What individuals who work with wood have to realize, is that whether you referr to it as “Fine Furniture”, “Studio Furniture” , “One Off’s”, “Limited Runs”, etc, you are building in the realm of “Wooden Craft” many people do it, few are successful, and many insist they have to convince people of the “fine quality” they create and try to justify its value. This is an old approach.

The key as mentioned above is in the form created not words justifying value.

Marc mentions above: “My biggest fear is that this trend will continue and eventually very few people will see the value in fine works.” That’s not a trend, that’s the way it is. There have always been “…..very few people who see value in fine work”, but that is because those who determine value are looking for “FORM” not the “skill” of a craft. It doesn’t matter what “technique” or “material” was used to get to an object, what matters is, was the form executed properly and valued by someone.

If we take Adams mention of using visuals of the current rock star, how many pieces of furniture can you identify with the 1960′s. Few probably, but Charles and Elenore Stendig totally got it and not many others did. Many recognize and use a quality judgement, few value to form, that’s nothing new.

Much of the direction one goes in furniture design has to do with economics.

Neil

So the way I see it, defining “fine” furniture really depends on who you ask. An “average joe” with a taste for higher quality might be absolutely thrilled to buy a piece of furniture made by any individual who can construct a solid joint with some level of competence. That romantic notion of something hand-made and the thought of real joinery and a reasonably fine finish might even exceed that person’s definition of “fine” furniture. But what else would we expect if their only exposure to furniture is what they see in the big stores?

When I was doing commissions on a regular basis, I was always disappointed to find out that most clients were happy with “good enough” and rarely wanted to pay for my “finest” work. The pieces I produced were always high quality, but I frequently had to come up with cost-saving solutions that fell considerably short of what I would have done in a perfect world. It can be very difficult to get the average person to recognize the higher quality level that many woodworkers pride themselves in.

My biggest fear is that this trend will continue and eventually very few people will see the value in fine works. Eventually, the question of good vs great may be reduced to an academic conversation between enthusiasts, and nothing more. I hope that doesn’t happen!

Above you mention: “I see a trend in style, just as we have seen each and every decade or so.”

I agree, but what I see different this time is we are currently repeating what the previous generation did in the late 70′s early 80′s. There’s a disconnect in exploration. The teachers are spewing what they know, not what can be. I see a tremendous group potential in the form of small shops, that are all following rather than leading. I see contradictions even from those who should know better that confuse all skill levels and this hinders any direction.

A premise I don’t accept, but maybe it is just plain easier for the internet woodworker to copy a previous form.

Thinking out loud…………Neil

Thanks for stopping by. You’re right about the conformity issue. I see a trend in style, just as we have seen each and every decade or so. It’s a common transition, usually unconscious, for woodworkers to emulate those who are in their field of vision most often. That’s why you have “Maloof-esque” rockers everywhere, and Krenov-inspired cabinets on almost every blog. For people to find their true individual voice within the craft they must take the risk and step out of this conformity and imitation. Then and only then will they be truly communicating through form.

Very good insight Neil. Thanks so much.

Like you mention, its a never ending discourse but having played in the arena it’s the individual who communicates through form who will be percieved as fine, not the skill used. It doesn’t matter what technique was used to find the form, the visual will tell the story not the pen.

Interesting write-up……..Neil