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Design must work within the limitations of the materials
being used. All materials have characteristics that
are unique and must be used keeping their nature and
limitations in mind. There are a wide range of choices
that can be used: solid wood, veneer, laminated wood,
and even products such as plastic, glass, and metal.
The essential factor is that the material is sufficient
and fitting for its function in the piece.
Wood is a dynamic material, and is my favorite medium.
I have worked with many different species, in both solid
and veneer. Solid wood is useful for many aspects of
furniture construction, while veneer is best for others.
Each should be used wherever the need is best met by
the material. Veneer has received a bad name recently
because of the poor use of it in cheap contract furniture,
but it is actually the best way to make a large panel,
a curved panel, a book matched panel or to keep costs
low and beauty high in something made with a rare exotic
species. It also conserves the usage of these species
so that less material is needed for a piece. It needs
to be stressed that veneer is a solid wood, it just
happens to be very thin, and when properly used and
applied, it is as strong and stable as a thick piece
of solid wood, and in many cases even more so. I can
use any other materials, both precious and common as
is warranted by the structural needs, function or desired
appearance of a piece; for example, silver, gold, or
platinum; Ivory, bone or shell; glass, plastic or stone.
I will work with any material harvested and imported
legally.
Finishes are many and varied and their use is determined
by the function of the piece, and its desired appearance.
I use hand rubbed oils, natural and synthetic lacquers
and varnishes, catalyzed finishes, and epoxies.
I never believe that it is worthwhile to compromise
on the quality of materials, as something can never
be better than what it is made out of. |
