be selling a few of these to support Flatbush Cats creating a new spay/neuter clinic to provide affordable and accessible vet care to more pet owners and rescuers in Brooklyn.  Find Jeremy on Instagram  Mentions  Justin Dietrich Flatbush Cats Luke and Priscilla Smith Chris Zep Storyteller's Tavern Crafting a Revolution  Working Hands Podcast Route 9 Signs Making Our Way Podcast MOW Swap  Vincent Ferrari

This episode I talked to Laura and Louis from Imee_Made, they're exploring creativity through media from sewing to customizing cars, and melting aluminum with a bunch of digital fabrication along the way.  Find out what they're up to on Instagram and YouTube.  Mentioned in this episode: Vincent Ferrari Mike Montgomery Ben Uyeda Bob Clagett Ethan Carter Brooke and Michael at Maker's Workshop 3D DIY Dave Photo Credit again by Mark Adams 

This episode I had a great conversation with Keith Decent, a maker and artist who recently started exploring product development. We talk about some of the deep concepts behind some of this art while keeping most of his projects playful and fun.  Find Keith on Instagram and Youtube. Check out the Utility Mat and From the Ground Up Podcast Mentions in this Episode Vincent Ferrari Jonny Builds Leah Aripotch Tom - Infinite Craftsman - FrogPod! Jimmy Diresta Bob Clagett Geoff Feder

This episode I talk to Lindsay Murphy, who primarily works in metal creating jewelry inspired by nature, as well as geek-influenced subjects. We get into her rediscovery of making art as an adult, and finding a maker community right at home, as well as online.  Find Lindsay on Instagram and her website. Mentions in this show: Houston Area Blacksmiths  Maker's Central  Bobby Duke Laura Kampf

This week I am talking with a classic maker podcaster Vincent Ferrari. Vincent specializes in digital fabrication, digital art, jewlery making, along with being a wizard with a cutting board. We find out about the new podcast he is launching in October 2022, Digitally Creative.  Find Vincent on Instagram, YouTube, and his website  Mentions on the show:  Jeff Stein Nicholas Berchtold Dennis van Hoof  Chris Powell Print the Legend - 3D Printing Documentary  Bob Clagett Chris Giffrow Steve Ramsey Dave Picciuto Knight Rider Historians Digitally Creative the Podcast Mark Adams - Photographer of Makers (podcast cover photo credit) 3D DIY Dave Jonny Lambert Paul Meyette The Catskill Mountain Maker Camp at the Blackthorne Resort

Marielle and Lisa are a couple of makers who are interested in crafts from sewing and knitting to metal fabrication and glassblowing, as well as sharing their love of making with a new generation. We go over their history as makers from family through school and college and beyond to the online maker community.  Mentions: Pat Quinn - Center for Metal Arts Elizabeth Brim Girls Build in Portland - Katie Hughes Andrea deLeon Laura Kampf Jimmy Diresta

This episode I had a great conversation with PJ Galati, Son of the Junkhunter. We talked about his journey from young junk hunting apprentice, to film school, through his experience writing a novel, and his skills as a tool restorer and tool artist, creating unique artworks right on the tools. Lately PJ has been creating new solutions to problems folks find in putting old tools to use such as his new Delta band saw wheel brushes.  Find PJ on Instagram PJ hosts the Maker Skills Podcast with Tanda and Tom.  Mentions Kendall Shaw

Hello and welcome to this week's episode! I had a wonderful catch-up with my friends from the Reclaimed Audio Podcast, of course, Phil Pinsky, Bill Lutes, and Tim Sway.  These guys are some of the original problem makers, and directly inspired me to share what I make, and the theme of this whole show. We talked about problem-solving in all kinds of contexts, even parenting.  As if you didn't already know them Tim Sway Instagram and YouTube Bill Lutes Instagram and YouTube Phil Pinsky Instagram and YouTube Mentions Ira Glass on The Taste Gap  Long Way Round Spark Cycleworks

This episode I talked to Emily Velasco, a maker, artist, and science communicator. Our conversation ranged from creating functional projects from found objects to articulating whale skeletons. Emily has a curiosity and desire to make weird things and share them to show people they can have more fun in their lives. Emily is most active on Twitter. You can also find some of her projects over on YouTube. You can support the show at patreon.com/makingproblemstosolve where every Patron gets access to the Aftershow where we extend the conversation. You can find Dave (me!) on Instagram @davebauerart or davebauer.art Mentions in the show: Noyo Center for Marine Science Niche Museums  

