Blake is a former writer and editor who, it turns out, likes wood more than words. He started making furniture in his 20s after starting to build a boat in his mudroom and running out of space. Rather than using power tools, he does everything by hand, drawing inspiration from the Shakers, an English woodworker named Paul Sellers, and his meditation practice. He loves the smell of wood shavings and welcomes all visitors to his tiny workshop in Richmond, Virginia.