- A fascinating look at the history of studio furniture through the
eyes of 14 immensely talented and distinctly different
artist-craftspeople- Images of the various work produced by these 14
American furniture makers connect the conversations to the signature
techniques and pieces An engaging history of studio furniture, Speaking
of Furniture: Conversations with 14 American Masters is a fresh,
interesting, and in-depth examination of the modus operandi of 14
accomplished-and diverse-furniture makers. The colorful, informative
study includes expository conversations with James Krenov, Wendell
Castle, Jere Osgood, Judy Kensley McKie, David Ebner, Richard Scott
Newman, Hank Gilpin, Alphonse Mattia, John Dunnigan, Wendy Maruyama,
James Schriber, Timothy S. Philbrick, Michael Hurwitz, and Thomas
Hucker. The insightful interviews illuminate how these creative and
gifted craftspeople arrived professionally and what their craft means to
them individually. In his interpretive and elucidatory Foreword, Edward
S. Cooke, Jr. maps out and gives the background on the parameters of the
studio furniture world. Author and furniture maker Roger Holmes offers
an insider's perspective on the art and craft of producing exquisite
contemporary furniture in his conversational Introduction and maintains,
"Art or craft, this is very personal work." This elegant presentation
skillfully sheds light on the thought processes and techniques of a
celebrated and exceptional gathering of studio furniture makers who are
as unique as they are stellar. As sculptor and furniture designer
Wendell Castle remarks, "What I admired was that... fine art and craft
were the same thing."
