PENLAND BOOK OF WOODWORKING, THE

For more than 75 years, The Penland School has attracted creative craftspeople from around the world. And that’s as true for woodworking as it was for ceramics, jewelry, and bookmaking—the three previous titles in the series. This technical and inspirational guide showcases the work of ten top contemporary woodworkers who have taught at Penland, each well-known in the field and with a specific expertise to share. Dozens of photographs, accompanied by explanatory captions, give readers a privileged glimpse into the artists’ studios as they demonstrate their special skills and produce a range of furniture. Examine Curtis Buchanan’s method of assembling a Windsor chair or Doug Sigler’s mold-making techniques for bent lamination. Explore Paul Sasso’s evocative, multilayered painted surfaces. See how Brent Skidmore produces distinctive carved textures, and how John Clark creates complex inlaid panels using inlaid veneer. The collection includes personal essays that shed light on such important topics as the struggle for artistic expression against practical concerns and requirements; the effect of new technology on the way a designer conceives of forms; and the importance of collaboration in the creative process.