I know… it’s been a minute since I last wrote a blog post. I needed to take some much needed time off and disconnect from life. Lots of baths, biking, and catching up on sleep. But… I’m back and want to try get into a regular cadence. After all, WWDC just happened, so I’ve got some thoughts that are still marinating in my brain.
However, this past weekend I finally had an opportunity to go visit the George Nakashima Woodworking Studios north of Philadelphia. Having lived in the city for almost a decade now, it was nice to be surrounded by that much greenery and trees. The campus is beautiful. There is clearly a high degree of intentionality that George Nakashima put in to designing the space, and the team there continues to put the same level of care. Unfortunately we weren’t allowed to photograph any of the work inside, only the campus the outside of the buildings.
What stood out the most to me was the technical skill and refinement in craft. You walk into the conoid studio, and not a creak from the wooden floors that you’re standing on. The refinement taken into preserving the characteristics of the wood, the knots, the bowties, the burl… it was beautiful. Taking something that’s imperfect and turning it into something with character and personality…
I think what frustrated me the most with some of the pieces was how the wood was hidden by upholstery. There were some lounge chairs and couches where you as the person sitting in the furniture were unable to see or interact with any of the wood. And personally, this feels like a deep disservice to the craft of the team making the furniture. After all, they’re a wood working studio! As a result, some of the tables and chairs without cushions were some of my favorite pieces to observe.
Regardless, it was one of the nicest day trips I’ve taken in a long time. I hope to return and take a guided tour where I can hear more stories and see more buildings. I hope you enjoy some of the photos I took while there.
