A dining table delivered

This past Sunday I borrowed my in-laws' truck and took a short drive to Lincoln to deliver a cherry dining table to my wonderful client Charles and his husband, Jeff. I spent about 4 years making the Omaha-Lincoln-Omaha commute for a previous job, but hadn't done it for several months. It was nice to get out on the Interstate again, especially accompanied by Little Steven's Underground Garage channel on Sirius XM satellite radio, which I already miss. I constantly listen to music while I'm working. Omaha's radio stations leave much to be desired and I refuse to buy an iPod. Since it's too dusty in the shop for my turntable (and the road is a little too bumpy), it seems like satellite radio could be an adequate stand-in. But anyway, back to the table.

Charles' and Jeff's table was my first experience using a set of table extenders, as well as with making removable leaves. I chose to complicate things a bit by adding a yellowheart and paduak inlay pattern on both edges of the leaves to continue and grow the center design. Generally, the project went well, other than that I learned the hard way that using wood that isn't perfectly flat for the leaves can be a little problematic. Lesson learned.

Thanks to Charles and Jeff for giving me the opportunity to create a unique piece that will be a daily part of their home life for many years to come.

A little philanthropy

Tis the season for benefits, and over the next couple of weeks there are two with which I have the pleasure of being involved in small ways.

First up is the 2nd annual American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) fundraiser. This year's fundraiser, which includes a silent art auction, takes place at  Dixie Quick's/RNG Gallery next Thursday, May 13 from 5:30pm - 8:30pm. I don't know a lot about the AFSP, and I don't have any real connection with them; what I do know is that they do some difficult work with people who have some serious problems. So donating the quilted walnut mosaic side table (viewable to your immediate left and right) is the least I can do to lend a hand. Details, tickets, etc. can be found on the AFSP website.


The second, a $100 Art Sale Fundraiser at - and for the benefit of - the Bemis Underground, takes place May 21 (and 22, though I doubt much will be left by then). The title says it all. Lots of art all priced at $100. This might sound familiar, as Brigitte McQueen, the newish curator of the Bemis Underground, hosted a similar and successful $100 sale at her former Pulp gallery. I didn't make it to that sale for fear of a thick crowd. My disdain for large crowds will likely make me a no-show for this show, but I am donating this small paduak and cherry side table (to the right and left), which is part of my ongoing series of mosaic patterned pieces. Yeah, it's kinda small, but hey, it's only $100 bucks and it is a working table, so there you go.

I've worked with and for a number of not-for-profit organizations over the past several years. I have a pretty good understanding of their importance to a community and the difficulty of raising money and resources to keep their programs afloat and staffs paid. The Bemis Center particularly has played a major role in providing me with opportunities to develop and take chances as an artist and designer.

My $.2 for both events: go, and go early. We may still be in a recession, but $100 art is still $100 art. I would say, "See you there," but... you know... the crowds and all. Similarly, silent auctions are usually opportunities to get deals. And there will be Dixie Quick's food there. And drinks. So... see you there.

Niz's side table

My girlfriend fiancee, Niz, has a slightly different aesthetic than mine when it comes to furniture and interiors. For the most part, I like very solid, dark flooring, molding and furniture. She's sort of the opposite; I think she'd like to live in the Ikea showroom. I think she almost fainted when she saw the custom walk-in closet and cabinets my friend Doug K. made for he and his wife's house.

So, in my continued quest to make her happy, I decided I'd try to move outside my craft comfort zone and make something Ikea-worthy. It's not exactly an Ikea knock-off - that would go against my principal about copying, etc. - but I think I've channeled the simplicity in its use of plywood and veneer and relatively simple design. All in all, I'm pretty happy with this one. The top is made of 5/8" plywood that is about 12" in diameter. The legs are about 16" tall - also made of 5/8" plywood. The top surface is veneered in cherry, and the legs are veneered in walnut. It took all my willpower to keep the edges exposed, as I generally look at plywood with disdain. However, finally taking the time to make something sort of nice out of it might have converted me somewhat. It probably cost about 1/2 to 1/4 the price in materials to make this piece in plywood/veneer rather than solid hardwood, and plywood is a "greener" materials, sort of.