There comes a time when
“Old World Faux Techniques”
are simply the only way to go when it comes to
Hand-Made Furniture in Naples Fl.
To me, there is nothing like a true craftsman that can design, build, and finish a custom hand made furniture piece such as this! I had the honor of meeting Frank and Danny who has been in the finishing business for over 40 years and just from the direction from
Interior Designer Anne Cooper of
Anne Cooper Interiors
did Frank custom finished these two pieces of furniture that were designed and built by master craftsman
Danny of Perfection Woodwork
located in Naples Fl 239 641 0003
for this
“Lady’s Desk”
Now I am taking a chance here by posting this because it is a “one of a kind” hand made furniture design but I am willing to take that chance because of Frank’s and Danny’s extraordinary talent of being able to match any color and create a design simply by sight as you can see from Interior Designer Anne Cooper’s “storyboard” as I call it.
I have worked with several Interior Designers in the past and when you find that jewel of a designer who totally trusts a craftsman’s artistic ability, it is a wonderful experience not only for the artist but for the designer and all who are involved in creating handmade furniture.
Yes, there was a matching coffee table that went along with this set.
You see Frank and I met some time ago through all the networking that I do with “genuine” like-minded individuals who believe that the more you give the more you get back and he was actually involved in the custom mirror design that I posted about some time ago which
the frame turned out absolutely fabulous.
As many of you know I have been in the business of finishing for over 30 years myself and have completed 100’s if not 1000’s of cabinets, hand made furniture, and everything in between, but after so many years of dealing with the lacquers, oils, urethanes, varnishes, faux finishing, there comes a time when your body tells you “Enough already!” and I had to finally pull myself away from the spray booth. This is something that is very hard for me to do but according to a doctor’s advice and the fact that the VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) was making my “liver quiver” that I had to resort to hand finish all my cabinet refinishing jobs. This in itself tripled my labor and tied my schedule up to where I couldn’t keep up with the demand from my client base. In order to do these kinds of projects, my pricing was so high that it wasn’t much less, or even higher than if the client were to just replace the cabinets with new ones. Most clients thought I was actually trying to price myself out of work, which was absurd of course, in fact, I was just being honest with them when I would suggest they entertain the thought of replacing a piece for at least a day or two before making their decision of hiring me to hand finish everything.
My clients are very important to me and I have been raised to believe that a person’s integrity is worth far more than any dollar amount. Some call me a fool because I don’t charge clients more, just because I can get it, but I just didn’t feel comfortable with the prices that I had to charge and knew I had to come up with a solution, so for quite a few years, I have been looking for a craftsman who had the same standards and ability as I to take over my hand made furniture and cabinetwork and was blessed when I met Danny and Frank.
Like I said the “old world faux techniques” are second to none as well as the experience of a master finisher.
I have even gone the route of training the right person but this is something that takes years to accomplish and most of today’s young adults will rarely stick with a trade such as this, so again I am back to believing that what we do as artisans truly is a dying art. You must remember that the many years that it takes to become a master of the trade, the art, the craft, whatever the art critics call us these days, it is, in reality, an art form and should be recognized as such.
The knowledge of a master craftsman can not be taught with books because the “secrets” that usually dies with the master craftsman are things that can only be taught as they happen, and it is at that moment of observation that the student learns from the master at that instance. Being able to recognize the cause of a reaction that has happened 100’s if not 1000’s of years ago was not written but only observed so the passing of experience from generation to generation has become known as the “secrets” of the masters.
Art critics of today do not classify decorative artists as artists at all, in fact, they categorize us as “crafters” or “tradesmen” and we are basically classified at a lower level of the arts. Does this mean that artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo were mere high level “crafters?”, I think not and I for one am trying to change that by informing others about these jewels that are still working their magic such as Danny and Frank.
In closing of this post, I would like to say that I have finally found two masters of hand made furniture who I can now refer my future cabinet and furniture work to with the confidence of knowing that my clients and referrals will be in good hands with the quality and ability to take on any size project.
10 thoughts on “Hand Made Furniture”
Hi Art,
Since we are all working so hard to “network” what is wrong
with using the designer’s name—-the originator of the idea,
the piece, what was needed, what was to be built, the color etc.—if the originator of the piece is mentioned–and more work comes in–everyone gets work!!! Huff moving and storage
quoted a designer in their big ad in Home and Design–I thought it was a lovely thing to do. And you are so good at that! Just a thought! Fondly, Anne
Yes Anne,
I totally agree and it was purely an oversight on my part. I have many posts that I try to keep updated and can’t remember all of them. I have updated the information and have included the contact information as well. As you know I try very hard to help others as much as I can but sometimes I do have to have the obvious pointed out to me. Thanks for contacting me and letting me know. Your truly a gem and I am fortunate to have you here.
These furniture pieces are truly beautiful. Its very rare that in these times, a person can see quality hand made anything. I am so inspired by the possibilities. Much success to you both.
Cheri Stripling
I agree Cheri
If you could only talk with this man you would discover right away that he is a rare breed and I am going to help him anyway I can just as I would anyone. Some think I am crazy to do the things that I do and believe me I have been taken advantage of because of it, but that does not change how I feel towards the human race and the compassion I have for it…..I believe there is hope for everyone
You are not only a great artist but a wise man 🙂 I so agree with you – when you go all out for a client, it pays off in the long run… and I am fussy with referrals as well. I really like finding GREAT people that I can refer, because it makes me feel good letting someone else in on the ‘find’ – I won’t refer someone unless its someone I’d use.
Lovely finishes!
Not so sure about the great artist and wise man label lol. but I do speak from the heart and I do speak a lot through my work and my writing. I have been called “just a guy behind a computer” by a few who really don’t know and understand me. Artists have a hard time expressing themselves openly and publicly and since I am fortunate enough to have a passion for writing as well as painting I can do both
Nice post Art. Love the attitude of working together with other artists to do what is best for both you and the client!
Dana Tucker
Hi Dana,
Yes the client is first and foremost and I try to do all I can. My knowledge and experience is vast but we cannot do everything no matter how hard we try. Sharing with others is a trust that should be treated with respect and in today’s world it is a tough thing to find. I am a very particular person when it comes to referrals weather it be a friend , client, or business, thanks for stopping by….