American Craft Magazine review!
Ever wonder what it would be like to tour a furniture-making studio, asking every question that came to your mind? David Savage visits 20 of the most talented furniture makers alive and does exactly that. Reflecting on his own experiences as a furniture maker, Savage imbues the narrative with a thoughtful sensitivity.
While Savage highlights extraordinary accomplishments and techniques, he also details flaws, missteps, and mistakes, creating a well-rounded portrait of personality, inspiration, and studio culture. It’s an enlightening perspective, with glimpses of the personal and public challenges even the most celebrated artists must overcome.
Savage illustrates the very important role of patronage and cultivated trust between client and artist, and he articulates the complex and interdependent relationship between these artists and their apprentices. John Makepeace’s students at the Parnham Trust helped fabricate more furniture than he could have ever made on his own; by seeing through students’ eyes, Makepeace retained a critical perspective on his own designs. Savage asks probing questions about method, motivation, and concept as well as technique and material significance. We learn not only the how, but also the why of each artist’s process.
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