Inspiration Sources

[mn pete]

While hanging out here in the apartment (with no workshop) I spent some time combing through some pics I’ve pulled from the internet over the years of things that inspire me and get me thinking about different design ideas.

http://secondwindworkshop.blogspot.com/ ... ation.html

What other non-traditional woodworking inspirations influence your woodwork?

 

[MickCheese]

Pete

Sorry on another subject from your Blog.

You were looking for ways to remove paint from a beam, how about this.

http://www.restexpress.co.uk/acatalog/P ... fAod7U-yLQ

It's a peal away coating that is clean and efficient, I have seen it used on a TV program for removing paint from antique plaster.

Mick

 

[yetloh]

Pete,

Nature, art deco boats and like you, modern architecture.

Nice to see someone from the US interested in modern furniture. I posted on a US forum, a little tongue in cheek, that from a design point of view US woodworking seemed to be firmly stuck in the past with endless reproductions of (for me) hideous overblown Pennsylvania secretaries, variations on Shaker masterpieces and Greene and Greene stuff. I expected a storm of abuse but all I got was a couple of your countrymen bemoaning the truth of my observations. Ah well, sometimes you can't even start a debate with a bit of heat.

Jim

 

[mn pete]

Thanks Mick! I'll have to look into that. Looks much eaiser to work with than sanding and scraping...and then cleaning it all up!

Ah, I hear you Jim! While I appreciate the furniture of our past and the skill needed to execute it, it's just not really my style. I do like Shaker and Greene and Greene, probably because they do seem more modern and clean compared to the secretaries, highboys and kneehole desks. I'd like my skill to reach that level, but I don't think I would be too interested in building any of them. There are a couple of forums out there that would give you more of a battle if you wanted. :lol:

 

[Mr T]

Hi Pete

As I am thinking about furniture making most of the time (sad but true) I get inspiration from the world around me, particularly the curves of the landscape and architecture. A few years ago I was driving down to Devon a lot to see aging relatives, about a 600 mile round trip (not far for Americans I know!). I spent most of the time designing in my head and one particular side table that came out of this reminds me of some of the motor way bridges I drove under. A set of turning drawers made at the same time look a bit like a multi story car park when fully open. These were not conscious influences, but somehow they creep in.

Chris