I've been thinking about the idea of a creative focused life for a while, and thought who better to have on the show than two lifelong makers who pretty much make something every day. Amy is a ceramic artist, potter, and painter who has built a business around her art on Etsy. Jimmy has been the catalyst for a lot of folks who call themselves makers, with his YouTube videos that show that you can make just about anything with enough effort and imagination. We didn't necessarily come up with the secret to quit your job and become a full-time artist, but you'll learn some ways to think about your creative work and how to fit it into your life.  Find Amy on Instagram, Etsy, and Surlyramics.com Find Jimmy on Instagram, YouTube and Jimmydiresta.com Mentions in the show:  Robert Williams - Lowbrow Art Derek from Malden Graz Tony Rouleau Adam Cee Tom - Infinite Craftsman Morley Kert

This week I talked with Tanda Madison Headrick, lately mostly known as one of the slacker co-hosts of the Maker Skills podcast, and part-time salesperson at Johnson's hardware. We dove deep into Tanda's history of exploring how things work through the lens of electronics, prototyping, and machine automation.  Find Tanda on Instagram @tandamadison or on the Maker Skills Podcast Mentions this episode PJ Galati (Son of the Junkhunter) and Tom (Infinite Craftsman) You can support the show at patreon.com/makingproblemstosolve where every Patron gets access to the Aftershow where we extend the conversation. You can find Dave (me!) on Instagram @davebauerart or davebauer.art

My guest this time was Steve House from Moonshine Metalworks, a blacksmith, a photographer, and hot-rod enthusiast. We talked about the power of observation, looking for joy, art appreciation, why bad art is good, and finally a compelling argument for a manual transmission, metaphorically. Steve from Moonshine Metalworks if you want to learn more and be sure to checkout the Fools with Tools Podcast.  Mentions this epsiode I remembered to write down Former guest Allie from Katzcreates.com One of the best podcasters out there Geoff Feder of Feder Knives and of course The Full Blast Podcast And some new up and coming maker Jimmy Diresta I can't imagine we forgot about Andy Birkey and Andy Pugh so check them out! You can support the show at patreon.com/makingproblemstosolve You can find Dave on Instagram @davebauerart or davebauer.art

This episode I talk to Tom Baisch, Infinite Craftsman, a maker and inventor who often shares his design and problem-solving process in multitudes of Instagram stories. We talked about art as one way to learn how to make connections between all the different things we learn along the way. Tom reminds us that you don't need permission to get started, but if you do need permission, you have it now, get started.  Tom shares his thoughts at https://www.instagram.com/infinitecraftsman/ Mentions this episode: AJ Huff from Design the Everything Steve from Moonshine Metalworks again.  The inimiatable Andy Pugh of course! You can find Dave on Instagram @davebauerart or davebauer.art

This episode my guest is Allie Katz also known as Katz Creates. Allie is a Creative Technologist, Multidisciplinary Artist, Film Maker, Problem Solver sharing creative projects from 3d-printed electronic projects to pottery. Their work embraces all labels while recognizing no boundaries.  Check out Allie's work on Instagram, Youtube or Katzcreates.com Mentions this episode: Steve from Moonshine Metalworks The inimiatable Andy Pugh You can find Dave on Instagram @davebauerart or davebauer.art You can support the podcast on Patreon

This episode I talked to my friend Jeff Shaw of Ideal Grain. Jeff is a generalist fabricator and maker of things. He focusing on functional items, from a CNC flat-pack sewing machine stand, to 3D printed replacement parts and upgrades for his unique and fun Bongo van. Jeff was a part of a few of my Joke Cutlery ideas, providing the Adirondack Chair I used to make the Adirondack Mountain Laser Hatchet. Jeff is an important part of the Northeast Makers, he's always willing to share knowledge. In an exclusive, we learn what type of clamp is his favorite. You might be surprised! Find Jeff at https://www.instagram.com/ideal_grain/ and see the car side of things at https://www.instagram.com/makermazdas/ You can find Dave at https://www.instagram.com/davebauerart/ or https://davebauer.art/ You can support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/makingproblemstosolve Mentions: Lars Christensen Fusion 360 for Absolute Beginners https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5bc9c3S12g Tim Sway Jambulance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28AHoB-iBIo&t=74s

Amy Davis Roth is a full time artist, creating ceramic jewelry based in love of nature and science, as well as pottery, painting, and whatever other creative pursuits come her way. Her love of learning lead to the unique combination of art, jewelry and science communication and she shares this curiosity with folks at https://surlyramics.com/ as well as on Instagram @surlyamy You can find Dave at https://www.instagram.com/davebauerart/ or https://davebauer.art/ You can support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/makingproblemstosolve

