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11-Jul-08 |
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woodwork # 2
I'll take the liberty of making a part 2, it was getting a bit slow to load with all the images.
This guys work is really lovely, First I thought it was maquetry but he is carving out layers, maybe its cnc I'm not sure.
Duncan Gowdy cabinets.
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http://www.pritameames.com/on_view.html
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posted by Heath
edited on 11-Jul-08 09:03 PM [edit]
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11-Jul-08 |
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That's
a quite impressive group of work. The unusual layered carving of the Duncan Gowdy pieces is quite nice, and quite original, isn't it ?
To take just one piece and discuss its design, the James Schriber elliptical extension table (near the bottom) raises a problem I've grappled with before: how do you handle the addition of leaves into the middle of an already complete form (the ellipse) without damaging that perfect form. This example represents the usual and obvious solution -- just bridge the gap with a rectangle. A comparable example is the manufacture of a stretch limo from a standard sedan. It's far easier and simpler to just insert an "extrusion" of the profile at the cut-line. Unfortunately, the stretched ellipse, even more than the stretched sedan, looks weak in the middle as a result.
After looking at this image, I'm convinced that a better solution would be either a) to have the complete table with leaves make the ellipse, and let the "shortened" version have a slight peak at the middle of each long side -- or b) give the leaves their own slight bulge, making a "lobe" in the center of each side. Either of these solutions will have the advantage of appearing complete, heavier in the middle -- especially important when the base is a central pedestal, as in this example. I can't say I've seen either of these (possibly counter-intuitive) solutions in practice.
Thanks for the great show !
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posted by SDR
edited on 11-Jul-08 10:04 PM [edit]
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11-Jul-08 |
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its more of an oblong than an elipse I think, Elipses good, oblongs bad. The extended top looks cheap (like a commercial particleboard office table), the base is lovely and I think he should have foregone the extension in favour of making a fixed top which echoed the shape of the base.
Looking closely I think the carved cabinets above are cnc cut. Not sure how I feel about that. I have seen some very good carving done through a laminated board of 3 different woods, it takes a lot of skill to pull that sort of thing off.
The 'about' page on the site is a good read about the history of US studio furniture.
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posted by Heath
edited on 12-Jul-08 12:02 AM [edit]
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11-Jul-08 |
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The cabinets at top remind me of these Perriand/Prouve ones, anyone at home with a few boards of ash or birch and a small router and handsaw could make something similar to the Gowdy cabinets, horizontal would be good. Breuer designed some similar long wall mounted sideboards.
Painted or otherwise finished 1/4 sliding plywood doors with a finger hole would work for the doors.
They look good, are strong, almost fool proof to make with a little skill. I want some!
It beats paying Vitra 10k for a sideboard.
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posted by Heath
edited on 11-Jul-08 11:02 PM [edit]
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12-Jul-08 |
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Interesting stuff--
Highlights for me are the Duncan Gowdy cabinets (particularly the first pair), John Eric Byers magazine tables, and the Fran Taubman glass coffee table.
Even the things that aren't quite my cup of tea are undeniably impressive for their craftsmanship.
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posted by william-holden-caulfield
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12-Jul-08 |
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yes I wish more people would ...
yes I wish more people would buy this sort of work, its better than throwing money at FH, Vitra etc etc, could be buying the next Nakashima and make a lot more filthy lucre in the long run.
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posted by Heath
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12-Jul-08 |
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Nice stuff, I appreciate workmanship and quality but this stuff isn't really my style. Beautiful though. Well, I did find a few of my favorite things. :D
ANDY BUCK
Oval Table
White Oak, carved, painted, lacquered;
Base of Cocobolo
Square Bar Table by FRAN TAUBMAN
Steel, Japanese brown patina, glass.
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posted by SMGSwank
edited on 12-Jul-08 12:46 AM [edit]
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12-Jul-08 |
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That
Fran Taubman table is rich.
I love the Perriand wall units. They would be fun to make.
I don't really
see the point of criticizing a vertical wall cabinet because it isn't horizontal, or an extension table because it ought not extend. The function is presumably a given with anything made to serve a purpose (no matter its art content), don't you think ? (. . or don't you !" to quote an old SNL bit. . .) The challenge is to satisfy the functional requirements handsomely ? (Of course, a table has a better chance of looking swell if it doesn't also have to adjust, I'll grant you that.)
Judy McKee is someone I watch because she's a fellow RISD alum (her husband Todd was in my class; he made an interesting laminated chair there. I wonder what happened to him. . .) Her work has usually included animal imagery.
