Wood handbalancing equipment for everyone, and woodworking for home.
One of a kind equipment for handbalancers, contortionists, gymnasts, yogis, and everybody!
About
Jives
I have been in the performing arts almost my entire life. I started acting when I was a boy. Through theater I found dance; dance led me to circus; and circus to woodworking. In January of 2000 I started training at the San Francisco School of Circus Arts (now Circus Center) in Chinese Acrobatics with Master Ly Yi, Teacher Xia Ke Min, and Teacher Weng Xiao Hong. I also trained with Pan Vladimir Nazarov in handbalancing and tumbling, and with Pana Elena Panova in the premiere year of her Professional Aerial Program. I eventually became an instructor, and ultimately Facility Manager of the school.
Okay, fine, but how in Hades did you get to woodworking? Well, my friend, I am glad that you asked! For years I enjoyed dabbling in fixing up furniture that others had left on the street. Nothing serious, I only did this when I found a piece of furniture that I liked and needed for my home. Then after I became facility manager at the school I restored the handstand benches then made chalk bowls, handstand blocks, and training canes for the school itself. In addition, I began carving bowls, spoons, goblets, spurtles, spatulas, and forks. Soon I will take things to another level and begin figure and relief carving and then incorporating that into my work.
Friends, I love making things from one of the most amazing materials in the world: wood! Combine that with my love of circus, dance, cooking and eating, and my training in acrobatics I can make you something unique, beautiful, and functional for training, performance, school, or home!
"Training is Bitter!" - Mr. Lu Yi
A famous quote from Mr. Lu Yi about the reality of training. There is a second part to this quote, "How much bitter can you eat?" Only you know the answer to that question, but I can help sweeten the bitter taste by making you something that both looks and feels good in the hand. I strive to build beautiful and functional tools so training and life can be more enjoyable!
Process
Each commission is unique to the end user. I start with a consultation so we can begin the process of designing your unique piece of kit. Then, if needed, I sketch out the design and submit it for your approval. Once the design is approved, then begins the build.
Guarantee
Should you experience any issues because of fault with construction then, at my discretion, I will repair or replace the piece free of charge for up to one year from the date your order was received. You only pay for shipping.