Artist Returns to Woodworking Roots After Retirement — While Also Teaching Others by Jamie Bergsten
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any retirees find themselves at a place in life where they are ready to try a new hobby. Shawnee resident Jim Armstrong is no exception. The free time he’s gained has led him back to woodworking – a skill he began honing during childhood – and now he’s sharing his talents with others, as both a teacher and an artist. Armstrong was born and raised in Mt. Vernon, Texas, where his father was a cabinet and furniture maker. “He owned a woodworking shop, and that’s where I spent my time,” Armstrong said. “He taught me a lot about the trade, but I regret that I didn’t learn more. “He was a highly skilled woodworker.” Armstrong followed his own career dreams and was formally trained in electronics. He spent his career working for different companies doing everything from radio/TV repair to design work to facilitating classified electronic equipment. Not long ago, he got back into woodworking after he retired.
“I’ve always been an artist at heart,” he said. “There’s been no formal training though. My original ideas for things usually come at night when I’m trying to sleep. The artistic ‘training’ comes from closely studying the works of other artists and putting my own twist on things to make them come out the way I want them. The training from my dad made what I’m doing now possible.” Armstrong has also embraced the philosophy of kaizen in the pieces of artwork he does. Kaizen is a Japanese term that refers to continuous improvement and selfdiscipline in order to achieve regular, incremental improvements in the manufacturing process. “In other words, I try to see that each piece I design and build is better than the one before it,” he said. About a year ago, he began teaching classes so that others could improve their skills as well. “At the present time, The Arts @ 317 is the only place I hold classes,” said Armstrong,
This woodworking design on display and on sale at Arts @ 317 is the favorite of artist Jim Armstrong, who returned to a childhood hobby of woodworking after retiring. He also leads classes in wood art at the gallery at 317 E. Main. Photos submitted
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