Pine Needle Baskets

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.

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.

Judith Ames' "One Woman Show" opens for Artwalk

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.