Heather asked me to build some furniture for the addition on the schoolhouse. The completion of the renovation and delivery of the table and benches would mark the first anniversary of John’s death.
I first met John in 2004 after I took over the workshop on Milky Way. He hoped to continue getting specially shaped bits of wood to function as this or that and plywood boxes to fill the spots that needed filling. Mahogany, cherry, birch, spar varnish, oil, wax, business, home, boat, schoolhouse. We worked together a few times a year.
In February of 2009 we met for lunch at Shoeless Joe’s. Beer, a sandwich, some fries. Meeting to discuss details of a job included a few tall tales and good laughs. I’ll call you with the final decision he said. Two weeks passed and no word. One last email from me. The return message from John’s business partner… John had been killed while snowboarding. Woah! My head was spinning.
Later that year his wife Heather contacted me and asked if I would build a dining table and benches for the schoolhouse. We went back a forth with pictures and samples. With the general idea established she said go ahead and do what you think is best.
The crossed skirt.
Curved support skirt with turned top leg post.
Bit of sap wood and bark.
Table with benches.
I tell this story because I feel privileged that Heather asked me to make, as she called it, an heirloom for her family. As I worked, my focus on the task was permeated with thoughts of John and a good life lived.
3 Comments
Crafting something like this with a friend in mind makes it even better – both the work and the final product.
Nice table. After the first picture, I thought you might be using a glass table top. It would have been a cool way to show off the cross skirt and your work. Though not really your style I guess. And obviously the massive slab top is badass too.
classy.
very classy.
in response to the comment above, i like the way the, what do you call it?…crossed skirt isn’t obvious. i remember when i used to work with antiques: the sign of an elegant and well made piece was the fact there was attention to detail and finishing in places that you couldn’t see…like the inside of a drawer or the back of a cabinet. It really is a beautiful table sugar. and it feels alive. more people need to see your work.
Thank you so much,
we love the table and often just sit and admire it including
enjoying meals, playing games, and yes my kids are doing homework on it – oh joy oh bliss!
Thank you for all the care and consideration you put into creating such a beautiful piece