Spotlight on Vince Smolczynski:   A True Craftsman

We know that Vince Smolczynski has been using his healing hands to work wonders on the human body.  For nearly 40 years, he has been working wonders out of wood as well.

Rosewood Guitar

Vince’s first exposure to carving came in the Boy Scouts. He later took sculpture classes at the Baum School.  However, his most influential experience was working with Dick Boak from Martin Guitars, who taught him about guitar construction.  It was through this experience that he developed his love for working with exotic woods. His Rosewood Guitar is pictured here.

Vince sees many parallels between wood working and physical therapy.  Both processes give him a satisfying end result.  “ I love the hands-on work and the finished product.  I need to see the fruits of my labor.  Creating something fantastic out of rough stock is satisfying to me.  Restoring patients to a happier, more functional life does the same thing.”

Lignum Vitae Mortar & Cocobola Pestle

Problem solving and developing hidden potential is part of the process of both of his passions. He notes that “a good wood worker corrects problems so that they appear to be embellishments.”  Each piece of wood presents its own challenges, just like each patient has unique issues that need to be resolved to realize their full potential.

Considering his career as a health care professional, itt seems appropriate that Vince often chooses to work with Lignum Vitae. Lignum Vitae is Latin for “Tree of Life.” His ability to find the beauty in each piece of wood that he touches, reflects the attention to detail and caring touch that he brings to each patients.  In the wood shop or in the physical therapy office, you are in good hands with Vince.