Another entry for the AWR competition

[derekcohen]

The Australian Wood Review Competition is both for builders in Australia and internationally. There are categories for furniture, boxes, etc. Link:https://www.woodreview.com.au/   Entries closed today, and at the last minute I added one more.

Earlier, I entered the floating bedside tables, which were the subject of a build here ...

The competition places a focus on design, and I thought that I would enter one other piece which I have recently been (re-) working on .. a work in progress that lasted longer than I imagined - it was an unusual piece and I struggled to find a satisfactory composition. For the competition (which must have a name), it is called "Curves" ...

This console table features Jarrah, Karri, and Kauri timbers. "Curves" comes from the the absence of any straight sections (other than the drawer sides).

The idea for the table began to ferment in 2011, a time when I was fascinated with coopered barrels. I subsequently started making coopered doors for an entertainment unit, and then could not use them as the solid, 6mm thick curves were too heavy to be practical. With nearly-closed eyes I could visualise a table with curved table legs .... and then it took 12 years to design the remainder: the curved aprons, the curved drawer front, the curved and tapered table top. The leg sections are frame-and-coopered panels. 

The panels are (ex-roofing) Karri stained to match the remainder of the carcase, which is Jarrah. The table top features a soft curve, along with pillowed edges to avoid hardness. The drawer is dovetailed with Kauri sides and bottom held with slips. 

Dimensions: The top is 900 x 380mm. Height is 690mm. The cabinet section is 520 x 110mm

Its resting place at home ...

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[derekcohen]

I am just curious - not offended at all - why there has not been a single comment to this thread? These are competition pieces, and I was hoping for some feedback .. what to expect from judges.

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[tjbnwi]

I for one am in awe and absolutely speechless. I wish I could create such masterpieces.

Tom

 

[luvmytoolz]

I think as you posted it around the time the website was flaky it got missed by most people. I was barely checking it the fortnight it was running crap.

Sensational work Derek, I absolutely love Jarrah, really nice!

 

[tjskinny]

Stunning!  Just stunningly beautiful!  I love all the curves, the way it flows.  Your work is truly masterful.

 

[Cheese]

I am just curious - not offended at all - why there has not been a single comment to this thread? These are competition pieces, and I was hoping for some feedback .. what to expect from judges.
Derek

Unfortunately Derek, like others have mentioned, I think it's just unfortunate timing. I post 3-4 times daily and when the FOG went on the blink recently, I really didn't post at all for 2 weeks...it just wasn't worth my time and effort...it was painful.

I really like your work and enjoy reading your posts. Could there be something more modern looking in the wings?

 

[Vondawg]

I couldn’t agree more with everyone….I just saw this as well

 

[Crazyraceguy]

As mentioned, the recent slowness of the site has dampened things a bit.
I really like the mirror image effect of the pair, along with the choices of floating top boxes.
The clean miters are really attractive too. Though I love the look of the splayed, turned legs, their strength concerns me a little. I realize that bedside tables aren't exactly massive load-bearing, and it's not that they look spidery (because they don't) but the splay stresses the joint when nothing ties the legs together lower down.

The curved one is as much art as it is furniture. The coopered leg panels are great. It's a fun technique.
The matching color is nice, but has the potential to hide the fact that the legs are indeed tapered. Some contrast there might make the taper more noticeable, but it might change the overall look too much? (just thinking out loud)
Also, not to be critical, but you asked...It looks like a "display" piece, meaning that it was done for a contest. It has a lot of "difficult" techniques, like the long bevels, curves, and coopering, making it a showcase, rather than a practical item. "If it weren't for the contest, this piece wouldn't exist"
Whether something like that would ever occur to a judge? or if it would matter, if one did think that?
I have no idea....

Ultimately, I would love to know how it goes. I think they are both worthy entries, with my vote going toward the bedside table pair. Come back and update us after it's over.

 

[luvmytoolz]

The console tables my favourite piece, the nod to Arts and Crafts in the design works beautifully.

 

[tsmi243]

Also, not to be critical, but you asked...It looks like a "display" piece, meaning that it was done for a contest. It has a lot of "difficult" techniques, like the long bevels, curves, and coopering, making it a showcase, rather than a practical item. "If it weren't for the contest, this piece wouldn't exist"

Look at the last picture though- a custom-built house in Australia, with a tropical vibe- I think it fits right in. 

I live in a zero-upgrade builder standard box built in Texas in the 80's, so yeah you got a point about where it would go in MY house.  But in THAT house, it's perfect. 

 

[jonnyrocket]

[member=4358]derekcohen[/member] stunning and impeccable work as always! I admit that I saw your post the day you made it, but like many others on the site I was left speechless and that was the end of it!

I know you have done some excellent write ups on your build process for several of your projects. What I am curious about is your design process. Do you have final drawings before you begin? Do you start with lumber that you have and let it tell you what it wants to be in the end? Or something entirely different? 

