Birds of a Feather Carved Together

By Gretchen on February 28, 2013 in Fine Art, Made in Vermont tags: bird carvings, Bird sculptures, carved birds, Wall art

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Carved Birds Flocking Together or Standing Solo

Wendy Lichtensteiger has been carving individual and flocks of birds since early 2000. Learning how to carve from her father, whom has been in the practice for 30 years. Wendy never thought that she would really be interested in it, then she gave it a go.

Carved Birds

Creating a Bird Sculpture, from picking the perfect log, the act of cutting and shaping, beginning to see the end result, and the endless subject matter, is invigorating and addictive, says Lichtensteiger.

Most of Lichtensteiger’s carved birds are stained rather than painted, enhancing the chestnuts “feathery” grain. Whether on a table, hung on the wall or flying through the air, each bird displays the beauty of nature both in the grain of the wood and the natural form of the subject. Wormy chestnut is the best wood for her carvings. Before succumbing to blight in the early 20th Century, American Chestnut was considered the “queen” of our eastern forests. The wood being lightweight, soft, easy to split and its resistance to decay made it a natural choice for poles, fences, pilings, and log cabins.

See more birds in our Design Center and Craft Gallery.

Fine Hand Crafted

By Gretchen on January 31, 2013 in Artisan Furniture, Fine Art tags: craft and art, fine hand-crafted furniture, wood craft | Leave a Comment

Custom Fine Hand Crafted Furniture: Matt Stark Well there really is no other way to put it.

Matt’s furniture is both functional and aesthetically a major addition to your home. Mr. Stark has been crafting with wood since he was a boy, from bird houses to tree houses making creations, in his home state of Vermont. Just 5 days after receiving his high-school diploma, Matt aged 18 headed off to California. He was introduced to Dave Hannaford, an accomplished furniture and lamp maker. Matt says that Dave not only taught him the basics of fine furniture making, but more importantly the philosophies of the fine furniture craft. Matt was mentored by two fo the countries top furniture makers from 1996-1999.

Stark, we are continuing the American traditions of dedication, hard work and attention to detail. But you are investing in an heirloom that will survive generations to come. A piece can be designed and constructed for you or you may have a choice of his wonderful creations.

Matt has a strong love of nature and the earth. His pieces last through generations, meaning they will not be turned into land fill. With each purchase of his piece a tree is planted in your name through American Forest’s Global Releaf project.

Polly Whitcomb

By Gretchen on January 31, 2013 in Art Openings, Craft Shows, Made in Vermont, Stowe Craft & Design Interior Design Projects, Vermont Events tags: Clay implements, Found Objects, implementations, Wall sculpture | Leave a Comment

We have recently had the privilege to host an open reception for Ms. Polly Whitcomb. Recently returned home from New Mexico to her roots in Vermont, Polly a potter and sculptor joined us at Stowe Craft and Design. Ms. Whitcomb has studied painting and ceramics and spent several years training in Zen Buddhism. Her demeanor is very much calming and beautiful to be near.

Asking for more “garbage”

According to Ms. Whitcomb, “There is a difference in the found pieces in the east coast vs. the west; erosion, rust and weathering effects are very different. There is a lace effect in the eastern metals after deterioration. More full pieces can be found out west.” Her sculpture are a juxtaposition of deteriorating materials and the seed-like new life of clay forms. The process is a partnership between elements chosen and what I bring to it.” Polly has a very unique take on what some may find as rubbish she creates wonders.