I am inspired by the complexity of traditional Japanese architectural joinery, the simplicity of Shaker ideals, the spirit of Arts and Crafts workmanship, the flowering of Art Nouveau expression, the surge of American Studio craft, and more and more by the sublimity of Mother Nature.

From rudimentary scribbles I generate rough, small scale sketches to gain a better understanding of overall proportions.  As I work through increasingly-scaled hand-drawn renditions on my drafting table, I model three dimensional mock-ups to examine design options and determine construction details.  Completion of a full-size drawing allows me to move into the workshop to start laying out lumber.

Hand-cut joinery and hand-shaped details animate my designs.  Everything I make is singular and unique.

I imagine nuanced designs which continue to reveal themselves even as users become more and more familiar with the furniture.

thomasdorseyfurniture@gmail.com

617-489-9663