A Rough Cut at Play
Brian at his home workshop in Chicago.
What wood you say is your favorite kind of play? For Brian Slutzky, wood is the key word in that question as he’s created a business around his passion for woodworking and turned a hobby into a unique vocation by creating beautiful, handcrafted wood products. Specializing in pieces such as charcuterie boards, serving plates and grilling trays, Brian truly puts his heart into each unique piece and, while he creates a bit of sawdust along the way, it’s guaranteed that each result is a product of passion. And, with this, he etches a bit of the Advanced Recess spirit in each piece, too.
Here’s more with Brian and his passion for his business, A Roughcut Woodworks
Describe a little about yourself:
Husband to a bad ass wife, father of four great boys. I have a hard time sitting still. I love being outdoors; hiking, biking, skiing, fishing, hunting, and cooking. I enjoy being creative and making home decor for others.
What do you do for play?
Woodworking has been my passion and hobby for many years. Recently, and thanks to some pandemic-related changes, I’ve had the time to become more serious about my craft. I love creating custom pieces for the customers I serve. Whether it’s a gift for someone special, or a shout out to a business or interest, I can engrave just about anything to make it uniquely yours.
I’ve turned our modest-sized, 2-car garage into my wood shop. Despite some extra (i.e. excessive) dust, and some passive aggressive comments from my wife about said dust and having to park in the driveway, it’s working out pretty well. And aside from a little photography assistance and social media typo corrections from my family, I’m mostly a one-man show. Everything I deliver is handcrafted and made-to-order.
How does play motivate you in your life?
Play for me is an important part of my everyday life. Be it working in my garage shop or fixing things around the house. I want my boys to see that they can accomplish anything and that most things can be figured out with a little research and elbow grease.
How do you benefit from it?
Mental and physical health are the most important benefits to me for what I do. Having the ability to be creative, working with my hands, and making people happy with what I create for them gives me a great sense of well-being.
Our motto is Pursue a Life of Play. In your own words, what does this mean to you? How do you live it?
Pursuing a Life of Play to me means putting your time in on the things that are important to you. Finding careers that are rewarding, and give you the opportunities to explore your passions, and grow. Being active and constantly driving yourself to improve are my keys to success and happiness. Most importantly demonstrating the same for my kids and teaching them these skills I have as they are ready for them.
