I asked Brian how his love and passion for wood actually translates into his unique ability to create 3-dimensional art that is lovely to look at and heaven to sit in. He lit up, “It’s really about creating the sense of sitting in a chair, not just crafting a chair.” (huh?) He continues, ‘For maximum comfort, the form of the chair needs to provide uninterrupted, uniform pressure or contact with the person, allowing weight to be evenly displaced by the curve of the wood – no matter who is sitting in it. When you pad a chair, you don’t have to be as accurate, but you miss the opportunity to display the beauty of the material itself.” Many woodworkers build furniture with wood that has just been cut from a tree, sliced into board feet with no concern for the integrity of the wood. With Brian’s knowledge and understanding of wood, he knows how to “take the tree apart” in ways that maintain the integrity and strength of the wood. To do this, he purchases whole logs, literally seeing the product(s) that want to be created from each tree. )LQH +RPHV RI :1& _ )DOO
After at least two years of drying, he re-engineers the wood into chairs or tables. When he builds his chairs movement actually locks the chair together (instead of weakening it). His skill results in wood that reflects light appropriately and a seamlessness to the grain that creates the sense of one piece of wood. Melanie says “People enjoy being engaged and a part of the process. We only build to order, but it is worth the wait, especially when you are so involved. Many of our clients pick out their boards or use trees that have come down on their property, deepening the connection to their special piece(s) from the beginning. We photograph the journey through the shop so each client receives a story in pictures of how their project came to life. Brian allows them to turn that connection into a legacy.” Brian adds, “I want the living essence and the beauty of each tree to enhance a person’s experience of living in their home and then be passed on to children and grandchildren.” This is Brian’s way of honoring his gifts and skills as an artist and handcraftsman as well as the trees he so deeply loves. If you are in Asheville, stop by their shop for a free tour (at 239 Amboy Road, Asheville, NC). Check out the sit; feel the embrace! http://www.brianboggschairmakers.com