Loose Gravel
Loose Gravel detail view
Loose Gravel
Loose Gravel detail view

Loose Gravel

$1,400.00
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This hand crafted intarsia inlay is a study of the edge between pattern and randomness. Traditional joinery techniques using butternut, oak, walnut, ash and cherry was employed in constructing this piece. Walnut sticks were first cut diagonally, then wood veneer was inserted and the sticks re-glued. These sticks were then cross cut to make the repeating unit of the inlaid pattern. Units were rotated and flipped before fixing into the field. 

40" x 21" x 1.75" 

Ships within 3 days.

STATEMENT
I create objects employing traditional woodworking techniques which explore artistic ideas of pattern and form that are of contemporary nature. I have developed unique new techniques of solid wood intarsia inlays which have allowed the creation of my wood panels of bold new visual patterns. These wall hangings have freed my woodworking from the constraints of functional furniture to concentrate on expressions of mathematics, visual games and unique structures which are captivating to the eye, tactile senses and the mind.

I seek to create objects which have unique character and a magical rightness of being. My unique end grain solid wood intarsia inlays are used to efficiently develop fields of pattern which define my wall hangings. Some inlays are saturated with water prior to gluing into panels; upon drying the inlay shrink and crack introducing an additional pattern to the surface. The carved and machined surfaces are often left raw and unfinished to develop patina and age.

BIOGRAPHY
Hanging out with my future wife as she worked on her undergraduate art projects introduced me to the excitement and beauty of creating art. Several years later I decided to combine my engineering background with a developing love of art to pursue a career of furniture design and production. I maintained an independent business for 30 years doing custom design furniture and architectural woodwork.

My furniture designs have been featured in “the New York Times”, Country Living Magazine”, and “New York Magazine”. In 2010, I downsized my business to a studio behind my home and am now concentrating on producing my intarsia wall hanging as my wife, Anna lee Chalos McAleese creates her unique glass art. 

Education
Purdue University, BS Engineering, Environmental, 1974
Indiana State University, MFA, Furniture Design and Sculpture, 1979