I create things that bring people together, one way or another. Using mostly reclaimed materials, I work wood & metal into tables, desks, shelves, cutting boards, service dishes, & novelty bottle openers. I am drawn to these specific pieces, because even if in a small way, they tend to act as anchors in our daily rituals. Time & again, we sit at them, prepare food on them, or use them while surrounded by family & friends. I create pieces that encourage that & that are crafted to last for generations; because even if they aren’t being mindful while they do it, ‘Everybody Eats’.
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Maker
Andy Crittenden
Business
Andy C. & Company
City
Arkansas
Bio
I was born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Westville, Oklahoma was my childhood home & I graduated from Siloam Springs High, in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. I spent the next 10 years chasing things that didn’t serve me, all over the state of Arkansas, living in Russellville, Conway, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Rogers & Fayetteville.
The entire time I was bouncin’ around the state, I was working in bars & restaurants. I had an awesome Hospitality Career. There’s nothing in a restaurant that I haven’t done, regarding job titles & I really hung my hat behind the bar. After 15 years slinging drinks (20 total in Hospitality), I landed myself a Market Manager job; I got to travel Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana, selling whiskey! It was the dream gig. I’d finally made a sustainable career, out of path I’d chosen. That is: go to college to play football, drop out, try nursing school, drop out, sling drinks til I die…
Welcome 2019/2020, when a global pandemic crushed my industry, and over time, the company I worked for. I was cut loose in January of 2021, along with the rest of our Sales Team.
I decided then, that I’ll never allow another person to be the provider for me & mine. If I can’t get it myself, I don’t need or want it. I dove off, headfirst, into woodworking. I had some great hands up, from friends & family; helping me learn necessary skills, giving me work, and supporting my dreams.
Things like this directory, the support of people like Bo Dutton (et al), and the community of Maker & Supporters, will always have my gratitude. Life’s been rough for everyone for a couple of years, but I’m really excited to be able to make my own way, and appreciative for everyone that’s taking the journey with me.