mesquite musings: Texas Hill Country

Showing posts with label Texas Hill Country. Show all posts

Thursday, March 31, 2016

The Branch Altar Table - A Labor of Love

Lou Quallenberg says goodbye to the Branch Altar Table

The Mesquite Branch Altar Table was a labor of love and a true stretch of the mesquite furniture and carving /sculpting skills that Lou Quallenberg has acquired over the years. Working with wood, working with mesquite, and creating something from a vision in your head.

The Chapel at Noah's Dream in the Texas Hill Country

Created for a private Chapel in the Texas Hill Country the piece's unique, beautiful and serene final destination was designed to resemble an ark.

The Chapel at Noah's Dream in the Texas Hill Country

As most of Lou's pieces do this one started out as a sketch. Well make that three sketches....

Sketch by Lou Quallenberg

Fortunately Lou Quallenberg can put his ideas down, beautifully on paper and the amazing thing is most pieces come out looking very close to the original sketch.

Sketch by Lou Quallenberg

Originally conceived and designed as a hallway table, changes had to be made to adapt it into a larger piece with more presence. The thoughts of a limestone top came to an end as the issue of weight was raised and unresolved.

Sketch by Lou Quallenberg

Maquette
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia A maquette (French word for scale model, sometimes referred to by the Italian names plastico or modello) is a small scale model or rough draft of an unfinished sculpture. An equivalent term is bozzetto, from the Italian word that means "sketch".

It is used to visualize and test shapes and ideas without incurring the cost and effort of producing a full-scale product. It is the analogue of the painter's cartoon, modello, oil sketch or drawn sketch. For commissioned sculptures, especially monumental public sculptures, a maquette may be used to show the client how the finished work will fit in the proposed site.

Maquette in Mesquite - Branch Altar Table

Lou created a miniature version maquette first, to be sure he could actually reproduce it on a larger scale and to aid in the logistics of creating this large piece.

That is one hefty chunk of mesquite with Lou Quallenberg

This piece's tree base was sculpted and carved from a solid laminated block of mesquite pieces. The block weighed approximately 1,240 lbs at beginning and approximately 350 lbs at delivery.

Lou Quallenberg begins carving the Mesquite Branch Altar Table

Check out this video to see the carving process unfold:

The carved roots form the base of the table which grows into a tree form sprouting a branch that pokes through a carved natural hole in the mesquite slab top. The branch ultimately blooms into a tabletop candelabra. He sculpted designs in the top, sides and underside of the table top designed to catch the light and give the viewer hidden surprises to discover.

Several views of the Mesquite Branch Altar Table by Lou Quallenberg

The dimensions on this incredible piece are: 60"L x 22"W x 36"H and while the photos are good they just do not do the piece justice. It is most certainly one that calls out to be touched and explored.

Friday, May 31, 2013

May's Mesquite Bookshelf: “A man's bookcase will tell you everything...."

“A man's bookcase will tell you everything you'll ever need to know about him”
― Walter Mosley

Lou Quallenberg's Client Sketch of Mesquite Bookshelf

“I like to think that when I fall,
A rain-drop in Death's shoreless sea,
This shelf of books along the wall,
Beside my bed, will mourn for me.”
― Robert W. Service, Ballads of a Bohemian

The "Joanna" Mesquite Bookshelf was the first of it's kind at Lou Quallenberg Studios. The project presented it's many challenges in all aspects of design, production and delivery. The clients were familiar with Lou Quallenberg Studios and Lou's level of craftsmanship. They already had two pieces in their home and had mentioned the quality in a "Thank You" note that we shared part of in this: blog post. They knew the project would take quite some time and yet they were willing to wait. Good things come to those who wait.

The project started with several sketches: one more linear design and one more sculpted and natural. They chose the Natural Sculpted Design and we think it was the right choice even with all of it's challenges and opportunities. (See original sketch above.)

