'The Cloudâ - work in progressÂ
I first conceptualised this The Cloud while I was having my Artist Residency at Orchard Library in the mid of 2019. Residencies are the best time to focus on experimenting, thinking, and just letting my ideas flow. As mentioned in my previous post, I was drawn to a piece of furniture I saw at the museum (one of the sources of my inspirations). A quick sketch followed and I started a prototype.
Drawing was extremely difficult as there were multiple layers, and angles to tackle; the challenge compounded when all the pieces will eventually lock together so there was very little room for error. There wasnât the opportunity to âover-cut-then-trim-off-laterâ type of working. I also had to make sure that it actually could stand reasonably well, and not topple over on its own.Â
After the initial design was done, the first and most important part of this piece was the timber selection. I was looking for something book matched (mirror imaged), with interesting grain patterns, with a flowing look to complete the look.
I donât have access to a large selection of timbers here, so I was elated when I found this hidden stash at a timber yard. (It is always good to have a nice relationship with your suppliers)
Not every piece of timber is perfect and having knots and âundesirableâ parts are common, I had to trim them off so that only the best parts are used yet not compromising on the eventual look. I let my boards rest after cutting them before piecing them together. The angled dovetails are cut and I recessed the timber internally to create the corner radiuses.Â
Clamping them was a very tricky operation. Since they are all angled, it was very difficult to apply even pressure throughout the piece. I wished I had an extra pair of hands at this stage.
After the glue up, all that was left was cleaning up the sides and applying a layer of shellac and finishing with a layer of homemade beeswax polish.
