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.

Craving Craftsman style? Prepare to feast.

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

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

Happy Birthday Hank

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

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!

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.