CRAFT OF MAINE-May 2010 

by Rebecca Falzano

Six Maine furnituremakers working with wood

Single Tub, 2007, mahogany, 50” x 29” x 27.5”

 

Woodworkers often talk about their craft like it is a living thing; and in a sense it is. The beauty of living trees is captured in the wood, and the art itself is ever-evolving. On the following pages, we see works from six Maine masters who make beautiful furniture with wood. Using the inherent natural beauty of their medium—rich color, unique grain—they create pieces that are the backdrop to our everyday lives. “Wood is a spectacularly rewarding medium to work in. The grace of the original living tree shines through the color and texture that gives wood its beauty, while design and craftsmanship bring strength and longevity to the product. Our wooden bathtubs add tactile and visual intensity to the twin glories of hot water and relaxation.” -Bath in Wood

For more Bath in Wood: bath-in-wood.com

 

 

 

 

Flexure Small Cocktail Table, 2009, cherry and glass, 18” x 18.5” x 18.5” (optional cushions convert tables into seating)

“Shaker was my inspiration and teacher. The way we live is changing; open format and smaller spaces create opportunities for furniture that is flexible in form and function. Flexure furniture is designed around a set of principles developed over thirty-eight years of experience. With clean lines, simple curves, and rigorous pragmatism, the only embellishment is the wood itself.” -David Margonelli

For more David Margonelli: margonellifinefurniture.com

 

 

 

 

 

Sofia Two Place Sofa, 2000, cherry, 32” x 58” x 31”

“Our designs are not cutting-edge statements of current fashion, but rather a synthesis of what has been given to us by craftsmen and designers of the past. They are timeless and, unlike style or fashion, have relevance across cultures and centuries. It is through simplicity of form and attention to detail and proportion that we achieve a well-designed piece. Maine’s pure beauty and culture are essential to who we are as a company. As designers, we find inspiration in our surroundings and are passionate about capturing that in each piece of furniture we build.” -Thos. Moser

For more Thos. Moser:  thosmoser.com

 

 

 

 

 

Horn Cabinet, 2008, cherry, brushed aluminum, steel, and rubber, 84” x 24” x 78”

“My designs have evolved over time and have been shaped not by one period or style, but by many influences. There are elements of Scandinavian clarity and simplicity, of Shaker honesty of materials, of the ordered symmetry and linear comfort of the Arts and Crafts style, and the subtleness of Asian design. Subtle understatement has been a goal—adding simple inlays that develop the design but don’t dominate, using a soft curve to lighten a severe, hard line, and letting the grain and color of the wood emerge as a design element.” -Huston & Company

For more Huston & Company:  hustonandcompany.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nautilus Cabinet, 2005, cherry, maple, and wenge, 52” x 37” x 31”

“My inspiration as a furniture designer began with Scandinavian and Eastern influences. Over the years I have developed a vocabulary guided by the geometry of nature—the nautilus spiral, a budding flower, or the wing of a crow—and gained a sense of proportion and confidence in applying sculptural forms to my work. I am fortunate in that I still draw passion from this trade of working with wood, using my hands to transform trees and beautiful boards into heirlooms that bring my customers joy.” -Geoffrey Warner

For more Geoffrey Warner: geoffreywarnerstudio.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tusk Oval Coffee Table, 2006, macassar ebony and glass, 17” x 60” x 36”

“Innovation in furniture design is my ultimate objective. Finding unique solutions to age-old design problems—where to sit, to eat, to work, to relax, to sleep, to store—is the challenge and my inspiration.” -Gregg Lipton

For more Gregg Lipton: liptonfurniture.com ,  homeportfolio.com