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Other Woodwork & Craft Sites
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Shaker Furniture by Edward A. Clifford At The Heartwood Joinery, authentic shaker reproductions are handcrafted according to authentic specifications, utilizing traditional Shaker joinery and finishing techniques, like the use of pinned mortise, tenons, and dovetailing. Each piece is signed, dated and numbered by owner and mastercraftsman Edward A. Clifford. |
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Custom Lighting & Architectural Details I've known Dale Jenssen since the 1970's in Houston, Texas. She was better known to most of us as "Big Red" and was making and selling plastic jewelry from her studio out in West Texas. Jenssen creates one of a kind architectural details, wall sconces, sculptures and complete interiors from her studio in San Antonio. Check out her website. |
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Woodworking Background and History
Woodworking has always been a hobby of mine. It all started at the age of three or four when I spent time with my grandfather who was a carpenter. He only spoke french, but was one hell of a story teller. He would make up all kinds of stories and when asked if the stories were true his simple response was: "sinon, il devrait etre" (if not, it should be).
Several of my uncles and cousins were carpenters and at one time I worked with them to avoid working with my father who was a house painter (I still hate painting). My father was a perfectionist and working with him was rough...everything had to be perfect. In many ways, that perfectionism became ingrained and enabled me to accomplish much with both the photography and the woodworking. That same perfectionism has also hindered me in that I was never satisfied with what I had accomplished. There was always more I could do to make it perfect.
In high school, I was introduced to woodworking by, Willie Broussard, the industrial arts teacher. At the age of 15, I won the top honor in the state high school competition for furniture making with only hand tools. The prize was a scholarship to the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now, University of Louisiana Lafayette). The following year, I took second place honors for furniture built with machine tools.
After about 35 years working as a photographer I setup my first woodworking shop in the barn of a wealthy patron in Greenwich, Connecticut. I also lived in a small apartment above the barn. I later set up a shop in a two-car garage in Armonk, New York and built several pieces of furniture and cabinets.
After Hurricane Rita hit my home area, I came down to Louisiana to photograph the damage and to help my brother whose home was destroyed. His workshop was a metal structure and although the sides were washed away, it was still a stable structure. He decided to rebuild elsewhere and is letting me use the closed in shop for my woodworking. I've come full circle and am really enjoying the woodworking as I always have.Click on the images above to see larger photos of the furniture and woodwork, and thanks for taking the time to view these photos. Feel free send me your comments (use email at left).
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