We are thrilled to formally introduce Spencer Hamann. Spencer is one of two 2025 interns with the Plumier Foundation. He is a Luthier by profession, managing workshops in Mundelein, Illinois and Racine, Wisconsin for “Classic Violins,” a small, family-owned business. He began his journey into complex turning in 2023 and discovered the Foundation through online searches and exploring its YouTube and Instagram accounts
His first visit to Plumier occurred in October 2023, after he was recognized by Plumier as an emerging complex turner and was invited to the Fall Gathering as a guest of honor.
“I was first struck by the beautiful Victorian machines and rich history, captivated by the way mathematics can be expressed through ratios and motion to express figures beyond the abilities of even the most skilled hand worker, fascinated by the genius engineering wrapped up in the equipment design, and am now humbled to have opportunities to be a participant in the craft itself. Complex turning resonates with me on a core level as a marriage of so many lifelong fascinations and interests. I was drawn in by the seemingly impossible figures and patterns that ornamental lathes, rose engines, guilloche, and straight-line machines can produce as they defied what I understood about working materials. My nature is to want to learn and understand how things work, and I couldn’t understand how such work could be done. It led me to the edge of a rabbit hole I jumped in, and have since been in love with the fall.”
Spencer arrived in Saltsburg ready to work, full of ideas. He came with an agenda that included making handles for chisels and tools that he uses in the luthier trade. His objective, however, was much greater. He needed to be able to transform drawings into three dimensional objects decorated using accessories such as the curvilinear and spherical slides.
His drawings were exceptional, and he was able to straight away match the templates to his drawings.
Because he has a Logan metal turning lathe at home, he was able to command our South Bend lathe with confidence, and he was producing usable parts on his first couple days on site.
Every aspect of complex turning renders new lessons. From the work holding techniques we use here at Plumier to our finishing techniques, Spencer is adding to his repertoire. These lessons will not only teach Spencer complex turning, but it will also leave an indelible mark on his luthier work. In effect, complex turning changes how the mind looks at work and approaches projects. It’s gratifying to see this process take shape as our interns have successes in our shop.
Plumier internships aim to:
· Introduce young people to lost arts crafts
· Guide in purchasing equipment
· Ensure a deep understanding of techniques for future success
· Enhance inter-generational dialogue
· Meet the Plumier Foundation’s educational goals
· Generate interest in complex turning and related crafts
Even in the first week of Spencer’s internship we have seen these objectives met. In that period, he not only made tools that he’ll use throughout the rest of his career using techniques new to him, but he’s been able to dialogue with exceptional craftspeople from across the US and Europe. In his mid-thirties, he’s in a great position to be an ambassador for complex turning for decades to come.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t offer a word of thanks to those of you whose generosity made the internships possible. They simply couldn’t happen without your support. Some have donated to our scholarship fund to help make it happen while others have supported our general operating fund. Some have generously made multi-year commitments which allow us to make decisions such as offering internships and residencies confidently. Donating to the scholarship fund helps us subsidize the younger generation that simply can’t afford the costs associated with learning skills at Plumier.
These things simply won’t happen without your help. Again, we offer a sincere thanks to all who’ve helped in whatever form. We certainly wouldn’t be here without you.