Jere Osgood must be ancient. He's one of the pioneer "California craft movement" woodworkers. There's a hotel in Cloverdale, CA with a front-room bar in maple that he did -- soft edges, inlaid squares of green glass, vaguely Japanesque. . .
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posted by SDR
[edit]
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12-Jul-08 |
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The
Gowdy carving could be CNC, of course, but I can imagine it being done by hand, too. There are simple ways to control cutting depth, of course, leaving the operator to free-hand the edge shapes (which I don't necessarily understand in the first pair ). The delicate botanical etching though seems like it would want to be CNC work.
On second thought, the variable depth of all that carving makes it likely that a CNC machine was used. . .
Gilpin and Philbrick have been around a long time, too. And how about that chair by Hucker ? I guess I like the cabinet by Rich Tannen as well.
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posted by SDR
edited on 12-Jul-08 02:05 AM [edit]
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12-Jul-08 |
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no no vertical is fine, it...
no no vertical is fine, it wasn't a criticism of them, I like them very much. Just saying horizontal would be good too, and add a little bit more storage surface.
The tabletop looked too regular compared to the base when its leaves were out, I have bad memories of assembling particle board monstrosities of the same shape.
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posted by Heath
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12-Jul-08 |
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Yeah.
I do like that oval slatted table base. Bubinga ? That stuff is HARD !
The wall-hung vertical cabinet with (naturally-decorated) door(s) on knife hinges seems to come directly from James Krenov. Nobody talks about him anymore, but for quite a time he had a big influence on a large group of wood-crafters. . .
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posted by SDR
[edit]
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12-Jul-08 |
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I've got 2 books on Krenov, the cabinets themselves don't excite me too much but their proportions do.
Bubinga hard? My background is Zimbabwean and the grandparents all had Bubinga furniture, was lovely but a lot of it was damaged being shipped back to the UK in the 80's.
This rosewood is frightening, I'm glad I've finished running it over the bench plane. it just kept wanting to kickback.
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posted by Heath
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13-Jul-08 |
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About the cabinets, etc.
This is Duncan Gowdy. Thank you for your comments about the pair of wall cabinets.
The doors are hand carved. The door is about 7/8" thick solid ash. There is a detail photograph of the carving on the door on the Pritam and Eames website. The tool marks and subtle shaping are visible.
I can understand your comments of the use of a CNC to obtain the image. If I were to make a production of the cabinets, I might consider using the technology. However, I make one-of-a kind pieces. I enjoy using the gouges, hand tools, and basic traditional woodworking machinery
I have been carving my furniture since 1991, when I took my first woodworking class. I inherited my grandfathers set of gouges at that time, and have been using them since.
The vertical format of the cabinets was new for me. The composition fit the image that I wanted to have on the doors. The image is of a brook in the winter; the white is the snow, grey is the ice, and black is the visible water. I was standing on a bridge when I took some photographs, so one cabinet is upstream, the other is downstream.
I started making the work for my show at Pritam and Eames last October. Mid-way though production I read a few Krenov books. So yes, I was able to learn from the readings.
There is amazing work at Pritam and Eames. Most of the furniture makers represented were students of Jere Osgood, Alphonse Mattia, and James Krenov. I was a student of Alphonse Mattia, and then Wendy Maruyama, who was a student of Alphonse and Jere.
http://www.duncangowdy.com
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posted by Duncan
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13-Jul-08 |
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Thanks
for the reply, Mr Gowdy. I'm glad you were able to find us. It's quite nice to know of the source of the imagery, and the technique used, on your wall pieces.
I greatly admire the design and the decoration of your other work, as well. I too admire ash, and find it too little used (despite an attractive price, in recent years) relative to the more popular American hardwoods.
Too bad for me that I live now on the West Coast -- I would like the excuse to visit the Hamptons and see the gallery's wares in person. Welcome to the (international) Design Addict community !
Stephen Ritchings
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posted by SDR
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13-Jul-08 |
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Thanks from here too, its great to add something a little different to the DA mix, much appreciatted.
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posted by Heath
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14-Jul-08 |
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posted by Duncan
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14-Jul-08 |
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Beautiful work Duncan
Any pics of your tools and workshop?
I do like the detail shots on your site...
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posted by rockland
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14-Jul-08 |
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On the Pritam and Eames
archive pages i noticed a Tage Frid stool i've always
been fond of.
TAGE FRID (1915-2004)
(2) Frid believed it was important to "design around the construction, and not construct around the design," and he disapproved of designers who were "so worried about the looks and the sculptural qualities of the piece that they first think about the beauty of the piece and later worry about how it is put together."
http://www.risd.edu/about_profiles.cfm?type=faculty&profilem...
