Fine Wood Wording

True "Luminessence" by Sharon Ricci

2011-10-06T14:17:00.000-07:00

My role as gallery director at Northwest Fine Woodwork puts me in the very fortunate position of getting to know clever, kind and inspired individuals fulfilled by the work they have chosen along their life path. Earlier this year I spent a day with Stephen White, the maker of the stunning light sculptures that adorn the Northwest Fine Woodworking gallery interior. Stephen has been involved with our gallery for many years but his personal story leading to a lifetime as a working artist only became clear to me while hanging this year's Bright Ideas show. I am pleased to share some highlights from my time with Stephen here.

Luminessence - the essence of light encapsulated in the designing and building of original handcrafted light sculptures began for Stephen over 45 years ago. A degree in architecture from Carnegie Tech in Pittsburgh lead him in the direction of a professional "artistic" career, but a four year tour of duty in the Air Force put a temporary stop to that journey. What seemed to be an unfortunate delay on one hand became a fortuitous promise on another, for it was during this time of service that his desire for creative expression opened to designing in another medium.

Stephen White recalls "The old adage, 'Necessity is the mother of invention' is an appropriate description of how this creative path opened for me. It was basically the need for a lighting fixture for my home near the base where I was stationed near Nashville, Tenn. that led me to create my first work in this medium." The materials he began with were paper and wood and now, years later, with a few refinements in technique and many explorations in design form, the materials are still paper and wood. "The essence of that first piece is still evident in my work today."

Looking back on his career as a working artist he says "I have had the good fortune to live and work as an artist since I was 25. Now at 72, as I look back over those many years, I am thrilled to see the length and depth of my artistic journey. All told, I have created somewhere in the neighborhood of 2000 light sculptures that have been installed around the world in homes, galleries and pubic buildings."
What does he site as his inspiration? Essentially, Nature herself. "Along my path I have lived in many diverse landscapes. From middle Tennessee to Arctic Alaska, north shore Oahu to northern and southern California, northern Germany to southern Italy and now in the Pacific Northwest, each one has impacted me and influences my artistic vision. That and the materials being natural have lead me into a world of art where most of the forms I create have an organic appearance to them. Then, too, in some of my work there is a hint of the architectural background I gained during my college years."

Stephen White admits that often by letting the wood speak for itself, he finds what he sees as the natural way to put one and two-dimensional materials together to make beautiful three-dimensional forms that will emanate the light they contain. "Finding new ways to put these same simple materials together is my joy and has lead me down numerous and varied avenues in my quest for beauty."

For more information on the Stephen's works currently available at Northwest Fine woodworking or to inquire about custom projects, email contact@nwfinewoodworking.com

Fabulous Wood Items For the Kitchen and Table

2008-11-26T09:25:00.000-08:00

A. Large Cutting Board made from many different woods $50.
B. One-of-a-Kind Salad Bowl with matching salad servers $195.
C. Folding Salad Servers by in cherry wood. $33.
D. Set of four checkered wood coasters with holder $44.
(Set of six for $48.)
E. Cocobolo wine bottle stopper with stainless steel tip $26.
F. Hand Carved Coffee Scoop $32.
G. All Purpose Hand Carved Scoop $28.
H. Tea Caddy Box in cocobolo $180.
I. Checkered Trivets in multiple woods $9. each.
J. Lazy Spoon in cherry $26.
K. Natural bark covered Alder Vase $38.
L. Turned Zebrawood Bottle Stopper $10.

Some reasons why they are fabulous:

Great for grown up stocking stuffers, these smaller items are not only functional but beautiful. Wouldn’t coffee taste better made with a hand carved scoop? And what would be more elegant than to top your favorite wine at Holiday dinner than a hand turned decorative stopper?

Jonathan Spoons makes the best…well, spoons! The folding salad tongs fit neatly in a kitchen drawer and the lazy spoon is a best seller because it’s so darn clever! The little notch lets it sit on the edge of the pot, no sticky pudding on the counter!

