Today, Po takes the next brave step in her sun-steaming white oak experiment — the moment when softened hardwood meets human hands for its very first bend. And this time, the studio was full of laughter, nerves, and a little bit of chaos.
Preparing for the First Bend
After three days of solar steaming and fibre relaxation, the white oak was finally ready to move toward its circular drum shape. But white oak is known for being stubborn — unlike red oak or cherry, which tend to cooperate more easily. This was Po’s very first time attempting to bend white oak, and the air carried that charged mix of excitement and hesitation.
Because the frame pieces were long, Po called in an assistant during this stage. Today, she chose DAD.
Before the camera was rolling, Po looked at her assistant with a theatrical seriousness and joked:
“If it breaks, you can be the one to blame!
I don’t want to be the one who snaps it.”
That set the tone.
The wood was ready.
We… were getting there.
The Moment Before the Bend
As her assistant stood there, holding one end of the hot, hopefully flexible, board trying to work up the courage for the first bend, Po stepped beside her trusty assistant to offer support — and then they immediately broke into laughter. She tucked herself halfway behind his arm, peeking out like someone about to watch a suspenseful scene in a movie.
The cameraperson had already begun losing patience with how long it was taking and insisted that they stop laughing and get serious. She wanted to get the shot. Then she started laughing.
This is the real life of drum frame bending at Po’s Kingston Art Studio — part process, part comedy, all family, ALL ART. Drum making is a beautiful, love-filled-art, and this short video illustrates the joy that cheers out with exuberance of Love Art By Po.
Nervous Laughter, Real Art
In today’s short video, you can witness the exact moment when nervous laughter gives way to determination. Po, her assistant and cameraperson take their positions, breathe through the tension, and finally begin the first coaxing bend of the white oak.
It’s only a small curve — a gentle start — but it marks the beginning of the transformation, from plank to drum. And as simple as it looks, this step matters: the first bend dictates how the wood will behave when the full circular frame is shaped and clamped.
A Family Moment in the Making of a Drum
What the video doesn’t capture — but what filled the studio — is the feeling of teamwork.
Making drums in this space has always been infused with love, humour, and family togetherness. Today was no exception.
Drum-making is not simply about shaping wood at Love Art By Po;
it’s about beautiful, shaping moments — that make everyone stronger.
Making drums has taught Po an incredible life lesson – a circle of wood is like a circle of loved-ones, when you push on them – they get stronger as they find their harmonious tune.
Join us again for Day 5, where Po continues shaping the wood — and the shared moments — that make every drum a circle of strength and love.
Love Art by Po 
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