The First Craftsman Program Graduating Class of Inside Passage School of Fine Woodworking. Our first annual year-end student show took place at the Northwest Furniture Gallery May 11th-18th in Seattle, Washington.
The Benchroom this week ...
May 11, 2006
Second Piece, a parquetry cabinet by Federico Mendez Castro. Federico is one of three students who are returning for a second year of study. The cabinet is made using shop sawn veneers laid up using geometric patterns utilizing the flow of the grain graphics, patterns and color. This workmanship of this piece is exquisite. All student final piece will be professionally photographed and will be posted in the student gallery.
Doug prepares for his valedictorian speech which he made during the show in Seattle. Doug used the opportunity to reflect back on the year which has been a life changing experience for many of our students. Robert was grateful to have such a special group of people as our first graduating class, even more grateful that there was such interest in the Resident Craftsman Program. In the Resident Craftsman Program students contribute to the teaching, thus broadening the experience for first year students, not to mention freeing up Robert to work at his bench.
Steve Skonieczny, one of our guest faculty, arranged a series of shop tours which took place in and around Seattle the day following the show opening. This photograph was taken outside the Shop of Robert Spangler, a craftsman who resides on Bainbridge Island and displays his work regularly at the Northwest Furniture Gallery. Bob and his wife generously opened up their inspiring home and shop and shared with the students his work as an independent craftsman.
Another Shop the students toured is that of Bill Walker, a graduate of the College of the Redwoods back in 1981. Bill has been published in Fine Woodworking Magazine and is a regular at Pritnam & Eames in New York. Bill also shared with the students his strategies for making a living as a craftsman.
The Benchroom this week ...
May 1, 2006
The students are working frantically to complete their pieces for our Join us at our year end show at the Northwest Furniture Gallery in Seattle. Join us there on Thursday May 11 at 6 pm. for our opening and reception.
Caitlin's wooden smoother and shooting board made in the early part of the program have served her well. Caitlin has a curved front tray underway to fit into her first piece.
Jason's final glue up. With over a hundred dowels it was a team effort. The fit was very well. We have come to expect this from Jason's work.
Jason's cabinet showing the the curved glass panels. As I write this Jason is mortising the door frames which will accept the carved pulls.
One of Michael's doors of Doussie and spalted maple of his linen cabinet. The Maple veneers are slightly thicker with softened edges and have been inset using a portion of the live edge. The careful use of graphics contribute to the taper of this piece, lovely work!
Brent mortising curved rails of his demilune table. A simple jig holds the aprons at the appropriate angle for mortises. Brent used a full size drawing to work out the angles and for cutting the pieces to size. Brent has used twin and stepped mortise and tenon construction. Brent has already planned on returning this fall for our first elephants.
Federico's parquetry cabinet in claro walnut with doors, slide bolt and lock fit. Since this photo was taken the doors have received an oil finish and Federico has turned his focus to the stand. To fully appreciate this piece it should be seen first hand. Join us at our year end show at the Northwest Furniture Gallery in Seattle this Thursday for our opening and reception at 6pm.
Eric's stand of wenge partially assembled ready for the final glue up. The front rail will be split and receive a gentle arc across the bottom. Eric has had a wonderful presence in the benchroom this year. We look forward to his return as a second year student.
Bruce's curved front drawer joinery complete. Since this photo was taken he has moved onto the drawer bottoms. Bruce has shown remarkable improvement since the beginning of the program.
Doug's serving tray stand ready for final cleanup. The tray is receiving the applied edges and Doug has begun the joinery for the curved front drawer which can be accessed from either side. The shaping of this piece is lovely.
Michael's cabinet parts receiving a final coat of finish before assembly. The spalted maple can be a real challenge. Michael had to apply five coats of brushing lacquer before applying several thin cut coats of shellac. Notice the gentle pillowing shape applied to the legs. Michael has developed into a fine craftsman and we look forward to his return as part of the journeyman program.
Peter's humidor or kwila and pau ferro assembled. He has since turned his focus to the drawers which as I write the joinery is nearly complete. Peter has been a real asset to the program and we look forward to his return as part of our Journeyman Program next year.
Cody's table top tansu cabinet with drawer joinery underway. Cody has served as a fine example to the other students. Not only is his work good but he is exceptionally fast. When a mistake is made, which isn't often he puts his head down repairs or remakes the part without compromise. To see him in action come join us for Artisan C - Dovetails and Tool Making June 5th through 9th, limited space available.
Stephen's stand receiving final coat of finish prior to assembly. The stand is a combination of veneer and solid construction. He has used Honduras mahogany as the primary wood with doussie and red cabruva. Stephen has shown remarkable improvement this year. Stephen and his partner Susan are in the process of setting up a cooperative shop for graduates of our program just down the road. We look forward to have so many of our graduates sticking around and expect that it will add to the educational experience for our future students.
Nicole's tray of red cabruva with micro dovetail joinery. It will receive a bottom of yew and a carved handle. Nicole has a received a commission for a bed and dresser waiting which she will move onto following the program.
Ian's sideboard assembled. Ian has turned his focus to the doors and drawers currently underway. The drawers are of the NK design. The sliding veneer doors and drawers will receive a pulls of bocote nearly complete. Ian was our first registration for the craftsman program and has developed into a very fine craftsman. His work has been inspiring and his assistance the the shop has been invaluable and we look forward to having him serve as part of our faculty.