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The people
who work in our shop share our passion for beautiful
wood. We understand that one of the most important aspects
of successful design is the perfect match of aesthetic
inspiration and functional requirement, with wood characteristics.
 Each
species of tree yields wood of a differenthardness, density,
texture, and color. Each tree within a species develops
its own patterns of rings, burls, curls, and crotches.
The direction in which lumber is sawn from the log can
reveal spectacular characteristics. But, for the custom
cabinetmaker, a technical understanding of wood’s
characteristics is only the beginning.
A cabinetmaker’s experience leads him to speak more
often of a wood’s "personality." Koa and
bubinga are exotic, not just because they are imported,
which is all "exotic" technically means, but
also because they excite our imaginations. Black walnut
and rosewood posess a rich formality as distinctive as
cherry’s overtones of enduring warmth. Reclaimed
heart pine veritably exudes a worldly antiquity commensurate
with the age of the timbers from which it is resawn.
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These characterizations
reflect our intimate experience with a wood in its most
appropriate applications. Oak has long been preferred
for drawer parts because it is hard enough to resist
ware…thus its connotations of smart efficiency and
steadfast durability. Mahogany’s workability with
hand tools made it the favorite of 18th century makers,
so it virtually speaks, "tradition."
The entire time we are developing a design, we are considering
the personality of the wood to be used. We are consulting
our extensive sources of supply, checking on the availability
of the figure and color we demand, and scouring new sources
for new varieties.
We continuously search for woods that bring out the best
in our designs, while constantly exploring designs that
make the most of beautiful wood. There are few natural
materials with which people have so intimate and personal
a relationship as we have with wood.
 Along
with our love of wood, we enjoy incorporating other media
with our work. We look forward to opportunities where
collaboration with other artisans can lead us to new
ideas. Whether we are working with a black smith to design
special hardware, a glassmaker on stained glass panels,
or a stone mason facing a fireplace surround, we revel
in their creative efforts, the look and feel of their
materials. |
