Rabea Ferber – Woodturner & Urushi Lacquer Artist
Crafting as an adventure of endless discovery.
Rabea Ferber is a passionate craftsperson dedicated to lifelong learning and creativity. She explores the art of making with a hands-on approach, constantly refining her skills and techniques. With a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and innovation, Rabea is now embarking on a new journey – creating a workshop in Japan to share her knowledge and inspire others.
The Endless Journey of Learning and Discovering
Craftsmanship often begins with a spark, an unanticipated moment that ignites a lifelong passion. For Rabea Ferber, this moment came by chance, yet it led to a deep dive into the boundless realm of creation and discovery. "I sort of stumbled into craft and then dove headfirst into the endless world of learning and discovery," Rabea shares. "There are very few things that give you the same sense of accomplishment as using your hands to create something. I believe it is one of the most human experiences to create and to influence the world and materials around us".
Rabea’s journey is one of curiosity and perseverance. For her, crafting is more than just a skill – it’s a window to endless exploration. “Crafting keeps you curious; there is always more to learn and discover”. This philosophy fuels her drive and shapes her approach to her work, enabling her to transform raw materials into something extraordinary.
Pragmatic Philosophy of Crafting
At the heart of Rabea’s craft lies a profound understanding of her tools and materials. She believes this is what separates a hobbyist from a professional artisan. “One of the most essential parts of being a craftsperson is understanding your tools and how to make them work for you. It is essential to make new tools or adjust them to your needs and know why a thing works the way it does”.
Rabea’s approach to her tools reflects her pragmatic mindset. "I often see the difference between a hobby crafter and a professional artisan in the way they handle their tools; one treats them as decorative and prestigious objects, and the other is not afraid to grind a new edge on an expensive chisel and cut off the handle because it did not fit into his hand". This fearless adaptability defines her as a master of her craft.
Tormek’s Role in Rabea’s Craft
When it comes to the tools of her trade, Rabea holds Tormek in high regard. The precision and versatility of their tools have left a significant mark on her practice. "What I love about Tormek is the wide selection of tools and the incredible thought that goes into designing each one. Being able to sharpen drill bits, scissors, gouges, chisels, etc., makes me feel like the possibilities are endless and makes sharpening exciting", she says.
Among Tormek’s lineup, one tool stands out as a favorite: the TT-50 Truing Tool. "The satisfaction of a fresh, new, and super-flat stone is the best!" Rabea adds. It’s this attention to detail and appreciation for well-maintained tools that elevate her craftsmanship to an art form.
Advice for Fellow Craftspeople
For those embarking on their own journey with Tormek or seeking to refine their skills, Rabea’s advice is simple yet profound: “Play around!”. She encourages beginners to experiment and explore, emphasizing that tools are an extension of the craftsperson’s vision. “A tool is meant to extend your arm and help you achieve what you have in mind. Starting out with cheap tools is a great way to understand materials, blade angles, and how they work together. And Tormek will get even the cheapest tools super sharp!”.
Rabea also highlights the importance of innovation and creativity with Tormek’s jigs. “I especially like playing around with the jigs provided and testing out how else they might be useful”.
What’s next for Rabea Ferber?
Rabea’s journey is far from over. Currently, she is embarking on an exciting new chapter, one that blends her passion for craftsmanship with a dream of teaching. “I am currently buying a house in the Japanese countryside, which I hope to renovate with my husband and turn into a ceramic, woodturning, and urushi lacquering studio”, she reveals.
This ambitious project holds immense potential. "If all goes well, we hope to teach workshops there by next year and share some insights into the knowledge we gathered by studying traditional crafts here. I am sure our Tormek will play a big part in the renovation efforts!".
Rabea Ferber’s story is a testament to the transformative power of craftsmanship. From her accidental beginnings to her future aspirations, she embodies the relentless curiosity and dedication that define a true artisan. Her journey reminds us that the tools we choose, the philosophies we adopt, and the courage to innovate are what ultimately shape our craft – and ourselves.