You might say Bill Smithers has spent his life working with wood, from lumber millwork and time spent as resident boat builder at the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, N.Y., to cabinetry and furniture. Working mainly on commission from his workshop in the Town of Macomb, Smithers makes beautifully crafted pieces. Using local woods like butternut, cherry, and maple whenever possible, he crafts a wide range of pieces from large entertainment centers to small jewelry boxes. Smithers has always believed in the self-sufficient lifestyle, from building his own home, boat and furniture to providing his own food. Being self-taught has allowed him to develop as a craftsman as well as a woodworker. Aspiring Renaissance man would be a good description of Smithers and working with his hands has always given him the opportunity to work with an eye towards practicality.