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.

Meet Your Maker

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

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