I don’t know about you, but I drink a lot of tea. Not only a lot of tea but a lot of different types of teas. Maybe that’s why this would make such a great thing to have in the kitchen- a lovely tea caddy, keeping all those teas in neat little compartments.

Finally, what Holiday dinner is complete without a huge salad? Wouldn’t the in-laws be suitably impressed if you served them out of this hand turned one of a kind maple salad bowl, made from a tree salvaged in Seattle? The bonus is it comes with it’s own matching servers!

These items and other fabulous items for the home and kitchen are now available at Northwest Fine Woodworking. Stop by early for the best selection or call (206) 625-0542.

Selecting the Perfect Jewelry Box

2008-11-19T13:34:00.000-08:00

When facing so many choices for wood jewelry boxes out there, selecting the “perfect” box can be a daunting task, especially if you are purchasing the box as a gift for a loved one.

At Northwest Fine Woodworking, we often see shoppers standing in front of our box display with perplexed looks, struggling with the many beautiful options. Hopefully this article will shed some light on the most important things to consider when looking for a wood jewelry box.

Function: What will the box be used for? Well, jewelry seems the obvious answer, but what kind of jewelry? Earrings and rings require individual compartments; necklaces need space to keep from becoming a tangled mess

Size: Size may dictate what a box should be used for. Long narrow boxes make the perfect display container for favorite necklaces or a collection of watches. Smaller boxes with deep open spaces work well for rings, personal items, or the essential jewelry one wears every day. Large jewelry chests with sliding trays provide easy access to a variety of items for that individual who coordinates jewelry with fashion. Keep in mind, people rarely have just one box to store their entire jewelry collection. Choose a box that is slightly larger than the items you envision it containing just to be sure there is room for adding a bit more!

Cost: Size, material, interior compartments, and decorative embellishments all contribute to the cost of a hand-crafted box. For this reason, determine a range for spending and then ask to see boxes in a variety of styles that suit your budget. Expect to find a good selection of medium size jewelry box that offer storage compartments and artistic detail for under $300. For most gift recipients, a medium sized box is perfect for placing on a bedroom dresser – allowing for access and organization of items worn regularly.

For unique, small keepsake boxes that can hold a group of rings or other small treasures, expect to pay around $20 to $50. Moderate size, individual purpose boxes that don’t have a lot of compartments or drawers will range around $60 to $250. Large boxes with many trays, compartments and drawers will generally run higher than $300. Boxes that showcase many exotic woods or time consuming details, like marquetry or inlay, generally run much higher than simpler boxes of the same size.Quality: Buying a well made jewelry box should be considered an investment. Think of it as a functional piece of furniture sitting on your shelf, table top, or dresser; storing and protecting valuable objects; cutting down on clutter; as well as adding to the decor. With proper care, quality boxes can be treasured for generations.

Design: Like furniture, wood jewelry boxes come in all sorts of shapes and designs: from sculptural pieces and Japanese tansu inspired compartmental boxes to contemporary boxes with classic lines and inlayed details. Variety is the key in finding the perfect box, and don’t forget to ask if custom options are available. Like the shape of the box but not the woods or the number of compartments?
Ask if it can be made differently to fit your needs.

Alternative uses: Don’t forget that jewelry boxes aren’t just for jewelry! Large Shaker style boxes are great for holding knitting supplies, sewing kits or a collection of photos, while small long boxes are perfect for storing remote controls and cell phones. Multi compartmental boxes can hold coin or antique fishing lure collections, while some boxes are designed specifically to hold your keys and wallet.

Decorative boxes are an elegant way to sort and store small items to create functional displays in rooms other than the bedroom. Shells, push-pins, business cards – the uses are endless. Multiple keepsake boxes can also be displayed together to hold a variety of single precious items and create a vignette that people will delight in exploring.

Northwest Fine Woodworking has a wide variety of boxes in stock, stop by the gallery soon for the best selection, or call (206) 625-0542.