In order to end up with 5/4" pieces, the process started with the slabbing of a few suitable mesquite logs into 6/4" slabs. Then wood, from the best tree for this project, was taken to the kiln and dried for the next ninety days or so. Since the project had to be added to the busy production schedule, work was not started immediately once the wood was dried. This also allowed the wood to come back to a more natural and environmentally stable moisture content.

Mesquite Slabs Being Cut at the Mill

Mesquite Slabs Loaded into the Kiln to Dry

The cracks and holes that are such a frustrating but natural part of mesquite needed to be filled with the black epoxy that has become our partner in this process. All very time consuming and tedious work, it is this attention to detail that makes Lou Quallenberg's work stand out.

Lou Quallenberg removes the rot from the Mesquite Cracks

Mesquite Cracks to be Filled

Cracks and Holes to be Filled with Epoxy

Lou Quallenberg Cuts the Mesquite Shelves for the Bookshelf

Mesquite Bookshelf Frame

Bookshelf put together for Sculpting

Mesquite Slab Shelves spaced for Design

Ready for Final Sculpting and Sanding

All of the pieces and parts were then crafted and put together. The shelves were mocked up with spaces to give an idea of the design and it's challenges. Working with these big pieces individually are manageable but once the pieces start going together the size and weight begin to create problems.

Difficult to move around and maneuver the process once again began to slow its pace.

The final sculpting and sanding process on the piece as a unit took hours and hours as it was brought to Lou Quallenberg standards. Attention to details and lovingly treating, both the back and bottom of the bookshelf and shelves, as if they would be the focal points. These are just few tricks that make Lou's work so special.

The hand rubbed oil and wax finish took a bit longer than the normal two week process due to the corners, all of the shelves and the unusual on and off wet/humid weather, but once again the process was not pushed or rushed.

Photography of the Mesquite Bookshelf

Once finished the "Joanna" Mesquite Bookshelf needed to be photographed. We usually prefer to photograph in the studio but because of size and weight, the piece was photographed on site in the shop and left in only one position. It was a challenge but we feel like it is always worth the effort. Even though none of the photographs of Lou's Mesquite Furniture never really capture the true essence and beauty that you see and feel in the presence of each piece.

“And as I surveyed the clutter of his study I was pleased to see that he was a man after my own heart. All of his money appeared to have been spent on either books or shelves to hold them.”
― Ross King, Ex-Libris

"Joanna" Mesquite Bookshelf by Lou Quallenberg

Natural Corners

Sculpted Corner Top

Mesquite Corners

Sculpted Mesquite Shelves

Natural Sculpted Mesquite Shelves

Sculpted Live Edge Mesquite

Even the Back of the shelves are Sculpted

Purple Heart Inlay Accent

Lou Quallenberg's Signature in Mesquite on the Back

The delivery of the "Joanna" Mesquite Bookshelf was quite the process both in and of itself. All the while the threat of much needed rain hung in the periphery of our minds held at bay only by the desire to do the delivery and make it both good and right.

Normally Lou prefers to deliver in a covered trailer but this piece because of it's size and weight, he knew would be easier if we did not have to figure out how to get it and the delivery crew through a doorway dealing with trailer walls. This would not normally be a problem as summer approaches in the Texas Hill Country but thanks to unusual weather patterns the threat of rain (an often prayed for event) threatened to disrupt the delivery process.

“A bookshelf is as particular to its owner as are his or her clothes; a personality is stamped on a library just as a shoe is shaped by the foot.”
― Alan Bennett

Arrival at the Mesquite Bookshelf's New Home

The Bottom of the Bookshelf and a Proud Client

A Heavy Handful

Will it fit through the doorway?!

We intended to help with the installation all along, but had failed to discuss electrical outlets and wall stud placement. All of which complicated and extended the seemingly simple process. Once the proper location was found and fitted. The "Joanna Mesquite Bookshelf was installed with care and screwed securely to the wall.

