'Fine Furniture' and 'Hand-made' are over-used and often misleading slogans, guiding us to make assumptions about the quality of work. To call something great because it's 'Hand-made' has little meaning on its own. The elements of care and skill must also apply in order for something to be 'fine' or possess attributes of quality. Creations truly worthy of these labels will stand for integrity on many levels, showing evidence of the maker's personal touches and best intentions, skill apparent in every aspect.

Design begins with a concept, whether simple or complex, but need not become a goal set in stone. The graphics within wood constantly shift and change as parts take shape and material is removed, revealing new patterns or colors. A good designer responds to a specific wood's natural tendencies and the characteristics discovered as the building process advances, improving on the original idea.

"There is no need to assert your mastery over the piece. Let the design unfold as you work, be flexible, and open yourself to what it will say as the work progresses."

~James Krenov

I create furniture to characterize balance and confidence. Wood choice plays a large role in defining the style of a particular piece. Coarse grain woods such as Hickory and Oak have a masculine quality, being roughly textured with large pores. Others like Maple or Cherry feel smooth and silky, having feminine attributes. Woods may be dense or soft, light or dark, stubborn or yielding and even agitated or calming. Each piece of wood calls for special attention to its individuality when creating these precious works. In making furniture, my intent is to celebrate woods' unique features in a refined and functional way, preserving some aspects of the tree's soul.

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