When I set out to design something, I sometimes find it helpful to make a list of requirements. If designing a chair, my list might look like this: the seat must be at an appropriate height and shaped or upholstered for comfort; the chair must bear the weight of the user; it should have a … Continue reading Designing from Scratch
Insanity 2: The Price of Pushing the Limits
When working on a project as involving as Insanity 2, I find it difficult to detach myself from the project at the end of the day. As a result, I just stare into space, unable to really focus on or enjoy anything. I make for terrible company. If I want to continue doing this type … Continue reading Insanity 2: The Price of Pushing the Limits
Insanity 2: Doors
As you saw in my last post, I had created two doors with curved frames for Insanity 2. The curved edges eliminated most of the conventional options of attaching doors to a cabinet, so I sat down with my sketch book to come up with other ways. Here are the sketches that I drew. Their … Continue reading Insanity 2: Doors
Insanity 2
Insanity 2 is the working name for my latest speculative project. As with most, I'm designing it as I go and using the materials as my primary inspiration. Every project starts with an inspiration This piece of ash was the inspiration. It's been sitting in my shop for years waiting for me to do something … Continue reading Insanity 2
You Don’t Need to Know What You Are Doing
Knowledge is good, but sometimes it can be blinding. It can lead to incorrect assumptions and closed minds. Currently, I'm reading The New Furniture which addresses how technology is changing the woodworking industry. In the book, Ken Susnjara made this comment on how his company, Thermwood, came to invent the first CNC control. In truth, this … Continue reading You Don’t Need to Know What You Are Doing
Possibilities Inspire Me
One of my greatest inspirations is the idea of improvement. I am not content simply reproducing existing designs - I always like to try new things and new ideas. Man seems to be a problem-seeking as well as a problem-solving animal. We are programmed to change, develop, and meet new challenges until we die. Anthony … Continue reading Possibilities Inspire Me
Purpose Helps Define a Design
Recently, I have been thinking a lot about chair designs. Last week, I wrote about my wishes for a modern chaise longue sofa and that got me thinking about why I liked that particular form. I decided that it was partly due to my admiration of the elegant form, and my appreciation of the function. … Continue reading Purpose Helps Define a Design
Is there Such a Thing as a Contemporary Chaise Longue?
Before delving into the topic of this article, I felt the need to comment on a couple of things: the original spelling was "chaise longue", which meant "long chair" in French. Here in Canada (and in other parts of the world too, I suspect), I have sometimes seen it written "chaise lounge"; and I have … Continue reading Is there Such a Thing as a Contemporary Chaise Longue?
Qualities of Creative Leaders
Being a self-employed artist definitely has its benefits but it's not for everybody. David Ogilvy, the "Father of Advertising", came up with this list of what he thinks makes a good creative leader. Qualities of Creative Leaders High standards of personal ethics. Big people, without pettiness. Guts under pressure, resilience in defeat. Brilliant brains — … Continue reading Qualities of Creative Leaders
Can We Be Replaced?
Is Technology a Threat? As technology improves and machinery becomes more affordable, many people feel threatened - they fear that they are being replaced and will one day be unnecessary. In the world of woodworking, the machine of primary threat is the CNC router. What is a CNC Machine, Really? I do not feel threatened. … Continue reading Can We Be Replaced?
