"Texas Bowie" Table - A Tribute to The Alamo

[deepcreek]

We were honored to be selected again this year for the annual Texas Furniture Makers Show AND be awarded a ribbon for our Texas style entry.

Our table was featured front and center at the entrance to the main gallery.

The judges included Ron Goldman (founder and publisher of Woodworker West Magazine), Tim Snyder (editor-in-chief of Woodcraft Magazine) and acclaimed furniture maker Louis Fry whose work has appeared in Architectural Digest, Texas Monthly, and Urban Home.

Joe & Erich
TimberFire Studio

 

[deepcreek]

This table is a tribute to the fallen heroes of the Alamo who bravely stood their ground under siege by an overwhelming force in a pivotal battle for Texas independence.  Their sacrifice provided General Sam Houston with the time he needed to prepare for ultimate victory at the Battle of San Jacinto.

The table top is a rare specimen of Texas Spalted Curly Pecan crafted into the shape of the Alamo.  The inscription is taken from a sign that graces the front door of the San Antonio shrine.  A solid brass plate is hand punched to commemorate the year of the battle and Texas Independence.

The blade is an oversized version of the iconic fighting knife made famous by Colonel James Bowie who commanded the defenders along with Colonel William Travis.  This Bowie knife is adorned with a Lone Star cutout and sports a Texas Mesquite handle.  It stands proudly over the State of Texas.  A small heart marks the town of Bowie in Montague County.

The base is select-grade Texas Mesquite emblazoned with the battle cry that spurred the Texas Army to triumph over the forces of General Antonio López de Santa Anna.

The wood finish is a European hardwax oil that has been hand rubbed to a satin sheen.  The steel is coated with industrial enamel.

 

[Jerry White]

A very imaginative tribute to the brave men of the Alamo, Joe.  The pecan is some the best that I have seen.  Congratulations on another well deserved recognition.
On another note, I'm happy to see that your health allowed you to complete your entry this year.  I hope it is all smooth sailing for you from now on. No more ER's.

 

[Tinker]

WOW!

 

[DB10]

Stunning craftsmanship

 

[peter halle]

Joe, congratulations!  I love it!

Peter

 

[deepcreek]

When I was in the CCU in July, I bemoaned the fact that my heart attack would prevent us from building the table I had originally designed for the furniture makers show.  It was much larger and I knew I wouldn't be able to do any heavy lifting for months.

Erich stayed with me in the hospital (thank God for his life long friendship) and one day he fought the boredom by watching a marathon session of Forged in Fire on the History Channel.

That night he told me that maybe we could learn to make knives when I got out since I would be physically limited.  I privately thought this was the stupidest thing I'd ever heard (just kidding).  My great grandfather was a master blacksmith but we're woodworkers.

As I lay in bed for another sleepless night interrupted by nurses and alarm bells, this design came to me and I could hardly wait to get to pen and paper when Erich woke up the next morning.

It does have a lot of steel in it and that was a fun learning experience.

The Pecan and Mesquite came from Berdoll Sawmill in Bastrop, Texas.  www.berdollsawmill.com

That particular specimen of Pecan is the best they had ever found.  We are fortunate that they know we will do justice to their best pieces and keep us in mind when they find something special.

 

[mike_aa]

Fantastic work and congratulations to you! 

Mike A.

 

[deepcreek]

WOW!

[member=550]Tinker[/member]

This has to be the shortest post you have ever made on FOG.

Thanks to all for the positive feedback.

Joe

 

[Holmz]

I am surprised that they did not change his name to San Houston...

 

[Tinker]

WOW!

[member=550]Tinker[/member]

This has to be the shortest post you have ever made on FOG.

Thanks to all for the positive feedback.

Joe

I was speechles. The stories to go with the project do not detract in any way. That is just a fine job and a great tribute.
Tinker

 

[ScotF]

That is an amazing piece of art - wow. How did you even come up with the design? I love it. Congratulations and thanks for posting. Good stuff.

 

[peter halle]

Joe,

When you wrote previously about your health issues and the stress and timeframes I was wondering if something like this was on the horizon.  You answered that one.

I do have a question for you.  You were at Festool back in 2009 for the introductory class with many others here weren't you?

Peter

 

[deepcreek]

When you wrote previously about your health issues and the stress and timeframes I was wondering if something like this was on the horizon.  You answered that one.

You're right on the money about what put me back in the hospital.  I tend to be very driven and have been known to overreach on occasion.  [big grin]

I designed a second table in the Nakashima style for the contemporary category so we produced two competition grade pieces in a matter of weeks.  We had a mishap in the shop that damaged the base of the second table the night before delivery.  The top (pictured here) is a slice of Australian Red Gum burl with a carbonized live edge.  We'll make a new base and enter it next year.

I do have a question for you.  You were at Festool back in 2009 for the introductory class with many others here weren't you? Peter

Unfortunately, I've never been to Festool USA for one of their training classes.  That and attending Festool Connect has always been a dream of ours.  What Erich and I have learned about the tools has come from the Festool Owners Group and quite a bit of on the job experience.  We actually did the monthly Festool demos for our local Rockler store for several years until the two parted ways.

 

[deepcreek]

That is an amazing piece of art - wow.

A well known furniture maker advised me that people need to make an emotional connection with your work in order to be successful in this business.

The director of the Kerr Arts Center told me that she had seen an older woman moved to tears as she rubbed the top of our Alamo table.  This made me feel really proud.

The next day, another lady walked up to it and said, "Huh! A dust catcher."  You can't please everyone.

 

[Tinker]

Joe, That table was a joint effort. your wood supplier knew you wood have the immagination and the skill to make something significant with that piece of Spalted pecan. He knew that piece was going into good hands when he showed it to you. He as absolutely on the money.  You and Eric did the rest.  You have depicted a moment in history, of not only Texas, but of our entire nation. I was as moved as the first lady you mentioned. The more I looked at the pics, the more moved I became. Had I been at the show, I would have been affected the same way. I am still moved, but have recovered enuf that I can now say a bit more than "WOW!". The knife thru the center was a note of genius. A first attempt at iron work shows you must have been looking over Granpa's shoulder at least once in a while. He must have been standing behind you as you worked on, at least, that part of the project. I could go on and on here, but i am way behind schedule for my day. Rain coming and leaves to move.  I have bookmarked this thread for future inspiration.

I still say "WOW!"
Tinker

 

[nclemmons]

That is fantastic!  Really captures the true spirit and story of the Alamo in an emotional piece.

Congratulations and continued improving health! 

Neil

 

[ear3]

Congratulations on the recognition for a truly creative and well-crafted memorial.  Remember the Alamo...