Meet Sam French of Gill Country Clear Wood Works

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam French.

Sam, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I began working with my father doing carpentry and helping on his tree farm when I was a kid. I have always been submerged in nature as well as the understanding and appreciation of trees. As I got older we would do restoration work on old farmhouses, timber frame barns, and mill lumber.

Working on the old barns and houses gave me  insight into the design, layout and joinery of “mortise and tenon” construction. I worked with my father till I was in my late 20’s then went traveling in pursuit of music, my other passion. Upon return, I fell back in love with woodworking and wanted to go in my own direction with it. I started  Gill Country Clear Woodworks making cutting boards and other small pieces. I quickly moved to tables and other types of furniture. It has become the perfect blend of creating something functional while being able to be creative and artistic.

I am able to make use of trees off our property and sawing them up myself to make live edge cherry table tops or red cedar trestle tables, benches, and stools to name a few things.  I think it is safe to say I have fallen in love with the process of getting to know design each piece from start to finish from to tree to finished piece. It certainly is a lifelong journey.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a lot of work. There are certainly ups and downs. But there is endless amounts of satisfaction. Some months are busy some months are slow. The hardest thing is lining up enough work without becoming overly busy. I would say overall it has been a success.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Gill Country Clear Wood Works – what should we know?
Gill Country Clear Woodworks (Gill CC Woodworks) specializes in custom made to order furniture and other specialty wood products. Ranging from full bars, cabinets, dining room tables, stools, conference tables, wood art, restoration, and doors.

Each piece is handmade and created from local wood which is sustainably harvested and sawn by the maker. We work closely with each of our clients to ensure that each job fits their needs and aesthetic tastes. We are a locally owned run business working off what the land provides. We strive to connect artistic vision and creativity to functionality and quality craftsmanship.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I feel as though passion fuels the day today. Passion in feeling like one is doing something beautiful with greater meaning part of a timeless tradition. This goes hand in hand with determination, without determination it is difficult to stay the course. Without determination, it is difficult to stay true to one’s self. I feel grateful everyday to be able to do what I do.

Contact Info:

• Address: 267 Main Rd Gill MA 01354
• Website: www.gillccwoodworks.com
• Phone: 4136277020
• Email: gillccwoodworks@gmail.com

Image Credit:
Rachael Waring Photography
Kim Lindner time Bandit Photography

Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.