low tables & stools benches boxes & chests chairs
Recently my small low-seats have evolved into small low-tables. They have no front edge and do not incline forward, but the natural concavity is retained... so they won't suit everyone. But I like the sculptural variations and spend a lot of time making legs shapes and keeping some of the textured riven surfaces. They're simplicity, with a lot of detail.
All riven low table 2019/20
These 2-piece low tables have a central joint where two thick edges meet. Strength is maintained and the shape balanced. The meandering core of a tree is preserved to the outside edge on both sides. Each creation is different and had I not other ideas to follow, I could make versions of these until my wood stock ran dry. I'm spending longer and longer on the intricacies of choices.
Stools are the obvious cleft furniture item to experiment upon. Pieces are smaller and construction simplest, with always the gentle curves if natural split lines are followed. Colouring effects with Gall-ink and dyes sometimes combined with tool-strokes such as the adze or spoke-shave. The concavity goes 'upmost' for comfort and the option of a slight tilt forward for good sitting posture. A simple oak stool was my first cleft product sold in 1992.
