Ebonized Wood

Ebonized Wood Process

I have been experimenting with ebonizing the bent wood pieces. I am excited about the sleek and sophisticated look of the ebonized wood.

Ebonizing wood is a chemical process that occurs inside the wood. No pigment or colorant is added, it is an actual chemical reaction. What happens between vinegar and steel when Tannic acid is introduced changes the color of the wood to black. This process occurs naturally in nature to bog wood.

Ebonised White Oak Knot

March 29 Photoshoot

My assistant and I pulled a photo shoot together in one day last Thursday! I don't know how we did it! The results, however, are stunning!

I realized I have not been putting my work in context on the human body. I think seeing the work functioning as an object will help viewers to understand the extent of the work. 

I am extremely grateful to Tom Petroff and Carolina Reyes for being so flexible! A huge "Thank you!" to each of them for sharing their talents and working very hard to complete the project. 

Take a look at these beauties! 

Three Treasures Neckpiece

The Held Neckpiece

Trefoil Brooch Cherry

The Held Brooch

ἕλιξ (Greek: twisted, curved)

The word helix comes from the Greek word ἕλιξ, "twisted, curved".^{[2] (wikipedia)}

Tactility & Visuality

Cherry & Silver

I was drawn to the way the wood responded to the cuts. There are strong ridges in the wood creating a unique texture that creates a very appealing tactile and visual effect.

Walnut, Silver & Gold Leaf, prototype

life force

Wind Language 

The wind blows strong in Chicago today. In many ancient cultures the wind represents life force. All we can do is surrender.

The designers mantra.

Form & Function

Aaah... a powerful statement in the world of design, it could even be considered cliché. For me, it is a mantra. Something I say to myself to ease my troubled mind. The clasp of this new design exhibits the functionality of holding the piece on the body and simultaneously acts as the ornament... Bringing us closer to enlightenment.

...Oooooohhhhhmmmm...

Form & Function in Walnut

Refreshing

Sometimes the hardest part of creating something new is naming it! Any ideas for this piece? 

This is a prototype for a new piece. These square forms are totally new and feel like a breath of fresh air.