Monthly Archives: February 2016

Being outspoken

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

After my recent “Jawbone of an ass“-post, and earlier two posts on populism “To Fight or to Write?” and “Populism – The Wave and current events” some people said to me that I am too outspoken. They accused me of … Continue reading →

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Richard Sennett on craftsmanship

Posted on February 28, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

During his lectures in Belgium, Ken Parker recommended a book to the audience: “The Craftsman” by Richard Sennett. A few weeks later I got a pdf and Dutch version of the book and started to read. Sennet is a sociologist … Continue reading →

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Anasazi Pottery

Posted on February 26, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

It’s no secret that I admire ceramics. Making them is of the crafts were all elements come together in the final product. Water and earth make up the clay, it dries trough the air and the earth binds through fire. Ceramics have … Continue reading →

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Jawbone of an ass

Posted on February 25, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

When I see the news about the American primaries, this image pops up in my mind over and over again. An engraving by Johannes Wierix after Pieter (I) Bruegel, made about 1566-70. The title is “The music of the rich man … Continue reading →

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Tales of forgotten crafts: the clog and guitar maker…

Posted on February 23, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

Two beautiful little clips about old crafts. The Clog Maker’s Apprentice:  “is it of any worth? Well, once it’s gone it’s gone” and the Guitar Maker…

Posted in Documentary, History, Movies, Think different, Uncategorized, Woodworking, Workshop | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Sneak preview…

Posted on February 21, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

A little preview of two projects I’m working on… The design of a late-medieval lute, combining various iconographic sources and the works of “Henri Arnaut de Zwolle” (ca. 1440). Henri was born in the Netherlands and worked as a doctor on the … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Projects, Re-enactment, Research, Tools, Uncategorized, Woodworking | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

The Moka Express… Pt. 2

Posted on February 19, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

Last week I posted a blog about the death of Renato Bialetti, “the father of espresso”. His ashes were interred in the family grave in Omegna, Italy. We can’t say the old man lacked a sense of humor and irony. One of … Continue reading →

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The early Fender factory

Posted on February 18, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

An oldie but a goodie… This little 8mm film of the Fender factory was shot by Forrest White in 1957. I love it because it gives insight in how the early Fenders were made. And – just as important – … Continue reading →

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The Pete Seeger banjo bridge – and more…

Posted on February 16, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

In this little movie Pete Seeger talks about his banjo. Where the strange bridge he uses originates. But also about how he made the neck of his instrument himself, from a piece of Lignum Vitae. How John D’Angelico put the … Continue reading →

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The Moka Express…

Posted on February 13, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

Yesterday the sad news arrived that Renato Bialetti, the father of the percolator, died at the age of 93. Everybody knows the little aluminium stove top coffee makers. They have become design icons in themselves. I even featured it on … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Tools, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments