One of a Kind

One of a Kind

My grandmother had four sets of dishes, four sets of silverware, four sets of pots and pans. As an observant Jew she was required to have separate utensils for dairy and meat and a second set for Passover. When I was eleven I built my first piece of furniture: a step stool for my grandmother Hani. When Passover came, the stool helped her reach the dishes stored on the high shelves in her tiny kitchen.

It wasn’t that beautiful, but it was up to the task (sturdy, easy to carry, the right height). I didn’t think of it at the time, but my first attempt at woodworking was a ritual object with a cultural and religious purpose. Most of the work here is also one of a kind, commissioned by special individuals. Where practical, I like to visit the site where the piece will end up. Usually this initial visit is followed by the client visiting my workshop, where we can look at wood species together.

Some find it interesting to come by while the piece is in progress. Children are always welcome and there are young adults who may still have the memory of visiting a woodshop to see their parents’ table, bed, or chest of drawers, take shape.

I have also worked successfully with long distance clients using photographs and conversations.

Writing Table Swiss pearwood, wenge 36x47x25