What a whirlwind of a week! I’m finally able to sit at a Starbucks in beautiful Saratoga Springs, NY and update my blog.
I flew into Boston last Tuesday, and was whisked away quickly to the Peabody Essex Museum to view some original Samuel McIntire pieces of furniture. I have not had much opportunity to see the “real” thing, as much of my carving period reproductions ends up being based off photographs and drawings, so it was a real pleasure to be able to get close up and view these pieces (while setting off several alarms by reaching over too far). I think by far the most amazing thing to view was the Chinese pieces next to the early American pieces. I had not realized the direct and obvious influence that the 1720’s chinese imports had on the early furniture of Philadelphia, Boston and New York. The ball and claw and acanthus leaves on the cabriole legs of the Chinese imports were nearly identical to the early American pieces. Really fascinating to see them side by side.
For the next 2 days I taught 4 students how to carve the Samuel McIntire fruit basket. It’s a pretty complex carving, but we were able to get through the whole piece and also squeeze in a linen-fold demonstration. These small classes are great because I really get to know the students well – it’s sad to leave, because I feel like I’m leaving old friends… Everyone spoiled me and I felt like part of the family. Thanks for the great experience and the tours of the areas around Boston! I wish I had more time to enjoy the area. Maybe next time…
Friday morning I had an opportunity to meet Phil Lowe and tour his school – the Furniture Institute of Massachusetts (www.furnituremakingclasses.com). I have spoken to Phil on the phone, and have heard many great things about his school and teaching, but never had a chance to meet him. He’s got a great set-up and is highly talented in all aspects of furniture making. It’s great to see that there are schools out there focusing on these skills that really are fading away.
I had wanted to meet Al Breed when I was in the Boston area, but timing just didn’t work out. Hopefully next time. Al is also very talented in all areas of furniture making and also has a school – www.alanbreed.com. One day our paths will cross…
There is also the North Bennet Street School of woodworking in the Boston area. (www.nbss.edu) which has a great reputation for teaching the next generation of furniture makers, and there are some very skilled teachers involved in the school.
Friday I headed off to Saratoga Springs, NY to participate in the Northeast Woodworking Association show (www.nwawoodworkingshow.org). What a magnificent show! They say 4000 to 5000 people come through the show, and I can believe it – it was packed! Friday night I, and several other demonstrators for the show had the difficult task of judging the pieces that people brought in for the show. So much talent!
Saturday and Sunday I did 2 demonstrations each day – one on how to carve the ball and claw foot, and one on how to carve the acanthus leaf on a cabriole leg. I always find it fascinating how these demos go. There is no possible way you can actually set a “script” because it is very interactive with the audience, and each time completely different questions come up. All 4 sessions went in all possible directions depending on what questions were being asked. That always keeps things interesting (and keeps me on my toes).
The Society of American Period Furniture Makers (www.sapfm.org) set up a booth at the show, and I was able to meet some of the local members. It was good getting to know them and they took good care of me, and helped watch my booth while I was doing my demos. I always love meeting other woodworkers – they are all so down-to-earth and very real people.
It’s been a great experience here and I hope to come back and spend more time exploring the area, and meeting all the other woodworkers in the area.
I had no idea that Acanthus leaves showed up on Chinese furniture, always assuming that it was a ‘Greek’ thing. It sounds like it’s common though. Did they go through a ‘Greek revival’ like the Europeans?
Yes, it was a surprise to me. I know that the “chinese chippendale” in England had a lot of acanthus leaves and obviously was inspried by Chinese design. I had thought that most of the early Americans were influenced by the English (or mainland Europe), simply because many of the early American furniture makers were trained in Europe. I had not realized such a direct influence from imports from China to America. I really need to do some more research on this. The connections are fascinating.
I know that the original idea of the ball and claw foot comes from the chinese idea of a dragon holding a pearl of wisdom. That is one story…