Fionnbharre Shotthafer
Craftsman - Artisan - Inventor - Musician
Fionnbharre Shotthafer
I grew up in the Angeles National Forest of Southern Ca. in a small town called Wrightwood. After high school I joined the U.S. Navy and served aboard the U.S.S James Madison, a nuclear submarine. After leaving the service I studied Interior Design at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Costa Mesa Ca where I attended on a scholarship from the school itself.
From there my life evolved into learning many different manual trades such as Carpentry, Finish Carpentry, Cabinet Building and Woodworking. I was lucky to have been taught by a Master Carpenter from Scotland who instilled into me the art of being a true Craftsman.
My ability to design and create combining my creative mind and dexterous hands has allowed me to build some amazing things. Balance, Form and Function are concepts I learned in Interior Design and apply to everything. When you understand the basics you can do anything.
My grandfather was an artist both in ceramics and as a painter. He made clocks and I used to spend quiet time with him watching him paint. My great grand father was also and inventor and machinist. They both were an inspiration to me to use my creative gifts.
Above all I am grateful to the Creator for giving me a brilliant mind and creative inspiration. My love of beautiful music led me to designing and creating musical instruments and creating music.
I am grateful for all that has come to me and opportunities I have had to use what I have been given in the service of others.
Every day, life brings us new opportunities to learn and grow... if we meet those with a positive attitude and with Gratitude.. many good things can happen for ourselves and for others.....
Look to this day:
For it is life, the very life of life.
In its brief course
Lie all the verities and realities of your existence.
The bliss of growth,
The glory of action,
The splendour of achievement
Are but experiences of time.
For yesterday is but a dream
And tomorrow is only a vision;
And today well-lived, makes
Yesterday a dream of happiness
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well therefore to this day;
Such is the salutation to the ever-new dawn!
Kalidasa
