George Nakashima introduced grace to contemporary furniture making.  These designs were inspired by his work, Japanese roof construction, and the spirit of the tea house.  I spent more time staring at the components and thinking about their relationships than actually building.

 

The wood for this series all came from a maple tree that was dear to the family.  It developed a spalting fungus which accounts for the discoloration of the wood.  The furniture is a memorial to a family member.