Morley Kert is a designer, maker, and YouTube creator who shares his problem-solving process. He has worked at a maker space and STEAM camp for kids, and recently has had great success creating 3d-printed objects to improve the world around him.  Follow all the cool work Morley is creating: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/morleykert/ Youtube https://www.youtube.com/c/MorleyKert CLAMP https://www.clampcast.com/the-podcast Into the Spotlight https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/into-the-spotlight/id1517116852 You can find Dave at https://www.instagram.com/davebauerart/ or https://davebauer.art/ You can support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/makingproblemstosolve

My guest this time was Marylou Anderson from Made by Marylou. From a lifelong love for making music and art, to the inspiration of free building materials on the side of road, and how a stray pallet re-kindled a love for filmmaking.  Find  Made by Marylou on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeby_marylou/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MadeByMarylou Web site: https://www.madebymarylou.com/ You can find Dave at https://www.instagram.com/davebauerart/ or https://davebauer.art/

This episode I talk to Keith Drennan about his creative history, including shop class, a bit about robots, his love of photography, and the state of the maker community on Instagram. We hardly complain about Reels at all.  Find Keith's work on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/blackthornconcepts/ and the Working Hands Podcast at https://lnk.bio/Workinghandspodcast You can find Dave at https://www.instagram.com/davebauerart/ or https://davebauer.art/

Dre is an epoxy artist and all around creative maker, as well as a host of the IG live show "In the Shop Live" where they highlight a wide variety of makers You can find her work on instagram @craftswithdre. We had a great chat about her path of creativity, and the maker community.  You can check out her work on instagram https://www.instagram.com/craftswithdre/ andhttps://www.instagram.com/intheshop_live/ You can find Dave at https://www.instagram.com/davebauerart/ or https://davebauer.art/

Jacob is a Mechno-Electrical engineer with interests in duct tape art, props and cosplay, and has created a new tool the BEVALL, a precise bevel handle for X-acto and craft knives. He worked as build coordinator on the Netflix show Making Fun. You can check out Jacob's work at https://www.instagram.com/rocketprops/ and learn more about the BEVALL at http://www.rocket-props.com/store/the-bevall-v10-1 You can find Dave at https://www.instagram.com/davebauerart/ or https://davebauer.art/

This week I chatted with Emily Joyce (@emilyjoyceofficial) about teaching and making art, including the importance of mentors and support along the way. Emily is a former art teacher for elementary, middle, and high school. Currently she is making enamel art and sharing what she learns with the art and maker community.  You can find Emily's work at https://www.instagram.com/emilyjoyceofficial/ You can find Dave at https://www.instagram.com/davebauerart/ or https://davebauer.art/

This time I talked with John Graziano, aka GrazMakes on your usual platforms, about curiosity and a constant desire to modify things to understand how they work and to take things apart to bend them to your will. Along the way we discussed the important discovery that, yes, you can make creativity a career and the joy of sharing what you've learned a way to show even more folks what making is all about. Check him out at @grazmakes on Instagram and YouTube.  Find Graz at https://www.instagram.com/grazmakes/ You can find Dave at https://www.instagram.com/davebauerart/ or https://davebauer.art/

This time I talked with Patti Gilstrap (@pattibrooklyn on Instagram) about dance, sewing, puppets, blacksmithing and robots and the winding path along the way. Patti is a sewing instructor to welders and woodworkers at the Catskill Mountain Maker Camp, and a great member of the maker community.  Find Patti's work at https://www.instagram.com/pattibrooklyn/ You can find Dave at https://www.instagram.com/davebauerart/ or https://davebauer.art/

This episode I had a great conversation with Andy Birkey, the original creative weirdo, famous in the maker community for his wonderful dog Fiona, who always gets him up to see a sunrise. He looks at the world as a bit of a science experiment, and a bit of poetry. Check him out at  @andy_birkey on Instagram and start really paying attention.  Find Andy's work at https://www.instagram.com/andy_birkey/ Thanks to Andy for the cover photo for the episode.  You can find Dave at https://www.instagram.com/davebauerart/ or https://davebauer.art/

What is this all about? I'm interested in the problem-solving process of creative pursuits, the learning that occurs when making something that has never existed before. I have noticed quite a few folks who call themselves makers and artists say that the problem-solving is their favorite part. I want to explore what that means and how we can share the joy of making problems to solve.