Natural Edge Furniture

Why we respond to it with desire 

What first drew me to furniture making was the fact that that wood turning felt limited to me in my creative endeavors. It was an important step and a great foundation for learning to see and feel the wood.  I believe all woodworkers should take a lathe class - it will make them better craftsmen/women. 

The more I studied and read about wood and what it meant to jump into this commercial field that is so competitive, I realized that I could never compete with factories and big chains churning out what passes for furniture today.

Along the way, I felt what appealed most to me about furniture was the way it was mysteriously put together and how it held up over time. This eventually led me down a path to a man named George Nakashima. His design aesthetic and care for the materials spoke volumes to my sense of earth, peace, harmony and craft.

In pursuit of these qualities, learning has unfolded into teaching which is as necessary as making. It is in this pursuit that I aim to create live edge work of any kind for those who understand and feel as I do.

Blacksmithing in the Winter Months

I'm not sure where it comes from, this internal desire to forge metal in the winter. There are all the obvious reasons - furnace makes 2200 degree of Fahrenheit warmth, the glow of the metal  is like a setting sun, reminiscent of warmer days, longer days, days that seemed like they would last forever. Those kind of days. Or perhaps it's the rhythm when hammer meets steel, resonating of the anvil, Acme jokes notwithstanding, I often wonder why the roadrunner was so desirable to the coyote in the first place.

It's many things tied together I suppose. Simpler times where you were known and respected based on your profession and dedication to your craft. I don't know what most people do for a living anymore. I do know what a blacksmith does.; They used to be called upon to make aromor and weaponry, you could not cook without a kettle and assorted implements unless you knew a blacksmith. Your doors would not be secure without hinges or locks, your houses could not be nailed together, your horse and buggy would simply not go anywhere without a farrier or coopersmith.

If you long for piece of the past and would like to create something for your home or as a gift for a loved one, please drop me a line. I'd love to craft something for you. 

Especially in the winter.

How to make a spiral

For over 500 years artisans have been creating beauty out of wood. I found an old drawing and started to research a modern method to develop this skill set. They take time to make, lots of steps and being careful art every step makes this a good exercise for anyone.

Customer Testimonials

Customer are encouraged to write about their experiences with Brooklyn Bowls and the things that have been purchased. Photos are strongly encouraged. Just email them to me with any description and I will post.

How A Bowl Is Made

First photo shows a block of wood which needs to be hand planed because of the square nature of this particular design. Then the foot side is turned first leaving a place for the chuck to grab the bottom when I turn it around. After the outside is shaped, sanded and polished, the piece is turned around and the inside is turned very carefully as the leafs are quite delicate (especially turning at 2000rpm's). Sand and polish then many coats of oil.

Cherry Bowl

Sorry to see it go. But this one just left the shop for a birthday gift. It's going to a good home. If you're looking for a unique handmade gift, you can't go wrong with a bowl like this.

Wenge Goblets

These were a custom request for a Christmas gift for a special mom and dad. He drinks wine and she's more of a snifter. What a pair. Wenge is a beautiful wood to work with however it takes it's toll on your tools because the wood is so hard.

New Year and New Site

So, 2012 is upon us, the years just seem to go by faster and faster. Learning about the properties of wood and how each one cuts with tools is a time honored tradition. One that is steeped in folklore through the ages. From someone with Turner as a surname to the fantastical world of Walt Disney making a puppet come to life.

This blog is going to be a running dialogue of the thoughts and processes assoicated with wood turning. The creative process being the heartwood of my ramblings and feelings. Looking at the past is what helps me feel for the future. Goal driven to be inspired by the demands of a tech-savvy society, one that seems to put less emphasis on the smelling of the coffee and just trying to guzzle a super deluxe triple Venti. I often wonder how much less garbage there would be if all the popular chains would actually walk past one of their stores when the garbage is put out. See? Rambling. Happy New Year to all.