John Furniss, a blind woodworker, has made significant contributions to the woodworking community through his unique approach and vivid visual imagination. He now plans to release a book in March 2024, “The Blind Woodsman: One Man’s Journey to Find His Purpose on the Other Side of Darkness.”
John Furniss, a woodworker from Washington state, has become known as The Blind Woodsman due to his unique journey. Growing up in a small town in Colorado, Furniss felt like he never truly fit in and had anxiety and depression. He attempted suicide by shooting himself in 1998, which took his sight and sense of smell. Despite the challenges, Furniss adapted to being blind quickly and feels like he is supposed to be blind.
The question of work was an ongoing challenge for Furniss, as most employment for blind people is in computers. He discovered fine woodworking through a vocational rehab program in Salt Lake City in 2005, and eventually joined the community of blind woodworkers. He met Anni, who was at the Emil Fries School of Piano Technology for the Blind in Vancouver, Washington, and they started working together to run The Blind Woodsman website and social media accounts.
Anni runs the business, while John does his art. They have amassed more than 1.9 million followers on TikTok, which has amassed more than 1.9 million followers. Their TikTok account has changed their lives, as they now sell nationally, with each piece going to a different state more often than not.
John and Anni both laugh when people say they are sad that Furniss can’t see his artwork, but John always says, “Well, I see it before you do.” He has an extremely vivid visual imagination, and he uses a computer design program in his mind to create his pieces. He puts layers together, changes colors, designs, whatever he wants until he has a blueprint, so to speak.
When Furniss creates a piece, he can see it right in front of him, carving intricate ridges into the side. His wife, Anni, films the process, and they share the finished product, oiled up and practically glowing in the sun, with its gorgeous grains on display.
In summary, John Furniss, a blind woodworker, has made significant contributions to the world of woodwork and the arts. His unique approach to creating beautiful wooden pieces has made him a respected figure in the woodworking community. His unique skills and vision make him a valuable asset to the woodwork community.
John Furniss and Anni Furniss, a couple who share their story on TikTok, have found a platform to talk about blindness, mental health, and the challenges they’ve faced throughout their lives. Their message of acceptance and honesty around mental health, depression, and anxiety has resonated with viewers worldwide. John believes that mental health is health, just like your heart or lungs.
In March 2024, John will expand upon his story, struggles, and passion for woodworking in a new book, “The Blind Woodsman: One Man’s Journey to Find His Purpose on the Other Side of Darkness.” The process of writing the book was more challenging than expected, as John had to closely relive some hard times in his life. Anni also learned stories from John that John had never told before, which he considered a growth experience for both of them.
John believes that his blindness has given him a sense of purpose, discovered his passion, and led him to Anni. TikTok has provided him with a platform to spread positivity, light, hope, and wisdom about disability and bravery with millions of strangers worldwide. He hopes to bring the joy of woodworking to others who might find it as meaningful and life-changing as he did.
John is grateful for life’s challenges and hopes to bring the joy of woodworking to others who might find it as meaningful and life-changing as he did. He never thought that he would not have to live on social security and find a job that was productive and gainful.
Conclusion
John Furniss, a blind woodworker from Washington state, has made significant contributions to the world of woodwork and the arts. Growing up in Colorado, Furniss struggled with anxiety and depression, leading to his suicide attempt in 1998. Despite these challenges, he quickly adapted to being blind and felt like he was supposed to be blind. Furniss discovered fine woodworking through a vocational rehab program in Salt Lake City in 2005 and joined the community of blind woodworkers. He met Anni at the Emil Fries School of Piano Technology for the Blind in Vancouver, Washington, and they started working together to run The Blind Woodsman website and social media accounts.
The couple has amassed over 1.9 million followers on TikTok, selling their artwork nationally. They share their story on the platform to talk about blindness, mental health, and the challenges they’ve faced throughout their lives. John believes that mental health is health, just like your heart or lungs. In March 2024, John will expand upon his story, struggles, and passion for woodworking in a new book, “The Blind Woodsman: One Man’s Journey to Find His Purpose on the Other Side of Darkness.”
John believes that his blindness has given him a sense of purpose, discovered his passion, and led him to Anni. TikTok has provided him with a platform to spread positivity, light, hope, and wisdom about disability and bravery, and he hopes to bring the joy of woodworking to others who might find it as meaningful and life-changing as he did.
