STL357: Rob Spiece’s Show and Tell

Designed collaboratively with former Berea College student and internationally acclaimed craftsperson Brian Boggs, these tables are constructed of air-dried walnut using a mix of modern and contemporary techniques.

This dovetailed cabinet on stand is made of figured Pennsylvania cherry. Since having moved from Pennsylvania to Berea, Kentucky, Rob has admired the hand work of my fellow Appalachian artists. This appreciation led Rob to carve the door panels. Laid out in a book match, the overlapping circles may hypnotize you if you’re not careful. The panels were hand shaped with carving gouges, and the painted finish highlights the tool marks of a burgeoning woodcarver. The interior is fitted with four drawers and lined with wool. A catch-all bowl nests in the upper shelf.

This wall of brooms (as well as Walnut Wall, right) was carefully designed as a collaborative project with contributions from every student in the broom studio.  This showcase of student skill and creativity celebrates this year’s efforts to more completely understand the chemistry involved in using immersion dye with sorghum to create consistent and repeatable colorways.  Each broom contained within this installation reflects the unique personalities and desires of the individual students who created them.