Artistic Furniture of Charles Rohlfs

“My designs are my own. I evolve them. They are like those of no other period nor people...I do not read Ruskin nor anybody nor anything that might influence my ideas. I never get them from books...They are mine and into their execution I put all my heart and force and that is why they appeal.” —Charles Rohlfs (1853–1936), House Beautiful, January 1900

Opps! Too late! I already read Ruskin. I guess Charles would think I am tainted by precedence. Sorry Charles but I just met you.

This week I visited an exhibit called "The Artistic Furniture of Charles Rohlfs" at the Dallas Museum of Arts. The last time I was this inspired was in 2004 when I visited The Bauhaus Archive and Museum in Berlin. At the museum was an exhibit dedicated to Gunter Kupetz, an influential German Industrial Designer. I had never heard of Gunter before and was completely amazed and inspired by his work and philosophy on design. Like this past experience with Gunter I became an instant fan of Charles Rohlfs from the first piece I saw.

The chair in the upper left is called The Tall Back Chair, c. 1888-1899 from the Rohlfs home. The details are exquisite with a high level of craftsmanship. I can't really describe what you can only see in person besides there are many sites with elegant descriptions of Charles work that you can easily google. These sites will include many additional images as well.

It's really not my intention to give a history of Charles Rohlfs but I do want to share one little tid bit. The chair on the right is called The Desk Chair. Outside of the fact that it's striking when you first see its early modernist elements there is another story to the chair. Charles apparently loved the microscope and regularly examined things through it's eye. The design in the chair back was inspired by the cellular structure of oak that he observed. Amazingly forward thinking!

What I took away as a designer is to make sure to keep craftsmanship in the forefront, no matter what! Sometimes, especially these days you can feel rushed, pressured and forced into compromise. Great design doesn't happen that way and this exhibit is an excellent example. I have to add that I bought a mug in the gift shop that features The High Back Chair. I'll be taking a lot of flak from my friends for doing that. However, I think it will serve me as a reminder while drinking coffee in my workshop.

http://www.dallasmuseumofart.org/

Pulse Candle Holder

I just finished and uploaded the second design in a series of three called Natural Rhythms. The idea behind the series is to use the natural beauty of the wood instead of staining to a particular color. The second part is to use the patterned geometrics on the base to create interesting visual effects.

This design (Pulse) is made to accommodate a 3" diameter by 8" tall pillar candle. It also has a hole in the top to mount a standard dinner taper.

Pulse as shown in this picture is made with Purple Heart. This species of wood has a very unique characteristic. When first cut the wood is a very dingy brown color but turns purple when exposed to light. In the image below you can see the unfinished base of a Pulse candle holder. This picture was shot after only two hours of exposure to fluorescent light.

The natural beauty of this wood is undeniable and a great choice for just about any project. However, it is extremely hard on tools. Within minutes of working with the material I found it dulling my chisels.

See more at http://www.ferrochie.com/