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posted by rockland
edited on 14-Jul-08 03:51 PM [edit]
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14-Jul-08 |
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posted by rockland
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14-Jul-08 |
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Here
is a similar one by Perriand:
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posted by robert1960
edited on 14-Jul-08 05:08 PM [edit]
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15-Jul-08 |
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That tage frid quote about designing around beauty really struck a chord, I'll have to ponder that!.
The black and white image of the Perriand cabinet is fantastic, I want one, been trying to find some books on Sonia Delaunay who worked with her and Prouve on choosing the colouring of the doors, such a deliacte balance of colours and proportions in those cabinets, its not as simple as it looks.
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posted by Heath
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15-Jul-08 |
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'Frid believed it was important to "design around the construction, and not construct around the design," and he disapproved of designers who were "so worried about the looks and the sculptural qualities of the piece that they first think about the beauty of the piece and later worry about how it is put together." '
While I don't think I spent enough time under Mr Frid to have been influenced as a designer, I can say that the above philosophy describes exactly my design method -- so perhaps he had an unacknowledged effect. I greatly enjoy conceiving of a novel (to me) construction and then seeing what forms that structure offers or promotes -- though when i have got a form in mind from the start, the task then becomes finding the structure which most naturally and effectively provides that form.
Mr Frid was a delight. It appears I have missed my chance to thank him.
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posted by SDR
edited on 15-Jul-08 04:20 AM [edit]
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15-Jul-08 |
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I would like to post photos of my studio per Rockland's request. Could someone please instruct me on how to do so....I am new to forums.
Thanks.
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posted by Duncan
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15-Jul-08 |
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Here's
the most recent advice on that subject, posted by Patrick and Alix, our hosts. It is only necessary to have a web host site, where you upload your images. The URL needed to post them here will be provided by that web host.
___________________________________________________________________________
Reminder: Adding pictures in your message
In the form to post your messages, you will find three fields called "associated web images" that you can use to post images.
No need for fancy codes, no tags like: img src or [img etc.
Just post the simple url of your image in these fields.
example: http://www.yoursite.com/imagesfile/image1.jpg
As a reminder, if you dont have your own website, there are many sites that can host your images very easily.
Here are a few:
Photobucket
http://photobucket.com (free)
Picasa
http://picasa.google.com/ (windows only, free)
MobileMe
http://www.me.com (fee applicable) great for mac or Iphone users.
posted by Patrick and Alix
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posted by SDR
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16-Jul-08 |
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Posting pix
Duncan, if you are trying to post already existing pix from the web (as opposed to your own) just right click on any picture and a menu appears with the word "Properties" down at the bottom. Click on Properties and a http address will be given for that picture. Highlight the address and press Control + C to copy the address. Then go back to the forum and position the cursor in the "associated web images" box and hit Control + V to paste the address into the box. When your reply is posted, the picture will magically appear under your text.
Good luck!
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posted by Riki
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16-Jul-08 |
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posted by robert1960
edited on 10-Aug-08 10:16 PM [edit]
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19-Jul-08 |
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Sorry for the delay..
For those interested, I posted images of my studio (under Portfolio) on my website. I made an attempt to attach them, but failed.
http://www.duncangowdy.com
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posted by Duncan
edited on 19-Jul-08 01:56 AM [edit]
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19-Jul-08 |
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Like all great craftsmen
Well laid out, neat, clean. A place for everything, and everything in it's place. Beautiful, like your work! Kudos!
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posted by Big Television Man
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19-Jul-08 |
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I'm
envious. Looks like your shop has lots of nice daylight, too. I'm working in a garage right now; the best light is from the open doors. . .
I'm using a contractor's saw that I can recommend: it's a Ryobi BT3000. For those without the ability to own a proper table saw, this unit might be a satisfactory substitute. The arbor is tight and true, the cast alloy table and rise-and-tilt mechanism are well thought-out, the extruded fence rails adjust (right and left) easily, and support an extension table on either side of the small main one -- as well as a small sliding table that really works. I bought an inexpensive 40-tooth 3/32" rip blade (Irwin 14070) that works well (including the best cuts ever on acrylic) and found a very effective 3/32" 60-tooth blade on the saw, a Black and Decker "Piranha" that also does an excellent job. I was worried about clean and accurate cross-cuts on veneered panels and solid stock; with this blade and the sliding table on the saw I had perfect results.
