After making strictly functional pieces for many years, I decided to build some more imaginative furniture.  This is the first in a series of projects that I am making that is designed to reflect the tranquil feeling of a small pond in the woods. 

 

I sketched a number of leg configurations until I found one that I liked.  Then I cut the blanks to approximate shape on the bandsaw and used a spokeshave, rasps, files and finally sandpaper to fair the curves and get the legs to the final shape. I found the species of water lily that looked like the one in my mind and cut the lily pads to shape on the bandsaw and used carving tools to remove most of the waste on the undersides and to shape them into flowing lines.  The idea was to have the lily pads at the same height, as you would see them floating on the surface of a pond, and to give the impression of thinness while maintaining enough structural strength where they are joined to the legs.

 

I had never carved a flower in the round before. I did some research to find out how the leaves of this species of water lily flower are arranged and then drew the design freehand on the top of a piece of 8/4 black walnut.  The flower took quite a while to carve because I had to feel my way along as I worked my way through it and refined the shape. I spent about 120 hours on the table.  The lily pads and legs are solid cherry and the flower is black walnut.  The piece is finished with oil and varnish

 

Jim Reedy

Launch Gallery