Wooden Artefacts
Material Exploration + Prototyping + Traditional Craft
Woodcraft has been an integral part of human history across different epochs, locations, and cultures. As sustainablility comes to the forefront of collective discussion, we believe what designers must look towards traditional methodologies and renewable materials to lead our creative vision. Below, are some of objects we have hand-made that, we think, best exemplifies our aforementioned commitment.
Bent Lamination Car
The profile of the top and bottom pieces are formed from multiple pieces of veneer, which is then pressed and glued to hold their form. I cut pieces of regular poplar and drilled holes to attach the axles of the wheels to. I lathed four pieces of mahogany into wheels to contrast the relatively light color of the oak veneer and poplar blocks. Finally, I attached the various parts and sanded the edges until they were smooth to touch.
Wooden Animal Playset
While looking for scrap pieces of wood to create a piece for the table saw, I found various pieces of wood that were too small to work with, yet large enough to cut on the Jigsaw. Taking inspiration from the shapes that these pieces were already in, I made them into various animal shapes, coated the pieces with multiple layers of Gesso (so they are waterproof and can be painted on), and sanded their profiles.
Wooden Shakers
This series of wooden shakers are made of various types of wood such as maple, ash and pine. These were cut on a lathe then placed on a steam bed, so the metallic balls could be inserted in the the hollowed structures. To finish, I hand sanded the exterior to around 480 grit, used wood primer to fill in tear-out, and finally used orange oil to give the shakers a shiny aesthetic.
Shakers have entertained children of many cultures, age groups and walks of life, however, the design of them has generally been very clumsy or made with cheap materials such as various forms of laminated plastic. I wanted to see if I could create a seamless, elegant, open-form version of these iconic toys.
Wooden Bowls
Wood turned bowls out of blocks of Poplar. Carved, then sanded, then burnished.