 |
The Tanglewood Desk
The magnificent slab that forms the top of this desk
has a significant crack but it would not break, even when subjected to extreme stress. Inspired by the board, Kurt invested
months of labor to pay appropriate tribute to this lovely red oak.
The staved oak base, textured to resemble bark, covers a steel frame to support
the massive desk top.
|
 |
Rather than use a traditional butterfly to stabilize
the crack, Kurt chose to integrate
a natural oak branch into the base that appears to
penetrate the surface, terminating on top as carved leaves that span the gap.
|
|
|
|
|
Kurt first used petrified wood
as a desk blotter almost 15 years ago on the desk in this home office.
Harder than granite, petrified wood is a wonderful surface for a desk blotter,
almost impermeable and resistant to scratching.
Leaving the stone proud of the surface is a hallmark of Kurt’s work, retaining
the sense of the mass of the slab, as is the custom fitting of the piece into the
desk surface. |
|
|
|
 |
The Aspen Desk was initially created for an entrepreneur
in
Colorado.
It was crafted in cherry with a sculpted base and features a writing surface of
pertified wood from the southwestern United States. |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Two of these desks serve as the registration
desks at the El Monte Sagrado resort in Taos, New Mexico |
|
|
|
 |
At the
El Monte Sagrado Resort in
Taos
this beautiful
desk and accompanying cabinetry in the Concierge’s Office.
This desk has 2 legs that support a massive piece of petrified
wood. The base and credenza are in
cherry with a textured surface for added interest.
The credenza features both cabinets with shelves and drawers to allow for
storage of the broad range of necessities the concierge may be asked to provide. |
|
|
|
 |
The Melbourne Desk in cherry has graceful curving
lines and an organic feel.
|
|
The executive desk chair has applied carved arms, echoing the lines of the desk. The globe base was created as a companion
piece but is also available as an independent unit.
|
 |
Jere Osgood, the
New Hampshire
Furniture Master and fellow of the American Crafts Council, was Kurt’s first teacher
at the Boston University Program in Artisanry in 1978.
Kurt renewed contact and purchased a chair from Jere, appreciating the lines
of the chair and its simple beauty. |
|
When the opportunity presented itself to attend Jere’s workshop at Peter’s
Valley
Craft
Center, he designed and built this
desk as a companion for the chair. It stands as a tribute to this wonderful furniture
maker- a principal role model and source of inspiration. |
|
|
|
 |
Kurts first desk was this roll-topped mahogony and maple
contemporary piece. |
|
|
|
 |
The Partners Desk- This two-sided desk of oak was built for a couple who run a business
from their home and allows for use by two people, one on each side. The top is larger
than it appears, 80” in width and 42” from front to back.
|
 |
Note the “woven” details and carving on the edges
that make it such a unique piece.
|
|
|
|
|
The Tucson Desk- Another spectacular specimen of petrified
wood is featured in this desk, crafted for presentation at the Tucson Gem &
Mineral Show, the 2nd largest such show in the world.
The base is of
Mesquite
, shaped to represent a natural tree base. |