Artist Peter Judge describes his passion for woodworking as “Love, Whimsy, Poetry…and sawdust.” Enjoy his portfolio and see more by visiting his website.
“Crazy Legs 1” Decorative Table with Purple Heart Legs and Fir with Patinated Copper Top, 9” x 4” x 9”
Woodworking and sculpture have been passions of mine for my entire life. When I was seven years old, I took my first woodworking lessons. I found the smell of sawdust intoxicating, the feel of a smooth finish rewarding, and the creation of a unique artistic statement to be empowering.
“Curio Box 1” Decorative Box with Wenge Legs and Top Handle, Fir Body and Patinated Copper Top, 10” x 10” x 5”
I studied architecture, built homes and had a business career but always came back to my woodshop for grounding. Indeed, I often say that I make sawdust rather than pay psychiatrists.
“Chaos Table” Table with Purple Heart Legs, Paduak Stretchers and Top Trim and Zebrawood Body with Patinated Copper Inlay, 15” x 38” x 29”
Currently I am on a campaign to re-invigorate the feel and purpose of the arts and crafts movement of the 1900’s into modern life. That movement aimed to bring artistic decoration and the appreciation of hand-built objects into everyday use in an effort to combat the industrialization of our lives.
“Chaos Table” Close Up of Table Top
I ask you, the viewer, to be involved as a participant in the process and feel the beauty of “functional art.” My art asks to used, not just looked at.
“Splash Box” (Study for Full-Size Chest of Drawers) Black Walnut Legs, Zebrawood Body and Interior Drawers with Dividers made of Aromatic Cedar and Painted Drawer Front, 8” x 7” x 10”
I juxtapose the natural colors in exotic hardwoods and integrate patinated metals into the design of my functional art. Five coats of Tung oil, a natural wood enhancement used for centuries, is hand rubbed into the surface to create a low-gloss lustre, revealing the depth of grain and delivering a durable and repairable finish.
“Robbie’s Table” Table with Wenge Legs, Paduak Body and Trim with Patinated Copper Top, 18” x 40” x 15”
The feel of my finishes are important to the thesis of integration of the arts into everyday life—if you like to touch it, than you will want to use it.
“Robbie’s Table” Close Up of Table Top
Integrating patinated metals and finding the process of “painting with patina” is my current hunger.
“Fire Below” Writing Desk with Wenge Legs, Paduak Stretchers and Body and Zebrawood Trim with Patinated Copper Inlay, 16” x 40” x 29”
To watch the magic of applied patinas swim across a sheet of copper is tantamount to seeing a beautiful sunset develop. I build up as many as seven or eight layers of various acids and chemical compounds, sometimes in a reductive process that reveals a copper beneath that has a shadow of what was removed. Then I finish off the metals with ten coats of polyurethane for a useable, lifelong finish. I would like my functional art to be “inheritable.”
“Fire Below” Close Up of Table Top
Several years ago, I gave myself “permission” to call myself an artist rather than just a craftsman. That thought, in and of itself, gave me the courage to explore even further forms that I might not have arrived at before.
“Pair 1” Set of Tables with Walnut Legs and Zebrawood Body with Patinated Copper Top Inlay, 15” x 22” x 28” Each
Funny how the naming of things gives them power. My hope is that, with the inspiration of my functional art, you will find that power in your life. May you find inspiration and bring art into your everyday life. May you find love, whimsy and poetry.
Blessed Be.
Photos by George Post.
So wonderful to see these functional art pieces!!! The beauty of the materials has been so wisely and cleverly crafted. Bravo! May you continue to pursue your passion!