Masters of the Craft: Dean Pulver – Sculpted Furniture
With his sculpted furniture, Dean Pulver combines the efficiency of machine work with the satisfaction of handwork
Originally posted December 3, 2014 – Updated May 4, 2018
Trained in sculpture at Philadelphia’s University of the Arts, Dean Pulver found his way into furniture soon after college, working for three years in a 25-man shop in Massachusetts that produced Shaker-style pieces. He continued making sculpture as well, but soon began applying sculptural techniques to his furniture.
For the past two decades, Pulver and his wife, ceramic artist Abby Salsbury, have been living and working in New Mexico, where they built their own house (from tires and rammed earth) and a building for their studios (from adobe bricks).
Pulver sells his sculptural furniture through online retailers like Artful Home, as well as taking private commissions for furniture, built-ins, and cabinetry.
In this audio slideshow, Pulver describes the path of his career and some of the influences on his work.
For more information on Pulver’s work, visit his website.
More on FineWoodworking.com:
- Designer’s Notebook: Better Built-ins by Dean Pulver #260–Mar/Apr 2017 Issue
- Putting the Primal into Production: Dean Pulver #245–Jan/Feb 2015 Issue
- Expressive But Efficient: Dean Pulver’s Tables #245–Jan/Feb 2015 Issue
Comments
Stunningly beautiful. Wow!
I love the strong connection from environment to sculpture and furniture. Your pieces are stripped down to their essentials, but still very warm and welcoming. Beautiful and inspiring!
I shared workshop space with Dean in the fellowship program at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship a few years ago. He's one of those people who can raise the quality of work in those around him, not only through his advice, but by the execution of his own projects. It was so interesting to see his creative process in motion. I remember him getting "stuck" while designing one piece; but after taking a walk in the surrounding hills, he came back with new inspiration. The piece was nearly finished the next day. His work definitely challenges others to think about the level of creativity in their designs. Well deserved article Dean!
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