The solid carved head of the sculpture retains a visual weight that belies its Walnut construction. With its subtle curving corners, the elegance of the head seems almost at odds with the force required for the tasks for which this tool was designed. The significant bulk of iron handle, sand-cast from the wood original by Michael and his sister, brings to mind the grasp of hands along its length to find that balance at which the shoulder pivots to its task.
Interested in the interaction of natural and manmade worlds, Michael Moran, a woodworker and tree lover, and his partner Celia Gibson create pieces that are both elegant and honest, paying homage to the unique characteristics of the wood itself. The domestic hardwood trees used for Moran Woodworked’s custom, limited-edition furniture — as well as for Michael’s sculpture — each have their own story to tell, with each knot, curve, and bark inclusion honored as part of that story. Such care and reverence for materials encourage viewers to reconsider the ways in which they interact with, and often take for granted, the natural world.
Michael and Celia have been designing and building modern, yet traditionally crafted furniture since 2004 in their workshop and home in New York’s Hudson Valley.
- Walnut and Iron
- 13” by 32”
- 2011.
- Edition 1 of 2
