By Allie Armstrong
Bandsaws, bar clamps, and chisels for a grade! Not many students get the chance to use these devices in a lab. But in UW–Madison’s woodworking courses, you sharpen skills on tools like these to excel at this unique and useful artform.
Senior Katrina Koppa is one of these talented woodworkers. With a few courses under her tool belt and an impressive array of photos to show for it, we asked her to brush away the sawdust and shed some light on the class, to explain the craftsmanship and teaching that allows her creations of wood and imagination to come to life.
What inspired you to explore woodworking classes in college?
Woodworking was a completely new skill. I entered the art department planning on pursuing graphic design. I was debating which course to take for my 3D requirement in one of my art foundations classes, and my T.A. for the class recommended woodworking. I knew that I liked building things and process-based art forms, so I took their advice.
How is the atmosphere of the woodshop different from previous art courses that you have taken?
In other art courses, I learned a lot and made plenty of pieces that were important steps on my path as an artist, but I didn’t feel the same sense of community with my classmates or
instructors. In the woodshop, I feel comfortable not only asking for help on a project, but also getting to know everyone and learning about their lives outside of the shop. I’ve made real friendships that have lasted beyond the class, which feels really special and isn’t something I can say for many other classes.
How do you decide what to create?
Most of my pieces have been guided by prompts. However, they still allowed for plenty of individual creativity. I’ve developed an aesthetic style that feels very instinctual. Making art is my form of play, so I pay attention to the ideas that make me feel the most curious, whimsical, and eager.
See more of Katrina’s woodworking and art on her Instagram, @katrinakoppa.art.
How does your instructor support you in your learning?
I’ve felt very supported by Katie because she’s been so deeply engaged in my projects. She’s taken the time to help me figure out how to make all of my ideas come to fruition, even when there are difficult problems we have to find solutions to. It’s clear that she genuinely cares about her students’ work and their well being.
What is the most memorable lesson that she has taught you?
The most memorable lesson she’s taught me is that it is okay for things to go wrong. Woodworking is a very precise craft with so many opportunities to mess things up, but every time something has gone wrong, she’s helped me find a way to fix it.
What does the woodworking process entail from start to finish?
I begin by brainstorming, jotting down anything related to my idea. Then, I spend time sketching different variations of this idea, eventually choosing a few to develop further. Then, I make a model and work back and forth between that and scale drawings. Once I have a strong full-scale drawing, I choose my lumber and start cutting. I mill those pieces and then cut it again to the size I need. Then I move between cutting joinery, painting, gluing, sanding, finishing, drilling—the process ebbs and flows and is different with every project.
What are some of the new skills that you learned in the woodworking classes?
I’ve learned how to use a lot of tools and machines—chisels, carving knives, bandsaws, table saws, joiners, planers, etc.—and how to construct things out of wood while paying attention to wood movement, different types of joinery, and the steps needed to make it work. The importance of precision in woodworking has made me a more observational and thoughtful person. My experience, skills, and work have also earned me scholarships from Peter’s Valley School of Craft and Penland School of Craft.
What’s your favorite creation so far?
My favorite, and most useful, thing that I’ve made is a wall cabinet from last semester. It serves as a place for my teas and coffees and is also a display for a few shells and stones.
See more of Katrina’s woodworking and art on her Instagram, @katrinakoppa.art.
Why would you recommend woodworking classes to other UW–Madison students?
I would recommend taking woodworking classes because it’s a great opportunity to connect with a lovely group of people, create something from start to finish, and learn a variety of skills that can be applied to future projects.