New pieces in the Mendocino Coast Furnituremakers show
at Mendocino's Odd Fellows Hall in 2015
The Ottoman is 40" square and 20" tall. The tray is 30" X 17"
The ottoman is upholstered in Jacob Alexander's textile, and the base is painted ash.
The tray is ziricote and gaboon ebony.
click on the images to enlarge
The tray is ziricote and gaboon ebony.
click on the images to enlarge
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O.K., Turning bowls does not make me laugh out loud---but it does make me happy.
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As a long time furniture maker, I am accustomed to spending many weeks on a single project. Maybe a couple of months. Bowl turning, however, can be accomplished in one day. I guess that's instant gratification and production all rolled into one.
Just as in my furniture, I don't like to make things that others make, or that one might be expected to make. I prefer to spend my limited time and talent on something that will hopefully surprise the viewer. That is my goal, and on occasion I make it. An important aspect of turning is that it is a meditation. Supreme focus is absolutely essential, and as you focus, the inner dialogue goes away and the mind relaxes as the shavings fly off the lathe. Meanwhile, something nice may have happened. |
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One more bench is in the works:
I made these three benches to show off the gorgeous textiles, hand quilted and painted by my late friend Jacob Alexander.
Jacob used fabric to develop his ideas, initially working with scraps from his wife Sondra’s upholstery designs. He began to paint and quilt his own fabric and developed an amazing skill with a sewing machine. He was inspired by African art, humor, and a sharp political wit.
He left hundreds of quilted pieces: wall hangings, oversized Kimonos, bags, and many smaller pieces. I was delighted when Sondra asked me to design furniture around these. I think the playfulness would have pleased Jake.
Jacob used fabric to develop his ideas, initially working with scraps from his wife Sondra’s upholstery designs. He began to paint and quilt his own fabric and developed an amazing skill with a sewing machine. He was inspired by African art, humor, and a sharp political wit.
He left hundreds of quilted pieces: wall hangings, oversized Kimonos, bags, and many smaller pieces. I was delighted when Sondra asked me to design furniture around these. I think the playfulness would have pleased Jake.
