Arthur F. Willey
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Arthur crafts modern studio furniture which has a strong Shaker component towards simplicity, with functional utility and beauty as the goal. A North Carolina resident since 1997. he prefers sustainable native hardwoods, purchased locally from sawyers and distributors. A member of the Furniture Society and the Southern Highland Craft Guild, he has exhibited work at the Folk Art Center, Grovewood in Asheville, Arrowcraft in Gatlinburg, the Design Gallery in Burnsville, Wickwire in Hendersonville, and Hand in Hand gallery in Flat Rock. A large part of his work is commissioned by the customer, unique to that individual.
I began my adventure in woodworking in Rockford, Illinois, studying under the direction of master craftsman Don Lippincot for four semesters in 1983 and 1984. Further coursework at Arrowmont in Gatlinburg, Tenn., Penland in North Carolina and Marc Adams in Indiana was completed following a relocation in 1985. A member of the Furniture Society and the Southern Highland Craft Guild, I have exhibited work in galleries in Tennessee and North Carolina.
My goal as a builder of fine furniture is to master the skills used by furniture makers from the 1700 era, and to develop a sensibility and awareness of scale which speaks to a person viewing this work.
As I progress towards the goal articulated above, I will use the best of finishing materials available today, which haven’t really changed much in three hundred years. Finally, the grain, figure and colors in a piece of beautiful hardwood must speak in a loud and clear voice.
The images shown here are only a guide, a selection of pieces already made for existing clients. Altering the dimensions shown here and choosing different woods is always possible. This allows me to have flexibility in design and construction, and allows you to own a piece that is uniquely yours.