A prime example of nature’s extraordinary ability to create a complex form from basic
elements and thus provide the magically beautiful timber that whimsically reminds one of a
stretch of sandy shoreline. Just one look at the top reminds the viewer what a treasure this
would be in their home. Touching is required…
The basis for this piece of wood art began with the discovery of the magnificent piece of
live-edged Oregon black walnut (American black walnut [Juglans nigra] crossed with Claro
walnut [Juglans hindsii]) that was used to create the top of the table. Though rough and
weathered, the timber showed just a teasing hint of the special character that lay
underneath the ragged exterior - a unique combination of sweeping and engaging grain;
intense coloring; well defined heartwood-to-sapwood transition along the front edge; and
exceptional chatoyance (opalescence reminiscent of looking into a cat’s eye) all of which
stand as a testimony to the tree’s long life. The mildly curved and chamfered ends balance
the overall shape and proportion of the piece as well as complement the character of the
top.
The book-matched table legs and short spreaders have been fabricated from a single plank
of figured American black walnut (Juglans nigra). The hand-tapered legs exhibit a slight
taper on the inner sides to compliment the fine lines of the table while giving the appearance
that the piece is balancing on its toes. Adjustable felt feet allow the table to sit flat and level
on uneven floors.
Finally, to balance the design, a smaller piece of live-edged Oregon black walnut that
mimics the table top, has been utilized for the lower shelf.
To add strength and stability to the table precise hand-chiseled mortise-and-tenon joints
(Japanese jigoku-kusabi joinery technique) have been used for the permanent attachment
of all pieces to create a table that will last for generations.
The table has been hand finished with a durable satin lacquer finish to highlight the natural
colors and protect the beautiful character of the timbers while giving the table a warm feeling
to the touch. As with all of his wood art pieces the title of the piece, creation date and artist
information has been permanently stamped on the underside of the piece. This piece has
been entered in the artist’s permanent registry.