If you had asked us what it took to build a canoe in the era before power tools and big box hardware stores we probably would have just said “a lot.” After seeing “The Birth of a Dugout Canoe” by Northmen we can safely say it’s far more work than we could ever imagine. The documentary film follows master woodworker and Doctor of engineering materials science Richard (Rihards Vidzickis) as he turns a giant log into a dugout canoe over the course of multiple months using old world techniques and tools. The entire process is absolutely mesmerizing and, if we’re being completely honest, something we probably wouldn’t attempt in a million years. From start to finish, Vidzickis attention to detail and dedication to his craft—let alone the beauty of the final product—will blow you away. It doesn’t hurt that the entire process was beautifully captured by Jacob from Northmen (The Guild of Northern Master Craftsmen).
Turning a Log Into a Dugout Canoe
