Richard the
Boxmaker
“Maker of fine
traditional oval shaker boxes, trays and carrier”
“The most distinctive of the Shaker
handicrafts are the oval wooden boxes used to hold all manner of
objects and substances. They came in a wide range of sizes and were
made so that they could “nest” in each other for storage. They were
made of thin sheets of wood – usually maple for the sides, and pine
for the top and bottom. Aside from their simple elegance, these
boxes are distinguished by the “finger” or “swallowtail” joint by
which the band of wood was attached by copper rivets to the side;
this allowed the wood to shrink or swell with changes in the
temperature and humidity. In their combination of form and
function, of tradition and innovation, of technology and artistry,
of simplicity and sophistication, and above all of unself-consciousness
and deliberation, these boxes truly embody Shaker style.”
Simplicity in design, form and
function with an emphasis on excellence was the hallmark of the
Shaker innovations. Many of the inventions used in modern society
are a credit to the Shaker creativity and ingenuity.
The functionality and usefulness of
the Shaker designs has given me the inspiration to practice this
traditional craft while integrating minor interpretations of my own.
Richard |
