I like the new proportions, the rhythm is more funky, less stiff. As in music, it adds tension, draws the eye and with that makes it interesting.
As an idea: I own an old chest of drawers with three graduated drawers - as is common - but the bottom and middle drawers were switched so it goes small-large-medium from top to bottom. I found this an appealing solution to adding visual interest. (I’ve been wanting to copy that design-aspect for years, unfortunately I don’t build furniture and spend my days trying to convince others to try it, wink)
Sorry I missed round one. I must have been on that peasant guy’s blog or watching reels on instagram. Make sure the base and cabinet look like they belong to each other. It’s does in version 1 but version 2 might be wavering. Three drawer instead of four? I like odd numbers, 3 drawers, 5 slats, seven spindles.. etc, etc,. maybe do a 3d mock up with cardboard box and dowels. I like the piece. Taking Windsor chair techniques into the realm of case goods is a good endeavor.
Somehow I missed the first part, not sure how that happened. You could add a few more groups of criticizers with some more time but I’m sure you wanted to get your thoughts out there. So I’ll attempt to add one for you. The Teacher; this guy “wouldn’t have done it that way”. He would say something like “ I understand why you drew it like that but that’s really not how it should be done”. If you’ve actually already made the piece he would be running his hands all over your finish looking for rough spots. Having failed in finding anything he would proceed to feel underneath and then say “ I like to finish the unseen parts just like the visible surfaces”. ( This is my brother, yes he was a high school shop teacher)
I can’t get much of a feel as to how a piece might look by looking at a concept on paper. Its just how my limited brain works. I can get a better idea from a mock-up model where I can look at it from different angles. As to how other people feel about something I’ve made or designed I don’t ask them ......ever. If they like it fine if they don’t well I probably didn’t make it for them anyway. I’m my own worst critic if I don’t like something I’ve made into the scrap pile it goes.
I’m not the only one to have problems visualizing how something will turn out by looking at a drawing. I made a glass display case for a stain glass model for a client.
I sent him drawings and my thoughts and all he did was look blankly at me and say I don’t have any idea what your talking about. He was thrilled with the end result, so we’re the people in charge of the museum. His family actually paid me more than I was asking and that’s good enough for me.
A crucial conversation you started with this Ed, thank you.
I found it helped to make me more aware of the limitations of my own instincts and it deepens perspective on the choices we face in designing., especially in the critical analysis of the comments you received.
And with that increased consciousness, I now prefer version 1 over version 2:
• splay of legs is dynamic and elegant, more so than v2.
• battens are a nice counterpoint to the lightness of the legs, and in a functional sense more likely to withstand stresses over time.
• sides of the case being thicker means they might better resist unforseen forces (animals –including humans, joint failure, etc.), and slight increase in thickness doesn't compromise the elegant design.
• but the lower stretcher in v2, helps ground the design by stating more firmly that this is where it all rests, and brings balance to the visual mass of the case above.
Hey Ed, thank you for sharing your process.
I like the new proportions, the rhythm is more funky, less stiff. As in music, it adds tension, draws the eye and with that makes it interesting.
As an idea: I own an old chest of drawers with three graduated drawers - as is common - but the bottom and middle drawers were switched so it goes small-large-medium from top to bottom. I found this an appealing solution to adding visual interest. (I’ve been wanting to copy that design-aspect for years, unfortunately I don’t build furniture and spend my days trying to convince others to try it, wink)
Cheers, Nik
Sorry I missed round one. I must have been on that peasant guy’s blog or watching reels on instagram. Make sure the base and cabinet look like they belong to each other. It’s does in version 1 but version 2 might be wavering. Three drawer instead of four? I like odd numbers, 3 drawers, 5 slats, seven spindles.. etc, etc,. maybe do a 3d mock up with cardboard box and dowels. I like the piece. Taking Windsor chair techniques into the realm of case goods is a good endeavor.
Somehow I missed the first part, not sure how that happened. You could add a few more groups of criticizers with some more time but I’m sure you wanted to get your thoughts out there. So I’ll attempt to add one for you. The Teacher; this guy “wouldn’t have done it that way”. He would say something like “ I understand why you drew it like that but that’s really not how it should be done”. If you’ve actually already made the piece he would be running his hands all over your finish looking for rough spots. Having failed in finding anything he would proceed to feel underneath and then say “ I like to finish the unseen parts just like the visible surfaces”. ( This is my brother, yes he was a high school shop teacher)
I can’t get much of a feel as to how a piece might look by looking at a concept on paper. Its just how my limited brain works. I can get a better idea from a mock-up model where I can look at it from different angles. As to how other people feel about something I’ve made or designed I don’t ask them ......ever. If they like it fine if they don’t well I probably didn’t make it for them anyway. I’m my own worst critic if I don’t like something I’ve made into the scrap pile it goes.
I’m not the only one to have problems visualizing how something will turn out by looking at a drawing. I made a glass display case for a stain glass model for a client.
I sent him drawings and my thoughts and all he did was look blankly at me and say I don’t have any idea what your talking about. He was thrilled with the end result, so we’re the people in charge of the museum. His family actually paid me more than I was asking and that’s good enough for me.
I love it. How will you make the plinth? I am doing a similar feature on an armoire but haven't decided how to build or attach it.
Don’t forget about the group that I like to called “The Buttholes”. They’re just trolls, but they like to make comments just to mess with you.
A crucial conversation you started with this Ed, thank you.
I found it helped to make me more aware of the limitations of my own instincts and it deepens perspective on the choices we face in designing., especially in the critical analysis of the comments you received.
And with that increased consciousness, I now prefer version 1 over version 2:
• splay of legs is dynamic and elegant, more so than v2.
• battens are a nice counterpoint to the lightness of the legs, and in a functional sense more likely to withstand stresses over time.
• sides of the case being thicker means they might better resist unforseen forces (animals –including humans, joint failure, etc.), and slight increase in thickness doesn't compromise the elegant design.
• but the lower stretcher in v2, helps ground the design by stating more firmly that this is where it all rests, and brings balance to the visual mass of the case above.
Merci beaucoup!
I dig it! I don’t think you need to change anything more on it.