Japanese Influence - Traditional Techniques

A subtle collection of pieces, the designs of which have been developed along side my research into Japanese aesthetic philosophy, the discipline of craft and my time studying and working across Japan as a free journeyman. Designs are hand drawn with longevity and repairability at the forefront. Hand drawn plans, hand cut traditional joinery and hand planed surfaces are things I would not compromise on. The use of raw materials, traditional finishes and adhesives are important to my process. Thoughtfulness in design, timber selection and making process is important to me beyond business - I want to impact the crafted world with a resurgence of thoughtful work.

All pieces are made to order, dimensions and timber can be changed - customisation such as adding drawers is also possible.

Japanese philosophy of craft 

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"Thirty spokes meet in the hub,
though the space between them is the essence of the wheel.

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Pots are formed from clay,
though the space inside them is the essence of the pot.

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Walls with windows and doors form the house,
though the space within them is the essence of the house."

 Watching a Japanese carpenter work is unlike any other, a seemingly basic set of tools - utilised to produce perfectly precise and strong joinery. Watch Takami Kawai (my woodworking sensei while studying in Kyoto) set up a Kanna (Japanese plane) was a point of realisation for me. I realised - producing good work isn't about having the most expensive, shiny , advanced tools - but so much more about the craftsman familiarity with the tools they choose. A Japanese plane is 2 parts, the blade and a block of wood to hold it - yet a skilled carpenter can yield perfectly effortless thin shavings with a few taps of a hammer in the right places to set the blade. Of course prior to this efficient performance comes years of familiarisation with the tools and material, hours of sharpening and a trained eye to see what the layman can't. 

  I aspire to be this comfortable with my set of basic hand tools and the timber I work with.