In 2013, Zach Bruce decided to get a divorce that would change the course of his life. To be clear, this was not the typical who-gets-the-kids-on-the-weekend type of divorce, but instead an equally taxing split from his decade of jobs in marketing. What followed was a three month motorcycle trip around Mexico, and two wild ideas: one was a "renegade breakfast taco pop up" and a "renegade custom furniture operation". After hashing out both options, the custom furniture operation emerged the victor, and Zach set out on a 3 month unpaid apprenticeship before formally launch Denim Woodworks.
We visited Zach Bruce's home studio to learn more about what it takes to be a Daring Creative.
How does the city you live in influence your creativity?
Well, for starters, there’s enough people with money in San Francisco to support makers such as myself. I love being surrounded by so many open minded, progressive folks - that in itself gives me the confidence to do my creative thing without worrying about being judged. People come to SF to be whatever they want to be… let their freak flags fly if you will. I think that’s why so many artists and creatives have always lived here, no matter how silly expensive the cost of living may be.
In your words, what does it mean to be a “creative”?
A creative is a person who never lost command of their childhood imagination. Instead of suppressing it, they’ve cultivated it to help them through life.
What do you consider to be your biggest achievement to date?
Finding a way to make money creatively that fits within my moral and ethical standards.
What is the biggest misconception about what you do?
I would make a lousy carpenter.
What do you do to get through your day?
Hot tea breaks are key - when you’re working with power tools that will easily cut off a finger, you have to keep your work pace slow and steady, never rushed. Chamomile or fresh ginger are my go to pace makers.
What has been the pit and peak of your week so far? (a low and a high moment)
Finishing and delivering my first commissioned bookshelf was definitely a high point. Realizing that a killer slab of Honey Locust (wood) I just bought had a bunch of dry rot in it was the pits.
Who is someone famous that you think is killing it at the moment? In other words, is there someone whose career you admire.
Russel Brand. I love how he’s putting his social activism ahead of his career, or making it more a part of it. Seems like he’s done with the b-list rom coms - turning his back on pop culture stardom - and all about stopping the destructive nature of the current systems of power. Good for him.
Finish this sentence:
I feel most powerful when: I’m living in the now.
My biggest frustration is: juggling the logistics of living in a tiny studio apartment in a big, crowded city - I dream of having space and getting back to nature as soon as I’m done with this city life.
I couldn’t live without my: dog and girlfriend. They keep me grounded and happy.
For more on Zach and to get your hands on some of his furniture, visit his website here.
Photos by Ashley Batz