Woodworker: Len Dougherty

As a life-long drawer and painter, Len Dougherty has no trouble capturing life-like images in the marquetry on his furniture. “I think an art background really helps with this kind of work,” he said. Dougherty often uses props, like a silk flower in this case, in bringing the flat wood pieces to life. The delicate tendrils also show his cutting prowess using a unique treadle-powered scroll saw. The manual operation helps him slow down the cuts for greater control. The flower also pops out of the background thanks to a full-length shadow of broiler-darkened wood.

Photo: Len Dougherty