Introducing the Guardian Series

The “Guardian” series re-visits a format I first started in the late 1960’s, and embodies design characteristics that have been intrinsic to my work ever since. My translucent wood vessels, for example, had a twofold goal: (1) expose the natural beauty concealed beneath the surface of each log, (2) create a format – a silhouette – that interacts with the wood to emphasize and highlight that hidden beauty, but one that also is pleasing and provocative in its own right.

My personal emphasis when I think of plywood is on the wood rather than the ply. Yes, machinery has been used to cut and stack the wood, but for me that only heightens the intrigue residing in each layer beneath the outermost surface. It also offers the challenge of transition from uniform striated edge to entrancing wavy-grain surfaces. Speak of complexity and tension!

The Guardian profile, to me, would be commanding in any medium. I sought to embody authoritative towering stature with flowing, benign grace. Powerful to be sure, but also benevolent and protective. I’ve chosen elliptical rather than circular cross-sectional symmetry, feeling that this conveys grace and “delicacy” to the almost overwhelming presence. Same reasons for the slender foot and diminutive throat-and-bell.

There are already two companion forms in the Guardian series, with a number of variations in mind. After thirty years of fingernail-thin translucent vessels it is exhilarating to work on forms where I do not have to hold my breath.