Vol. 7 Presenter: Joe Dinwiddie
Presenting
Troubled Waters
A Review of Historic Best Practices In Stonemasonry
Summary
Creating structures that can withstand the elements across centuries and millennia requires craftsmanship as well as integrated knowledge of both the arts and the sciences. Because of its durability, stone has been the primary building material used for the most important structures around the globe. Best practices in stone masonry are evident in Santa Fe and northern New Mexico at Chaco Canyon, in the original Santa Fe River dam, the Saint Francis Cathedral, the Loretto Chapel, the Federal Courthouse, and the work done by Tomas Lipps and others on Don Gaspar Avenue and West Water Street. Done right, stone masonry investments can endure and remain relevant for generations.
Sadly, best practices are not observed in most stonework around our city. Every rebuild of poor work costs money and negatively impacts our environment. I am invested in creating works and educating others on the methodologies that I have learned from numerous countries, taking into consideration the various types of stone, soil conditions, climate, and structural design. Equipped with knowledge and better training, we can ensure that our investments have the longevity and beauty they warrant. Equally important, I believe the inherent value in passing on this craft enriches us culturally, for the marriage of art and science is present in every one of these well-built structures.
Bio
Joe Dinwiddie of Drystone Joe is a drystone mason and professional drystone masonry educator based in Santa Fe. He designs, builds, and restores stone features for commercial, municipal, and residential projects nationally. He leads vocational training and professional development for design and build professionals, and uses drystone masonry to teach math, science, art, social studies and language arts in K-12 schools, colleges, and universities. He authored a manual on drystone masonry, and designed and patented a 3-dimensional arch puzzle used to teach the math and science of stonemasonry. He is a proponent of best known practices in stonemasonry, having synthesized the criteria quantified by the Dry Stone Walling Associations in several countries with the methodologies evident in stonemasonry World Heritage Sites.
Joe learned drystone masonry during a revival of the craft in his home state of Kentucky during the 1990’s. The Kentucky Department of Transportation hired the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain (DSWA) to lead trainings in municipal projects including restoration of historic drystone fences, bridge abutments, retaining walls, and more. DSWA instructors shared methods of drystone masonry proven to last the longest with practitioners across the state.