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posted by SDR
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19-Jul-08 |
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thats a lot of hassle really,...
thats a lot of hassle really, you should just gnaw on wood like I do, its good roughage and helps keep you regular.
It is a nice workshop isn't it? I wish mine were half as good. Though I have to agree as SDR implied you really don't need a lot of equipment to do good work, just a few quality tools, a simple design like the Perriand cabinets (subsituing wood or ply and kd fittings for the aluminium and threaded rod) and you're away.
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posted by Heath
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19-Jul-08 |
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thank you Duncan
A nice workshop is a pleasure to see.
Sorry to put you through the 'posting a picture' annoyance.
Best to put photos on your website anyway.
A collector or fellow woodworker does like to see the process and a
human connection. (i don't need the pic of the kids or the dinner table).
Your website design and the picture of you as a child is full of information.
The story of where your tools came from was enough for me.
I understand a personal preference of privacy.
I was also thinking of the James Krevnov website that seems to stop at 2006.
http://jameskrenov.com/current_work.htm
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posted by rockland
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19-Jul-08 |
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I like those hinges, does SDR or Duncan have a brand name or manufacturer of them?
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posted by Heath
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19-Jul-08 |
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posted by rockland
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19-Jul-08 |
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sorry Heath
I was just referring to how links on this site get lost under a post or photo.
You posted while i was adding some info...
McmasterCarr has the hinges i believe.
I have similar ones but could ask the shop on monday.
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posted by rockland
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19-Jul-08 |
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posted by SDR
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19-Jul-08 |
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cheers guys , SDR your house ...
cheers guys , SDR your house must be like mine, thanks for the link , though they are not cheap.
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posted by Heath
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19-Jul-08 |
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No.
I wouldn't be surprised to be reminded that JK made his own, at one time -- he made the spring-loaded wood friction catches for his cabinets. The softer brasses can be worked the way aluminum can, in most any wood shop, I think.
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posted by SDR
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19-Jul-08 |
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I purchase my Brusso knife...
I purchase my Brusso knife hinges at Whitechapel, LTD, which is located in Jackson, Wyoming (see link below). I order my supplies over the phone; if you mention that your purchase is for re-sale, you will get a 25% discount. They are an excellent source for high quality hardware.
www.whitechapel-ltd.com, 1-800-468-5534.
I used brass-black solution to darken the hinges on the two cabinets. Stainless steel versions are available through the Brusso company....but they are expensive.
JK does state that he has/ had the hinges specially made by a jeweler/ metalsmith. The washer that separates the hinges leaves on the Brusso hinges are too thick to his tolerances.
Thanks for the comments about my studio. It took me several years to become organized. It is also a method called "lean" principles of production; essentially a modern day version of Shaker ethics. Toyota Corp., Thomas Moser Co., and my former place of employment, Benson Woodworking Co. Inc. use the practice. See links below for related articles.
http://www.massmac.org/newsline/0705/article02.htm
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/111/open_no-satisfaction.html?page=0%2C0
Eventhough I make one-of-a-kind pieces, the order makes processes go by efficiently. Plus, I have to move in a few weeks, and it is easier to pack-up.
About the lighting... it is a South facing room. I also use "daylight" flourescent lights.
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posted by Duncan
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19-Jul-08 |
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Thanks,
Duncan. Does your practice include just-in-time delivery of components, supplies and materials ?
Were you with timber-framer Tedd Benson, or with one of the other Benson-named firms in New England ?
How long will it take to set up your new shop ?
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posted by SDR
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19-Jul-08 |
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I attempt to order supplies after I have completed technical drawings. There are several hardwood retailers in my immediate area, so availability is not an issue. I do sub-out turned parts, which does take some scheduling. It is helpful to have a few projects going on at the same time to avoid lag time.
I worked in the Woodworking Dept. of Benson Woodworking/ Homes (founded by Tedd Benson) from 2001-2007. The company has several facilities in Walpole and Alstead, NH. It was a great company to work for.
It will take me a few weeks to set up my new shop. I have to paint walls first. It's a double whammy move, my wife and I are moving the apartment too.
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posted by Duncan
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07-Aug-08 |
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I hope
we'll see more of Duncan's work, and his new shop when it's up and running.
(If DA offered the familiar message-board option of emailing thread participants when a new message appears, we could be sure that he would know of our interest . . .)
I'm going to bump up the earlier "Woodworking" thread as well.
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posted by SDR
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10-Aug-08 |
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thanks SDR
I have moved...
thanks SDR
I have moved my studio, and am in the process of setting up.
More later!
Duncan
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posted by Duncan
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