Thought to be a hobby of the past, woodworking is becoming more popular by the minute. A trade that allows people to become more tactile, helps with problem-solving, and presents a new, practical form of knowledge. It’s a very simple one to get started on, as seen by two brothers in NDG who fell in love with the job.
Anthony and Leo Donovan, two brothers, both work in carpentry. Even though both had different ways of ending up in cabinet-making, they both thoroughly enjoy it. “My friend asked if I wanted a job and I said yes, he said ‘great you start Monday morning.’ This is probably why it feels more like a job than a hobby to me,” said Anthony.
His brother, on the other hand, started this hobby a different way. Both growing up with a father who emphasized the importance of writing and literature and less interest in woodworking, Leo wanted the experience of individually learning something that allowed him to solve problems, that he actually enjoyed.
“I spent two years in cabinet making school, then worked for six months in a carpentry shop as well as some odd jobs after that, and now I’m back in carpentry school,” said Leo, who is enjoying his days back at school.
When both were asked if they felt if woodworking was an uncommon hobby or trade, they both responded saying that they felt bias answering. “There are lot’s of cabinet makers, I don’t think it uncommon but I’m in the field,” said Anthony. His brother had a similar feeling that it wasn’t uncommon, however, for a different reason. “Lately, not so much, it’s a hipster thing now,” said Leo, who felt that with the new wave of people coming into the trade, the hipster community of Montreal, had a lot to do with the new popularity of the job.
Perhaps it seemed uncommon because of the dangers that went along with it. Everyone has those famous stories from shop class at school when a student got injured, so maybe that’s why it feels like such a strange job. This, however, is not how Anthony and Leo felt. When asked if the job was too dangerous, Leo responded with, “no, there are much more dangerous things to do,” and Anthony felt that if you were careful and smart you’d be fine. “In my four years, I haven’t seen anything other than the one time I stepped on a nail,” Anthony exclaimed.
Both boys tremendously enjoy their line of work and encourage others to experiment in the new hobby. If you have a creative and tactile mind, they believe that woodworking is the hobby for you. Both are currently working on projects, like Leo, who has almost completed an adjustable bench press, and Anthony, who is making a loft bed “that will hopefully one day have a ladder to get on it.”