Leather Apron Society Table and Oyster Chest

Both new pieces from this year's show. And I feel like I may have made a resounding impact on some, so for all of you who were kind enough to come out and show your support to our artistic community in East Van, thank you so much. I have never received such encouraging accolades and genuine interest in the possibility of more commissions. I'd like to extend my deepest gratitude to my loving girlfriend who is instrumental in the design and build process for me. And a warm and deep thanks to everyone who has started to build their own collections and have included me in a long list of worthy artists.

The table is exhibition grade windfall Claro Walnut from Portland, Oregon over a cast bronze wishbone base. It is finished in handrubbed natural oil and brought to a rich sheen with a beeswax polish. It features an abstinence from the use of butterfly keys, or exposed joinery, in order to allow the grain to run uninterrupted. It is held together with a combination of internally housed joinery and a custom steel built undercarriage which is not visible from the top or sides of the piece.

The chest is constructed of the same walnut, clad with salvaged Port Orford Cedar on the inside and finished with beeswax only, and only over the walnut. It features patchwork walnut inlay work which shows the extension of integral pieces as they seem to disintegrate outward. Leather straps and brass hardware.

Thanks again and keep posted here, through my website at jeffmartinjoinery.com, or by joining me on Facebook

Handcrafted with Outstanding Materials

The process has been incredible thus far. I wanted to build a table reminiscent of one of Mozart's symphonies, a Royal Canadian Ballet recital, or a Patek Phillipe watch. I wanted to build a table that Kanye would own. Each piece was individually selected from a limited stash of collector's grade wood from which Sam Maloof used periodically throughout his prolific career - and from which currently producing artists such as Roy McMakin indulge in.

There is one chunk of Bastogne Walnut (sandwiched in the 3rd picture down) I used which is quite simply the most beautiful piece of wood I have ever seen in my life. And it's my job to find the most beautiful wood I can, of which I devote countless hours daily to researching. I battled tears knowing I wouldn't get to keep it for myself as I came to the realization that it ultimately belonged in this tabletop.

And after many bumps in the road, and a sizeable investment into this piece, it is completely bittersweet to see it winding down. I take solace in the fact that it's owner is a longtime friend and mentor - and that in the very near future I will be surrounded by close friends sharing a glass of Foxtrot over it.

But for now - I'll visit her for a couple of hours each night - handrubbing her with natural oils (neglecting my loving girlfriend at home) until the bronze legs are ready.

Please join us at 1000 Parker Street Studios for the Eastside Culture Crawl from November 26-28.

Jeff Martin Joinery

At The Workbench: Table fer Breezy

Quick photo update of a tabletop as it currently stands. 43" across, 89" long. It is in 3 separate pieces for easy shipping and assembly (as well as a strategic break in the joints where perpendicular grain meets which could compromise the strength of the table if glued together). It will rest on a clandestine steel undercarriage and be supported by two bronze legs.

Hoping to have at least the tabletop ready for the Culture Crawl this year. Remember to keep the dates of November 26-28 open for Vancouver's largest art show. eastsideculturecrawl.com for more info.

I'm located at 1000 Parker St Studios on the Main floor in the shared space - Beatty Street Woodworks.

Thanks,

Jeff

The Dependent

Photo: Emily McFadyen

http://thedependent.ca/featured/no-screws-loose-jeff-martin-on-joinery/

A very flattering article written by Lima Al Azzeh for The Dependent. Thanks Lima!