By Hand & Eye

by Geo. R. Walker & Jim Tolpin

By Hand and Eye is an exploration of how simple proportions, and a pair of dividers can help to unlock a new understanding of design, and the world around us. George Walker and Jim Tolpin clearly and eloquently explain how using ratios instead of decimal measurement can help free us to create more sophisticated designs, even as we give our calculators and digital calipers a rest.

After reading this book, I found myself walking through downtown Manhattan, using my pointer finger and thumb as a pair of “dividers” to measure out buildings. Looking skyward, at the sweeping cables, and graceful arches of John Roebling’s Brooklyn Bridge, I imagined his dividers walking off the graceful dimensions and ratios. I couldn’t agree more with the authors, that there is a special magic to works designed and built by the same hands (or hands of your son…. and your sons wife.)

By Hand and Eye does not prescribe a set of rules, or maxims, and thank goodness for that.The well written, and edited text is supported by full color illustrations, the last section of the book covers 9 simple projects, each with shop drawings that use simple ratios rather than inches and feet.

200 pages, printed on #80 Lb paper, Smythe sewn, and case bound. This book looks as good as it reads.

Made in the USA.

The nine projects detailed in the book are all straightforwardly described and accessible even to a woodworker of modest skills. While you can use power tools to speed construction the authors make a point of mentioning that the projects were all made using hand tools. The projects in the book are:

• Step Stool
• Candy Box
• Lap Desk
• Tool Tote
• Boot Bench
• Coffee-for-two Tray
• Cup Cabinet
• Side Table
• Vanity

Binding: HC
Publisher: Lost Art Press