Sophie Wagner
Sophie is in the second year of her woodworking apprenticeship. She discovered woodworking through an internship program in high school and immediately knew it was her calling. Despite having been offered positions at larger, more modern facilities, she specifically sought out Schmidt's workshop because of their reputation for traditional techniques and quality craftsmanship.
Experience: Apprentice with 2 years of experience (2/10)
Favorite Jobs
- Learning new techniques
- Assisting with church furniture restoration
- Basic cabinet construction
Every day I learn something new from the masters here - not just techniques, but ways of seeing and understanding wood. I'm particularly fascinated by how we can preserve historical methods while creating pieces that are relevant to modern life.
Physical Condition
Very healthy overall but recovering from a minor accident last week when she cut her left index finger while using a chisel. Today she's working with a bandaged finger that limits her dexterity somewhat, a reminder of the importance of focus and proper technique when using sharp tools.
Favorite Place
Sophie's favorite place is right at the center of the main workshop floor where she can observe everyone working simultaneously. She's created a small mobile tool cart that she can position strategically to watch different masters at work while having her own essential tools at hand. From this central vantage point, she can absorb techniques and approaches from each craftsperson while still having her own workspace. The energy of the workshop flows around her, and she feels most connected to the living tradition of the craft in this position.