Woodworker: Mollie Ferguson

Ferguson calls this chair “dulcius ex asperis” (sweetness after difficulties). She says the project (37-in. deep by 25-in. wide by 39-1/2-in. tall), with its leather upholstery, hand-cut bevels, and bent-laminated seat back and legs, gave her a chance to try joinery that was not 90°, complex curves, and shaping wood with hand tools. The finish is Epifanes varnish. “I have never worked so hard and felt so rewarded in my efforts as I have for the past two years at CR. It is an experience that has changed me completely and am forever indebted to the woodworkers I got to call my teachers and the lessons they taught me.” Photo credit: David Welter