July 30, 2007 It has been a busy time since January - I have been doing alot of timber frame work for Aum Construction & Design and also designing and developing their website. Please drop by their page and take a look at the company and the current projects we've been working on. Three of the timber frames featured on their site I have had a hand in, so it's a good way to check in and see what I've been up to. Their website, also being one of my current projects, is another facet of Tangled Art. |
January 21, 2007 I have been working for a local contractor since November, helping to build a Timber Frame workshop. I am happy to employ my skills as a woodworker to a job so meaningful and rewarding as this. I have long dreamed of doing timber frame work since helping friends in the Alaskan bush with their timber frame home over ten years ago. I hope to one day build my own home this way. It is exciting to learn the techniques that are used, but most importantly, the completed work is done to some very high standards. The contractor I am working for is establishing himself as a well respected timber frame builder of high-end, custom homes. It is a long and slow process, with much of the work completed with mostly hand tools. Joints are roughed out with circular saws and routers, but the final fit is all hand work with sharp chisels and hand planes. The working atmosphere couldn't be better - trees all around, bluegrass and old-time music on the radio and old-world building methods all day. I feel like I've gone back in time 100 years! Check back as the pictures will start to make sense as the building process continues. Raising day is not definite, but it is anticipated for sometime in March. Also, the woodworking shop is still coming along........... any day now.......
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| November 11, 2006 My benchmate and I have completed our benchroom (relatively speaking). The walls are closed in, some temporary lighting in place, and all of the outlets are in order and working. We have yet to build doors to the room and paint the walls. I've moved my tools and bench in, but there is still much work to be done organizing and building necessary shelves and storage. I am anxious for the day when everything has it's place and I can just focus on building. The other two shopmembers have just about completed their benchroom as well. The next task is to install all of our electrical needs in the machine room portion of the shop. This should not take too long, but finding the right location for our machines and creating the most efficient use of the space will be a challenge. The following pictures show my bench space as well as my benchmates portion of the room (still empty). Click on the thumbnails to view a larger image. |
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| November 1, 2006 Most of October has been dedicated to completing the bench rooms. First, we had to rebuild a portion of the wall that separates us from a studio that is next to us. The building was constructed around the 1890's and many modifications have been made since then. There were two heavy doors that separated us from the neighboring studio, and so we had to remove those doors and rebuild the wall. We then built a wooden floor for the bench rooms which will relieve much of the fatigue that accompanies standing and moving around all day. It will also protect our tools, provide a level surface, and create an overall "warmth" to the space. Most of our electrical needs and all outlets have been installed in the bench rooms as well. We've also put some insulation in the walls for sound and comfort and have almost closed it in. Click on these thumbnails to view a larger picture and a short description. More pictures to come.......... In other news .... The Sideboard, that was awarded 1st Place at the 45th Annual Art In the Redwoods (featured below), is now on display and for sale at Henley's Art & Interiors. Henleys Art & Interiors |
| October 16, 2006 My shop mates and I have been working steadily at creating a proper workshop. We are closing in on it - and hoping to be able to make some shavings and sawdust in December..... Our original concept of what we envisioned for the space evolved into something much, much bigger. It will be quite a shop when it is complete! Below are some pictures taken of the progress and to give an idea of the general layout. The pictures are slightly out of proportion due to the panoramic attempt .... my apologies. (I suppose a CAD drawing would be beneficial here?) It is still quite the construction zone, but things are coming along nicely. Click on these thumbnail images to see a full size view
and description.
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| August 22, 2006
Sideboard takes first place in another juried exhibit!
It is currently on display at Gualala Arts in Gualala, CA. Although the festival weekend is over, the Sideboard will still be on display until September 3, 2006 Exhibit: 45th
Annual Art in the Redwoods Location: Gualala
Arts |
| July 20, 2006
Dressing table receives two prestigious awards back to back!
It is currently on display at the 18th Annual Artistry In Wood exhibition in Santa Rosa, CA. This is a juried exhibition of the Sonoma County Woodworker’s Association featuring the creations of over 25 of the finest woodworkers in Sonoma County and beyond. It can be viewed at the Sonoma County Museum in downtown Santa Rosa. Exhibit: 18th Annual Artistry In Wood Location: Sonoma
County Museum |
| June 14 , 2006 Another school year has come and gone, and I have successfully completed two years at the Fine Woodworking program. I spent the last 9 months designing and building a kneehole dressing table, or a "vanity" as it is more commonly known. The pleasant curves and asymmetric shape required much thought and contemplation. It has been quite an adventure to confront the many construction challenges that exist with this sort of a project. Studio shots will be updated to this site very soon... In other news, 3 other graduates of the program and I, have secured workshop space in downtown Fort Bragg. We hope to have the shop in full operation by the end of summer. |
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