The development of this table has been a bit of an odyssey and a learning experience for me. Believe it or not, we starting working on this table in 2008!There were some structural problems that we had to fix: primarily the "wobbliness" of the frame. Without cross supports or the right gauge material, this basic "Mallett" style of table is always a bit shaky. We solved this this by using heavier gauge brass both for the legs and the shelf-supports and the difference is remarkable.
That first, wobbly, prototype had wooden shelves too - that was the original look I had in my mind; something rustic yet contemporary, industrial but refined. But as we were improving the frame, a finisher friend of mine saw and fell in love with the idea of the table and offered to lacquer the shelves in a new technique that she was working on. I consider this friend to be an extremely talented and innovative finisher, so naturally we went ahead and lacquered the shelves instead of using a natural wood finish. This was the result:
And here is a close up of the lacquer:
I really love this lacquer. The pattern is hand applied using a metallic dust that sort of bleeds out into the white lacquer, creating a soft halo-effect or shadowing around the lines. And more importantly, I like how it makes the table look. It gives it a more modern feel. However, I must admit some degree of satisfaction now that we have the table as originally thought of with the wooden shelves. Perhaps that is just because it fits the expectations I had in my mind. But it taught me a lot about the design process. There is a hard balance to maintain between your own inspiration and external inspiration. Truly, whenever I go to my friends studio, I get inspired. And I am thrilled by this lacquer technique and using it. But, somehow I am just a bit more fulfilled by seeing the table as I originally envisioned. It may be a tired axiom, but you really must stick with your vision for a project. Of course outside inspiration is vital, but I believe you must somehow take that inspiration and adapt it to your vision instead adapting your vision to the inspiration.
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I do like the wood, but the lacquer is to die for! Beautiful piece...happy I found you via architectdesign...following now. K
ReplyDeleteLove the table with the wood shelves. Trial and error, or like and like more. Bird's eye maple would do it for me.
ReplyDeleteThank you both very much, Kathy and Donna! You hit the nail on the head Kathy - the lacquer is great! I'm happy you like it. It just felt to me that the project was finally where I wanted it to be when I saw the wooden version. Thanks for the follow!
ReplyDeleteDonna - bird's eye maple is a great idea. You reminded me of curly maple, which if cut right and in the right setting could be spectacular. Thanks!
love it!!!
ReplyDeleteFreddy, totally agree and I love the table! Stay with your vision no matter the outside voices!
ReplyDeleteCome and enter my Latest Giveaway!!
Karena
Art by Karena
Oh and I am really enjoying your site!! You are in my giveaway as I extended it one day!!
ReplyDeleteKarena
Art by Karena
I like the depth (thickness) of the wood shelves in contrast with the iron.
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone! I am excited to be in the contest Karena - thanks! And thank you for noticing the thickness of the shelves Shannon. That was a specific desire of ours: to keep the metal supports thin and to have the shelves edge out above the height of the shelf knuckles. I think this really makes the table, making it appear lighter, rather than wood WITHIN a metal frame.
ReplyDeleteI just posted our first video clip. Although this one is more oriented towards antiques, we plan to have some covering things like the design of this table. Hope you enjoy. Thank you!