Comb-Back Stick Chair 2022

Currently being shown by I.M. Weiss Gallery in Detroit, MI.

The poplar seat is coopered with three sections to form the side to side sweep and is completely hand carved using tradtional handtools including drawknives, inshaves, travishers, spokeshaves and scrapers. All other parts are white ash sourced from a single tree on a neighboring farm. All parts are hand split from the fresh logs using wedges and axes. The legs, back posts, arm posts and spindles are turned on a lathe and finished by hand with a spokeshave. The arm rests and comb are hand carved. The mortise and tenon joinery is assembled utilzing tradtional moisture differentials between parts to create mechanically locked permanent joints. Through mortises are wedged. Traditional hide glue is used at assembly ensuring easier repairs for future generations. The black color is wiped on Japanese Sumi ink sealed with thin coats of shellac. Additional layers of a custom blend oil varnish finish are hand rubbed.