Craft Show Artists 2008

Rodger D. Bulkley — Cheboygan, MI   |   newcreationwood.com

A worker of wood for over thirty years, I hand cut wood veneer with a scrollsaw following my line drawings. The resultant pieces are joined together forming wall art and images which are integrated into cabinets and chests I also design and make. The finest wood available worldwide is selected, such as Cocobolo, Bloodwood, and others. The wood is fully prepared and shaped in my small work studio. Honors include several 1st & 2nd place category, as well as three 2nd place Best of Show awards.

Bruce Chapin — Montgomery, NY   |   brucechapin.com

My work is based on my infantile attempts to make sense of the universe I find myself in. Since I can't explain much through word I try to express what I can through images. The same mystery I find in this universe I hopefully instill in my work. The work is made primarily from wood, carved and manipulated to create multiple textures to recieve paint. I have used milk paints, acrylics and encaustics to finish the surfaces of the pieces. This statement has been approved for lack of pretentiousness and insight.

Ronald DeKok — Belleville, WI   |   rondekok.com

My work is a laminating process and involves taking small pieces of different woods and veneers and gluing them together. From this technique, I have created different textures and designs which I incorporate within the furniture forms I make. My work is unique because the surface, texture and designs are not painted on. They are laminated into the work or inlayed into the surface.

Don & Jenifer Green — Delhi, NY   |   greentreehome.com

Dedicated to the creation of well crafted timeless studio furniture and accessories, we incorporate traditional joinery and construction to build each piece, by hand, in our studio. Know for our heirloom pieces, we work with select domestic and exotic hardwoods and veneers to produce new and innovative work. Our designs represent a marriage of fresh design and traditional construction. In tables, sideboards, seating and home accessories, we create classics and are constantly producing new and innovative work.

Richard Judd — Paoli WI

My furniture designs represent a continuous exploration in wood working techniques. My current work incorporates bending wood. Glue is applied to thin sheets, which are placed against a solid form and vacuum pressed. The birch ply core is a sustainable yield product. I carefully select the most highly figured veneers for the faces. It is estimated that this technique uses one tenth of the natural resources compared to solid wood.

David R. Kiernan — Clayville, RI

My work is primarily made from wood, both solid and highly figured veneers. Quite often I use metal as an accent material. I strive for clean, basic forms to allow the beauty of the materials to shine through.

Alan Lorn — Wynnewood, PA

Classically inspired fine furniture. Thoughtful, meticulous craftsmanship along with colorful exotic woods and materials used as design elements distinguishes my work.

Michael Puryear — Shokan, NY   |   michaelpuryear.com

As a designer and studio furniture maker I provide a service to imaginative and discerning clients by designing and building to their special needs. I work primarily in wood because of its natural warmth and appeal to the hand. I wish to imbue my work with "shibui", the Japanese term for simple elegance. This often involves curved elements and contrasting woods. This simplicity belies the complexity of the problem of creating and joining these elements aesthetically while maintaining full functioning design.

J.M. Syron & Bonnie Bishoff — Rockport, MA   |   syronbishoff.com

We collaborate to create furniture that reflects the sensuous lines and patterns found in the natural world. Through our forms and surfaces we aim to engage the eye on many different levels. Much of our sculptural wooden furniture includes unique veneers of polymer clays. We use millefiori and marquetry-like techniques to create patterns with the polymer clays. Our exploration and development of techniques with polymer clays on this scale and in this application is most unique.

Steven Uren — Marquette, MI   |   northwoodsrustic.com

I begin each piece with one single inspirational unique piece of wood. I then add contrast by combining different species/colored woods together. Materials are salvaged whenever possible and no stains or dyes are used. I hand rub oil into each piece.

Leslie Webb — Philadelphia, PA   |   lewebb.com

"There are countless ways to leave a legacy in this world; it seems natural for me to craft furniture that will be here long after I am gone." The designs of Leslie Webb celebrate natural materials and form and value craftsmanship and purpose. Invariably made of wood, her medium requires patience and a deep understanding of the inherent structural properties of it. She knows that every board of every species has its own personality. Therefore, it is important to become acquainted before making the first cut. For her, it is paramount to have confidence in the piece long after it has left her hands. Though utility is at the forefront of her mind when designing each piece, she firmly believes that furniture can delight the eye as well.