This table is the latest in a series where I am exploring the relationship between repeated strong graphic shapes, negative space and the illusion of pieces hovering away from each other. The ‘petals’ have birds eye maple veneer on the top and walnut veneer on the bottom over solid walnut edging.
The triangle pieces were cut to a precise angle on the table saw. Solid edging was applied to all three sides then the pieces were veneered using traditional techniques. They were then drilled to receive the aluminum dowel which provides the connection points for all of the pieces that make up the table top. The pieces were then profiled and sanded. I love how they hover away from each other making you wonder how the top can hold itself together. And this spacing is what creates a delightful interplay of light and shadow under the table.
The triangle theme of the top is echoed in the legs, which have a rounded triangular cross-section. The walnut for the legs came from a tree that had to be taken down from a neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri. The legs were cut to rough shape on the bandsaw and tapered. Once this was done, I hand sculpted them into their final shape using a variety of rasps and files. A hardline is sculpted into the leg where each of the sides of the triangle intersect. Final smoothing of the legs was achieved with card scrapers and custom-profiled sanding blocks.
The aluminum base was created using traditional woodworking tools and techniques. I put the curved bevel on the base by tilting the table on my bandsaw when I cut out the shape. I cleaned up the bandsaw marks by tilting the table on my disc sander and sanding to my layout line. I put the texture on the base using my angle grinder outfitted with a flap disc and sculpted gentle arcs into the aluminum. As you walk around the table these arcs captures the light and create the illusion of a pinwheel turning. This echoes the kinetic energy of the top.
-kelly
