Bandsaws, bar clamps, and chisels for a grade! Not many students get the chance to use these devices in a lab. But in UW–Madison’s woodworking courses, you sharpen skills on tools like these to excel at this unique and useful artform.

Senior Katrina Koppa is one of these talented woodworkers. With a few courses under her tool belt and an impressive array of photos to show for it, we asked her to brush away the sawdust and shed some light on the class, to explain the craftsmanship and teaching that allows her creations of wood and imagination to come to life. 

What inspired you to explore woodworking classes in college?

Woodworking was a completely new skill. I entered the art department planning on pursuing graphic design. I was debating which course to take for my 3D requirement in one of my art foundations classes, and my T.A. for the class recommended woodworking. I knew that I liked building things and process-based art forms, so I took their advice.

How is the atmosphere of the woodshop different from previous art courses that you have taken?

In other art courses, I learned a lot and made plenty of pieces that were important steps on my path as an artist, but I didn’t feel the same sense of community with my classmates or instructors. In the woodshop, I feel comfortable not only asking for help on a project, but also getting to know everyone and learning about their lives outside of the shop. I’ve made real friendships that have lasted beyond the class, which feels really special and isn’t something I can say for many other classes.

How do you decide what to create?

Most of my pieces have been guided by prompts. However, they still allowed for plenty of individual creativity. I’ve developed an aesthetic style that feels very instinctual. Making art is my form of play, so I pay attention to the ideas that make me feel the most curious, whimsical, and eager.

See more of Katrina’s woodworking and art on her Instagram, @katrinakoppa.art. 

How does your instructor support you in your learning?

I’ve felt very supported by Katie because she’s been so deeply engaged in my projects. She’s taken the time to help me figure out how to make all of my ideas come to fruition, even when there are difficult problems we have to find solutions to. It’s clear that she genuinely cares about her students’ work and their well being.