"Drifting" along in December

We picked up Lou Quallenberg's "Drift" Mesquite Slab Coffee Table from The13th Annual Texas Furniture Makers Show this month and brought her to the shop to be stripped and then refinished. Lou's standards are very high and since the finish was rushed in order to get the piece to the show on time, he felt he needed to strip it and redo it.  Apparently the judges had no problem with the finish since they awarded "Drift" the "Best Texas Style" Award and the WOODCRAFT® Sponsor Award at the 13th Annual Texas Furniture Makers Show.  We also finally got "Drift" into the photography studio for a few beauty shots. But the very best news of all is that "Drift" was also delivered to her new home in the Hill Country this month! 

 

The name "Drift" came to us as Lou was working on the piece.  The sculpted part of this floating three part table almost looked like a piece of driftwood. One artist observer commented "mermaid" about the piece.  "Drift" is a new concept piece "including the sculpture or art into the actual coffee table." We have looked and not seen anything else like it online or otherwise. It is definitely the direction that Lou's work will move in as he continues to stretch and grow artistically. Much more sculptural and artistic but still functional. 

"Drift" Description:
This new concept piece for the artist represents an evolution in his distinct design style. The piece combines and incorporates his signature, sculpted, live-edge style with a more sculptural, art piece, edge slab. This Texas mesquite coffee table features the artist's signature floating top as well as a floating, sculptural, conversation piece, edge slab. The “float” is achieved atop seven stainless steel pins, welded to four steel bars that are screwed into routered grooves in the table top. The base was kept straight and simple to keep the focus on the sculptural top. A black epoxy is used to fill selected holes cracks and crevices. Lou attempts to draw the soul of the tree into each piece he creates. If you get a chance to look at and touch his work you will probably find it talking to you, maybe even singing. It is a goal Lou Quallenberg tries to reach in each of his pieces. 
Dimensions: 16” height x 32” width x 104” length 

concept sketch of the drift pavilion rendering © snarkitecture

Interestingly the name "Drift" was used by Snarkitecture  of  Brooklyn, New York for their really incredible pavilion entrance at this years Design Miami. Guess the name was "drifting" around and landing on the hearts and minds of artists here and there.  We are really glad because now Design Miami is on our radar and who knows perhaps our future?

We have been so wonderfully blessed this year with clients and collectors that REALLY get what Lou Quallenberg Studios is all about. A recent email from a client included this message:

Dear Lou,

.............You are one of these rare masters, who pay attention to all details and create timeless objects of beauty.

Here is a fragment of the poem that came to my mind as I unwrapped the blanket:

All are architects of Fate,
Working in these walls of Time;
Some with massive deeds and great,
Some with ornaments of rhyme.

Nothing useless is, or low;
Each thing in its place is best;
And what seems but idle show
Strengthens and supports the rest.

For the structure that we raise,
Time is with materials filled;
Our to-days and yesterdays
Are the blocks with which we build.

Truly shape and fashion these;
Leave no yawning gaps between;
Think not, because no man sees,
Such things will remain unseen.

In the elder days of Art,
Builders wrought with greatest care
Each minute and unseen part;
For the Gods see everywhere.

Let us do our work as well,
Both the unseen and the seen;
Make the house, where Gods may dwell,
Beautiful, entire, and clean.

Happy Holidays, Tad

Lou Quallenberg's Drift

WOW!!! We recognized bits of the poem "The Builders" from "The Seaside and the Fireside" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) but what an honor to have a client/collector say this about your work.  Obviously the love, passion and attention to detail, DO come across and speak to those willing to listen.

In the elder days of Art,
Builders wrought with greatest care
Each minute and unseen part;
For the Gods see everywhere.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

As December and 2012 drift to a close we THANK YOU for your support of this mesquite furniture making adventure. We wish you a beautiful and wonderful New Year, full of health, wealth, wisdom and most of all family and friends!