The screws were then hidden with Lou Quallenberg's technique. Originally designed as a Mesquite Bed Bolt Cover, the mesquite button covers are held in place with a very strong earth magnet that attracts to the metal screw. Another tiny detail that adds so much to the quality and value of a Lou Quallenberg piece.

Fortunately the rain held off until the delivery was made. The downpour made the trip back to Llano an adventure in and of itself. Nobody complained as the land greedily soaked up the much needed moisture and the runoff left floods, damage and destruction as it carved its path through the drought stricken Hill Country.

Huge thanks go out to the delivery crew Bill Gleason and Karl Rhodes. Special thanks to Shawn Walker for his steady and constant help in shop and wherever needed. We cannot forget our master packer and in house imagineer Steve Walker.

Thanks Guys! We could not do it without you.

We find it quite appropriate that this end of May blog post about a Mesquite Bookshelf comes as graduates of all kinds are crossing the stage and receiving their diplomas. In fact one of our client's children was graduating the day after our delivery.

WE CONGRATULATE ALL OF THE CLASSES AND GRADUATES OF 2013!!

We especially congratulate our niece, Miss Taylor Leigh Martin as she finishes her High School education and seeks to further her education at Texas State University. She received six Scholarships for her efforts and we applaud her for that!!!

Thanks go to the following Scholarship providers:

Hill Country Higher Education Foundation
Llano County Scholarship : Women's Culture Club
Llano Masonic Lodge #242
In Honor of Teacher Mary Fay Wallace by Janice Crenwelge
Mary Turbiville Memorial
Promote Llano: Dayna Haines Scholarship

CONGRATULATIONS! TAYLOR!!!
We Love You!

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Lessons of a Lectern

Lou Quallenberg peeks through the crack in the Mesquite Lectern

Each new project usually brings with it a set of lessons and insight into an artist's ability. We always find that each new project helps stretch and grow us in both art and in spirit. The clients for this project: The Mesquite Lectern, have played a distinct role in stretching Lou Quallenberg artistically as well as spiritually and for that we are so very thankful.

The Lectern was part of the original order for the Chapel with the Dancing Trees and Benches/Pews. Since there was no specific time frame or deadline for this project Lou was able to develop the piece while working on other projects. This gave him a chance to play with the piece and in doing so, add a pop up shelf and small fold down reading light.

Lou stands next to the face of the lectern to establish size for the client progress report.

The project began with a unique slab from the same tree that the Dancing Trees were cut from. Lou wanted to save the shape of his unique slabbed piece of mesquite but also make it "Dance" alongside the Dancing Trees.

Sketch of Mesquite Lectern

Lou's work almost always begins with a sketch. He usually has an idea of which mesquite slab he will be working with. That helps to develop the sketch which then gives the client a visual confirmation that he is moving in the right direction.

The YouTube video below shows Lou Quallenberg & Shawn Walker as they begin to carve the Mesquite Lectern with a chainsaw.

Lectern begins to take shape

Progress report photos for the client.

Lou Quallenberg's Signature Mesquite Bow Tie

Progress reports and photos are regularly emailed to clients to keep them up to date on their special piece. This allows the client to help direct the design decisions that need to be made and gives them the feeling of participation as well as anticipation.

Lou Quallenberg's Signature Bow Tie on the Lectern makes a symbolic cross shape and holds the large crack in place. We have several clients that request the Bow Tie even if it is not required structurally to hold their commissioned piece together. They like Lou's Bow Tie purely as a design element. The Bow Tie on the Mesquite Lectern was also sculpted to add dimension and catch the light . This required an extra thick, BIG Bow Tie in order to to have room to sculpt it.


Lou with Lectern in the shop for @LAST Art Tour before the finish. Photo by John Hallowell - Highland Lakes Weekly

The Mesquite Lectern was in the shop for quite a while as Lou worked on other projects it even made an appearance, showing off its basic shape at the @LAST Llano ART Studio Tour.

The Mesquite Lectern was professionally photographed by Lou before she was taken on delivery to her new home in the chapel alongside the Dancing Trees.