Furniture with Soul: Master Woodworkers and Their Craft

A thoughtful and interesting insight into some of the worlds finest Furniture Designers and Makers- as told by one of best- David Savage. What I found amazing is the difference between the American and the English approaches to their craft and to their business models, but as different as they are their careers share some core similarities. I would say that this book could be used as an effective marketing tool for designer makers at large, but I feel it will mostly be read by other designer makers looking for some inspiration or direction with their practice. I most certainly appreciate the insight into the careers of some of my furniture making idols. Nathan Day Design-Yallingup Western Australia [...]

Savage is a master of his craft whether it is line, wood or words. This book explores the creative and emotional journeys that are taken by those furniture makers who are at the top of their profession. The works featured are stunning in their technique and ability to push the boundaries of what can be done with wood. The book has numerous high quality photos as one might expect to see in a work featuring pieces from some of the top designers and artists, These are balanced by more private and introspective images of the furniture maker in their workspace. Savage has travelled extensively and spoken to some of the most influential contemporary furniture makers in the USA and the UK. He writes with clarity as a practitioner meeting others who are similarly at the top of their game. As a reader you are taken into the many conversations and given insight into the processes from concept to finished product. What makes this book outstanding and unique is the examination of the feelings and internal dialogue that motivates the makers to push the design, handwork, and craft into this exceptional zone. This is not a how to do woodworker's manual but one that encourages one to reflect and draw on ones inner self. Savage's own story is honest, including the mistakes and failures that accompany any creative or artistic journey. These are stories one can learn from and apply in ones personal journey. Genuinely inspirational. Highly recommended.

I was disappointed in the book only because there were no different ranges of furniture styles shown. The book is entirely about modern (avant-garde) furniture, the type of furniture that goes in museums of modern art, never to be used, because it is not functional to begin with. Much of the furniture in the book would not be recognizable as furniture to the common man. In this book you will see no furniture from the craftsman period, or victorian, eastlake, shaker, rococo, empire, queen ann, french, etc periods. My mistake, I will be selling the book.

Great pictures, great furniture, with the artists being reviewed by a peer. Andy Halewood a New Zealand wood craftsman and educator recomended this book to me. David Savage uses the word "Wow" and defines it as "I wish I had made this piece." LOL! After reading the book and reporting back to Andy how much I was inspired and intimidated by the works presented I am sharing my thoughts with you.This is not a how to book it's a "Wow" Book. A great edition to my library. Maybe yours? It lets me know what is possible.

A fine collection of maker focused chapters with really incredible work clearly beyond hte ordinary at a fine high level of quality. Simply delightful for the aspiring furniture maker

Beautiful book. If you are interested in artistic furniture, this is a must for your library.

awesome interesting book my my favorite maker David Savage.

Ever wonder what it would be like to tour a furniture-making studio, asking every question that came to your mind? David Savage visits twenty of the most talented furniture makers alive, and does exactly that. Reflecting on his own experiences as a furniture maker, Savage imbues the narrative with a thoughtful sensitivity.While Savage highlights extraordinary accomplishments and techniques, he also details flaws, missteps, and mistakes, creating a well-rounded portrait of personality, inspiration, and studio culture. It's an enlightening perspective, glimpsing the personal and public challenges even the most celebrated artists must overcome.Savage illustrates the very important role of patronage and cultivated trust between a client and artist, and he articulates the complex and interdependent relationship between these artists and their apprentices. John Makepeace's students at the Parnum Trust helped fabricate more furniture than he could have ever made on his own. And, by seeing through students' eyes, Makepeace remained critical of his own designs. Savage asks probing questions about method, motivation, and concept as well as technique and material significance. We learn not only the how, but the why of each artist's process.Finish, material, and form are essential to conveying an idea. John Cederquist utilizes tromp l'oeil painting and collaged composition, communicating the disjointed and often myopic nature of commerce and economic aspiration. Interestingly, Savage includes Peter Danko, a designer who focuses on furniture for mass production, pushing the limits of laminated wood with the sensitivity and skill of a sculptor.The book is loaded with beautiful photos of each furniture maker's finished work, but the real insider perspective comes from the sketches and workshop photos. We see the dust and dirt from one artist's studio and the immaculate drafting boards of another. While all of the work from these masters is fastidiously executed, we see that in the hands and minds of brilliant makers, there are many paths to create furniture that communicates intellect and élan.

The author begins by saying language can't deal with the issues that the book addresses. He then demonstrates that his writing skills certainly aren't up to the challenge, as he drags us through 231 dreary pages of pretentious philosophies and worn out cliches.Still, it's not a complete disaster. There's a section at the end on rising young talent which is sparky and refreshing.However, all in all you'd be better off buying "Speaking Of Furniture", which covers many of the same makers but has more and better photographs of their work...plus it's witty and readable rather than turgid and pompous.

This book cannot be compared to George Nakashima's beautiful book.. a book with soul by a man who was one with nature. This is a book written by a marketing guy who had sold his soul !I spent 12 months at Mr Savages Atelier, which was an incredibly poor educational experience. In that time I did not witness him pick up a tool or do a furniture commission once. Unfortunately I think this book is another attempt at shameless self promotion for a man who has an insider reputation of being very difficult and contrary.I find it strange that this book has so many 5 star gushing reviews - when some of the other weighty wood classics (like Maloof and Nakashima) don't have one ....

This book was a gift for my son who's absolutely mad about furniture design and quality. This book surpassed all expectations. The photography was amazing, clear and beautifully done. The text was clear and concise and not too arty farty. This book is far more than "coffee table" decoration, it's a wonderful reference book and guide to all that is quality in the world of furniture, especially in this day and age of quick blown together self-assembly furniture. Highly recommended.

I bought this for my brothers birthday, as he has just started furniture making. However, everyone loved the book: Girlfriend, mother, father, grandpa, and friends, it seemed to have universal appeal.