Bench #3 From Bench Series #2
This bench marks an important step in my work. I had just completed the massive Bench #2 from Series #2 and i was looking to make a bench that was smaller. Bench #3 still needed to have a major presence or i was not going to let it come out of the model making stage. The piece came to life for me when I came up with the complicated shape of the cast concrete legs. Lets just say that the forms were very complicated to build. I knew that they were going to be interesting so I felt confident that I could exit the model making phase.
The result is a bench that I am very proud of. Bench #3 often has a hard time being noticed in my chronology because it is sandwiched between to 10′ long benches that have both been features at the LongHouse Reserve in East hampton NY. I thought I would take a moment to revisit the bench.
Bench #3 from my portfolio
Bench #3 Series #2
Mahogany and Cast Concrete 17″H x 84″W x 22″D
The bench features an asymmetrical top that has a pleasing angle towards the middle. All of the benches in this series are designed to be capable of outdoor use. The angle of the seat serves double duty, comfort and the ability to shed water. The connection to the concrete represents one of those structural moments that becomes an essential part of the design. Structural decoration as I call it. The legs are bolted to a piece of mahogany that adds to the visual thickness and rhythm of the top.
Below is another example of Bench #3. This platform is very flexible and I am able to offer custom combinations of woods, color of concrete and size. My work is all one-of-a-kind so this sort of client involvement is part of the experience.
Finally Bench #3 from Series #2 is a very capable outdoor bench. Here are some pictures from an installation at the Berkshire Botanical Gardens. Please note that benches are made as either indoor or outdoor benches. The outdoor version can always go indoors but the indoor version can not make the reverse journey.
Corner Pieces
Many years ago I began to explore furniture designed for the corner of a room. The idea is that these pieces could slip into a well furnished home without moving another piece out. The pursuit has evolved into an ongoing series.
More information is available in my portfolio site
Construction from my blog
These corner pieces both evolved from the corner piece pictured below. The introduction of cast concrete into my worked opened the doe to the evolution of the form. The concrete helped create the stable foundation of the piece. The rest of the detailing evolves to tie into the concrete element and provide the elements required for each version of the piece to be unique.
I am planning on visiting the series again in the near future.
Corner Piece #3
Sapele, Bleached Ash and White Cast Concrete 60″H x 18″W x 18″D
Corner Piece #3 cherry
Cherry 60″H x 18″W x 18″D
Curved Coffee Table
I designed the Curved Coffee Table a few years ago for a client in the Hamptons. The table remains as one of my favorites. It is also one of my best documented pieces. The piece was so well documented that my 10 part blog post was adapted by Popular Mechanics to inspire their readers. I always bring the model with me when I am discussing coffee table commissions. The piece always inspires and informs the new table.
Curved Coffee Table
Mahogany 18″H x 60″W x 45″D
The table features the shifting, stacking and faceting that is characteristic of my structural style. Each component in the table serves double duty, structure and detail. The necessary result of this approach to composition is that I become necessary at the time of construction. The result is a one-of-a-kind piece every time. Another benefit is absolute freedom in the design and construction process. Different woods, sizes and details are not only possible, they are encouraged.
The surface of the table is an unusual shape that features deep facets on the working surface of the table. The result is that the structure of the top is revealed and the composition creeps into a most unexpected place. I like to use the familiarity of my subject to challenge the viewers expectations.
The detailing of the composition extends under the table rewarding the person who takes the time to have a look. This sort of detailing is also revealed by touch. Often the warmth of the wood and the silky finish will catch someones attention. The action under the table is then revealed by touch.
More information:
Curved Coffee Table in my portfolio
10 part blog post detailing the construction of the table