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Living in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, most of my commissioned pieces have been designed for use in “mountain homes”. That being said, I don’t consider myself a builder of rustic furniture. My furniture has a connection to the mountains in the organic materials I use. Reclaimed wood, salvaged wood, construction detailing and the choice of materials give my furniture design its originality and uniqueness. Wormy chestnut is the most requested wood by clients as this is indigenous to this area and was used by early settlers because the American Chestnut (Castanea dentate) was obliterated by a chestnut blithe (a bark disease) in the early 1900s. The dead standing trees were easy to harvest and cabins and barns were lined with this beautiful wood. I incorporate natural elements of the trees’ organic materials and forms in the table design. I make little or no attempt to alter, disguise or disfigure the naturally aged wood. All of the worm holes, knots and burls imbue the piece with character. In spite of this, my pieces are refined and well constructed with perfect copes and scribes. I make every effort to make pieces of the highest quality possible. The viewer knows exactly what kind of wood was used. Hand-rubbing to a suitably vintage finish (never heavily varnished or excessively polished) gives my furniture a time worn look and a sense of appeal. Variations in patina make each piece unique. Details in my handmade pieces are what make it sing—a small inlay or touch of purple heart, ebony, yellow heart—add to the individuality of the piece. I prefer clean, simple lines--Amish, Shaker, Appalachian, Arts & Crafts (whimsical or sophisticated)—and am intrigued by simple shapes and earthy finishes. I design with both character and functionality in mind. Whatever the inspiration, the hand-crafted piece and hand-worked finish lend style and substance to my furniture. |
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Copyright © 2007 Gordon Gray. All Rights Reserved.
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email Cashiers Cottage Collections
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