Furniture I Love: Clark Kellogg Edition

I'm really impressed by Clark Kellogg's work. I first saw an example of it featured in Fine Woodworking’s “Furniture: 102 Contemporary Designs” Special Issue, 2008. Called "10 Small Boxes Huddled Together for Warmth," this wall-mounted piece is an exercise in proportion. If I had conceived a project like this, I probably would have stopped with simply putting all the boxes together or making it complicated by integrating the boxes somehow. It's much more interesting that the boxes are separated slightly or at least have the illusion of being separated by recessed, ebonized spacers. To go another step in showing attention to detail, Kellogg framed out the holes that serve as door and drawer pulls. This is one of those pieces that shows incredible design talent combined with excellent craftsmanship.  

Though Kellogg makes the full range of seating, tables and casegoods, I want to feature another box. This one was commissioned to store CDs and has an ingenious recessed tray to hold an iPod. The box also allows the iPod to be charged. This piece, though small in size, involves the full range of woodworking skills and is executed flawlessly. See how he cut the dovetails by hand here.  

With training from both the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Maine and the College of the Redwoods in California, Kellogg has skills beyond his years. His Double-Trestle Desk is one of the best interpretations of the Arts & Crafts style I've seen in a long time.  

I encourage furniture makers and furniture appreciators both to explore Clark's website, as it shows more of his beautiful work and includes his thoughts on design and construction. Check it out at www.kelloggfurniture.com. 

Photo of the wall boxes by Jim Dugan; photos of Double-Trestle Desk by Patrick Bertolino.