Pine Needle Baskets

2008-11-05T13:27:00.000-08:00

We just got in these fabulous new baskets by local artist Luella Castelda. These beautiful pieces are created using found objects from shells and driftwood to a horseshoe, and woven using traditional techniques and materials. Luella learned basket weaving from her step mother and gradually absorbed the many influences of both Native American and Mexican cultures in her work. Each basket is a unique work of art. Luella's evocative baskets are currently on display at Northwest Fine Woodworking.

For those with interest in the art of basketry, the Bellevue Art Museum will be having a show titled Intertwined: Contemporary Baskets from the Sara and David Lieberman Collection starting in December. You can read more about this show on their website.

Also worth a mention at BAM- this Friday, furniture maker (and former member of NWFW) Ken Richards will be giving a free talk about the creative process and influences of woodworkers such as Emmet Day and Sam Maloof. Click here for time and location.

Woodwork Magazine Examines the Creative Force Known as Ross Day.

2008-10-13T15:57:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder about the genesis of a master craftsman?

Accolades and paychecks are not guarantees for a studio furniture maker. Banging out kitchen cabinet boxes is often a more stable road to 401K's and reliable health care. So, what motivates an individual to willingly pursue functional beauty as a profession?

This month distinguished woodworking writer, Jonathan Binzen, profiles the life of gallery member Ross Day. Day's furniture is a marriage of utility and artistry. The article looks beyond the physical and into the "creative force" behind the work; exploring connections to Sculptor James Washington, furniture maker James Krenov, and the Northwest Studio Furniture community. Anyone who has an interest in studio craft or the fine arts will enjoy this read.

Craving Craftsman style? Prepare to feast.

2008-09-26T12:40:00.000-07:00

Autumn brings two premier events to the West Coast annually. But, the centennial of the Gamble House -- Greene & Greene's ultimate Arts & Crafts masterpiece -- makes this year's happenings particularly notable. Whether filling your home or your mind, there is something for every admirer of fine craft. Bungalow tours, lectures, antiques, reproductions, and modern interpretations of Craftsman basics are all available for public consumption. Visit the Seattle Bungalow Fair at Town Hall September 27th-28th, or attend the Craftsman Weekend held in Pasadena October 17-19th.

Northwest Fine Woodworking Gallery goers will recognize the inspiration of the Arts & Crafts Movement in many of our gallery offerings. But, if it's Greene & Greene you love, look no further than Tom Stangeland's modern interpretations of classic Greene & Greene designs. Stangeland was recently mentioned in "The Seattle Times" for his contributions to the strong Craftsman tradition of the Pacific Northwest. His work will feature in both West Coast events this Autumn. Seattle-based craftsman Darrel Peart's lecture on September 28th, as part of the Bungalow Fair, will highlight some of Stangeland's contributions; showcasing Northwest connections with Greene & Greene. Of course, if you want to meet Tom in person he will be an exhibitor at Pasadena Craftsman Weekend in October. Head out into the brisk air for some fine Craftsman appreciation if you're able, or come into the gallery anytime to get an up close look at the exquisite Craftsman influence in your own backyard.

Meet Your Maker

2008-09-01T12:52:00.001-07:00

When we have a new show opening at the gallery, it's always exciting, but Meet Your Maker opening this week is really special. This show will truly will be interactive, allowing the general public a special glimpse into the world of studio furniture and the talented individuals who create it. There will be opportunities to meet the makers at the opening on September 4th, as well as scheduled events at the gallery and free studio tours at the individual woodworker's shops. If you are in Seattle, don't miss this once in a lifetime chance to see where some of our fabulous furniture comes from.-NV

Madrone Wood

2008-07-24T09:05:00.000-07:00

The Pacific Madrone tree is found locally through the Pacific Northwest from California to British Columbia. Easily identified by it's peeling orange bark, these trees are quite tenacious, often growing on bluffs and cliffs that overlook the Pacific Ocean and Puget Sound.
Madrone wood is a rich creamy pink with a lighter cream colored sap wood and it can have very dense and figured burls. Due to availability and other factors, it is not widely used by commercial furniture manufactures, however it is much appreciated by local artisans who use the wood for turnings and in studio furniture pieces. Many of these artists salvage the wood from local trees that were cut down or removed from urban settings. In this way, these dramatic trees find a second life in one of a kind heirloom pieces.

