Measure twice, cut once Text by Aimee Swartz | Photography by Kristin Gladney
Kieran Kinsella is a Hudson Valleybased woodworker best known for transforming tree stumps into stunning works of art. His gorgeous collections range from stools to tables and small decorative pieces. Each item is elegantly crafted by hand with basic tools and makes use of locally sourced and sustainably harvested hardwoods. More recently, Kieran has been experimenting with a limited edition of playful and colorful ceramic sculptural forms. We visited Kieran’s studio to learn more about how his art takes shape. Here’s what he had to say. How did you learn your art? KK: I am a self-taught wood carver, but I owe lots to working as an apprentice with a traditional furniture maker. Learning a lot of traditional woodworking techniques with hand tools lead to the processes I use in my work today. Tell us a bit about your artistic process. KK: Lately most of my work has been designing and making stools and tables from whole logs that I find. I start with a lot of drawing to play around with proportions and weight, and then I move to the carving part. Many of my pieces have legs carved into them, so when they are in a group they tend to look like a pack of strange creatures. Are there any recent pieces that you’re particularly fond of? KK: I have been working on a series of pieces that are roughly carved and burnt black on the outside. These are fun to do because the piece becomes more about the carving and shape and less about wood type and grain patterns. What is your typical day like? KK: My days always vary; it’s one of the things I enjoy most about my work. Some days I may be out in the muck and mud with chainsaws and trucks trying to find wood and other days are more civilized— just quiet with hand tools, carving, and shaping. I hand deliver all my work to the
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