 

[derekcohen]

As mentioned, the recent slowness of the site has dampened things a bit.
I really like the mirror image effect of the pair, along with the choices of floating top boxes.
The clean miters are really attractive too. Though I love the look of the splayed, turned legs, their strength concerns me a little. I realize that bedside tables aren't exactly massive load-bearing, and it's not that they look spidery (because they don't) but the splay stresses the joint when nothing ties the legs together lower down.

The curved one is as much art as it is furniture. The coopered leg panels are great. It's a fun technique.
The matching color is nice, but has the potential to hide the fact that the legs are indeed tapered. Some contrast there might make the taper more noticeable, but it might change the overall look too much? (just thinking out loud)
Also, not to be critical, but you asked...It looks like a "display" piece, meaning that it was done for a contest. It has a lot of "difficult" techniques, like the long bevels, curves, and coopering, making it a showcase, rather than a practical item. "If it weren't for the contest, this piece wouldn't exist"
Whether something like that would ever occur to a judge? or if it would matter, if one did think that?
I have no idea....

Ultimately, I would love to know how it goes. I think they are both worthy entries, with my vote going toward the bedside table pair. Come back and update us after it's over.

Thanks CRG.

As I understand, the competition is primarily design-orientated, and this is the reason for entering the curved table. I thought that it would be more appropriate than the twin night stands (also entered), which were the subject of a build here.

A couple of points just to allay any concerns: the legs for the nightstands may not appear to have supports other than the aprons, however the aprons-legs are mortice-and-tenon ... plus the supports for the cases adds some bracing with stretchers attached with sliding dovetails ...

Not as strong as lower stretchers, but then that would spoil the look   Anyhow, who will use these as a ladder?!  [eek]

The curved table was not built for the competition, but built for home. It was started 12 years ago ... so either I am a great visionary, or just a slow worker!  [big grin]

Thanks for the comments. Very much appreciated.

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[derekcohen]

[member=4358]derekcohen[/member] stunning and impeccable work as always! I admit that I saw your post the day you made it, but like many others on the site I was left speechless and that was the end of it!

I know you have done some excellent write ups on your build process for several of your projects. What I am curious about is your design process. Do you have final drawings before you begin? Do you start with lumber that you have and let it tell you what it wants to be in the end? Or something entirely different?

Jonny, great questions.

Every project starts with an idea and sketches. Then I "build" the outlines - plan and elevations - by drawing to scale on MDF. That allows me to see if it is working, and to make changes. The MDF then becomes a story stick. It tends to end well.

I could not have worked out the dimensions of the aprons without these drawings, taking them off the plan ...

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[derekcohen]

I am just curious - not offended at all - why there has not been a single comment to this thread? These are competition pieces, and I was hoping for some feedback .. what to expect from judges.
Derek

Unfortunately Derek, like others have mentioned, I think it's just unfortunate timing. I post 3-4 times daily and when the FOG went on the blink recently, I really didn't post at all for 2 weeks...it just wasn't worth my time and effort...it was painful.

I really like your work and enjoy reading your posts. Could there be something more modern looking in the wings?

Cheese, I was not aware of this. Thanks for letting me know. I was puzzled ...

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[jonnyrocket]

[member=4358]derekcohen[/member] Thanks for sharing your design process.  I’ve seen people use MDF templates that they cut out and save, but haven’t seen MDF drawings”. A very great idea! I especially appreciate the fact that these are more robust than a large paper drawing. And these can serve multiple purposes.
My next project will employ this fantastic method!

 

[krudawg]

I am just curious - not offended at all - why there has not been a single comment to this thread? These are competition pieces, and I was hoping for some feedback .. what to expect from judges.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Derek, very nice work.  Did you design the pieces yourself? 

 

[derekcohen]

I am just curious - not offended at all - why there has not been a single comment to this thread? These are competition pieces, and I was hoping for some feedback .. what to expect from judges.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Derek, very nice work.  Did you design the pieces yourself?

Thanks Ted. I design all my pieces. The only item of furniture I copied was Hans Wegner’s The Chair. I built that with hand tools as a homage …

I wish I had the design idea before Wegner

Otherwise the fun of building is designing, and then working out the details.

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[greg mann]

I haven’t been on the site as much lately but always check out your posts when i do. I know i will always see something inspiring, and also humbling at the same time. Beautiful work, Derek.

 

[derekcohen]

Thanks Greg. You are very kind.

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[derekcohen]

Just a follow up - the floating bedside tables have been short-listed for the finals.

Article by AWR magazine here:https://www.woodreview.com.au/news/...2023&utm_content=Newsletter - 1 November 2023+CID_c24d82b75086fdd3f38d41fefa6b8486&utm_source=Email%20marketing%20software&utm_term=Meet%20The%20TOP%20100%20Maker%20of%20the%20Year%20shortlist%20announced

Go down to "TABLES, CHAIRS & DESKS".

Here are the tables at home in a guest bedroom, with new lights ...

Regards from Perth

Derek