Many of Northwest Fine Woodworking members and artists have made use of this beautiful natural resource. In fact, there is a stunning tansu made by fourth generation cabinet maker Evert Sodergren in our gallery right now. For me this really illustrates the core difference between studio furniture made by local artists and the mass produced; a connection not just to the individual artist but to the natural materials, the provenance. -NV

Happy Birthday Hank

2008-07-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

A Happy Birthday goes out to Northwest Fine Woodworking member Hank Holzer. Here he is demonstrating the strength of his beautiful Akira Chair. Looks like fun!

Salad Bowl Set

2008-07-15T11:22:00.001-07:00

Dale Larson has the knack of turning the perfect salad bowl. Always the right shape, the right size and immaculately finished, there is a good reason he is one of the top selling turners at Northwest Fine Woodworking. When we got in this salad set last week (one large bowl and four matching serving bowls in figured Myrtle wood), I was again amazed. Dale not only created the perfect salad bowl, but four matching bowls to go with it. Beautiful wood, beautifully turned and functional too! Did I mention he also made a set in walnut and another in madrone wood? You'd have to dream up the most perfect salad to be worthy of such great bowls. -NV

Happy Late Birthday!

2008-07-11T09:49:00.001-07:00

A belated Happy Birthday to Northwest Fine Woodworking member Nick Boynton. Shown here enjoying the day out on the beautiful Flathead Lake in Montana.

It just goes to show you that woodworkers do, on occasion, get out of the workshop.

Judith Ames' "One Woman Show" opens for Artwalk

2008-07-09T12:35:00.000-07:00

For those of you who were not able to attend the Pioneer Square Artwalk last Thursday due to other committments (or hesitation over the Seattle Mariners baseball game traffic), I must say you missed out on a great gathering at Northwest Fine Woodworking.

Artists Judith Ames, Hank Holzer, Tom Deady, Robert Spangler, and Jeff Pfeiffer engaged old friends and new with lively tales and funny furniture-maker humor. The debut of Judith's Vinca Cabinet generated a fabulaous response from visitors. A demure piece of case work at 32" x 16.5" x 36"H, the Vinca Cabinet's graceful curves and sinuous growth of inlaid vines in spring bloom is breathtaking. The showcase of 14 designs, 9 featuring Judith's signature styling of natural themed inlay, conveys a sense of femininity and solidity that has become a hallmark of Judith Ames furniture design.

That handsome fellow lingering amongst the collection of mango, koa, and birds-eye maple scuplted furniture was none other than Mr. Tom Deady. On display for a retrospective spotlight are Mother and Daughter in maple and Father and Son in koa whose animated postures conveying the intimacy of the parent-child relationship garnered much enthusiasm and laughter. Tom Deady will be making another appreance at Northwest Fine Woodworking on Saturday July 12th from 2-4pm. Come say hello to a legendary wood artist with nearly 40 years of custom furniture making experience to recall stories about.

500 Chairs Book

2008-07-08T11:21:00.000-07:00

It's always thrilling to see pieces you know and love in book form. The new Lark book 500 Chairs (part of their 500 series) features not one, not two, but eight examples of furniture created by Northwest Fine Woodworking cooperative members.

Like other books in this series, this book is mostly photographs and bare bones descriptions of the chairs featured. The photos in this book are stunning however, and the diversity of design, functionality and use of materials makes for engaging viewing. You'll find everything from classically designed dining chairs to impossible to sit on modern works of art and everything in between.

This book is a must for anyone who is interested in furniture design, studio furniture, or just wants a new look at an everyday object.

You can find this book on Amazon here.

Welcome

2008-07-03T13:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new blog of Northwest Fine Woodworking. This will be a collaborative effort by those on the front lines of Seattle's premiere Wood Working Cooperative. In the works; reviews of new studio furniture and fine woodworking, books, craftsmen and artisans, and assorted commentary on the world of Fine Woodworking.