Took A Hit

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Susie Rieple

Susie Rieple

Susie Rieple

Susie Rieple

Photo: Susie Rieple

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The initial idea for this piece was that it be very weird and contemporary.  And though it had purpose and function as a dresser, it had no meaning or heart. After a couple years of mental and sketchpad gymnastics, in the end, it was a tragedy in the life of an old friend that shaped this piece and provided it’s meaning and heart. I believe our character is shaped most by the “hits” we endure throughout our lives, and in spite of the tragedies, we must continue to function.  Hence,  “Took a Hit” was both born and borne.  As the photos show the sides are curved.  The drawer side are as well, both concave and convex.  The hands cut dovetails were a challenge.  The pine ball aka “The Hit” was turned from an old pitchy ponderosa stump found in our forest.  It was so full of pitch I cooked it in a smoker for several hours to cook out some of the pitch.  I was afraid if I didn’t it would drip out on it’s own at room temperature.  As for the wood, the more structural pieces were made of ordinary black walnut while the rest was fashioned from Claro and English walnut from the same tree.  In northern California, English walnut trees were grafted onto claro and planted into orchards so as to produce the more marketable nut we cook with.  When the tree reaches maturity and dies the resulting wood in a combination of both claro and English walnut.  Both are beautiful but very different.  Unfortunately the photos here do not show the back of this piece, which shows the graft line and the largest panel of English walnut

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Comments (6)

Traditional_Woodworker writes: Great Piece! It screams feeling and emotion to the point where no explanation of inspiration is necessary!

Posted: 7:32 am on April 6th

goodguy writes: Splendid original design, well executed and clever photos too. You obviously had some time to consider the meaning of the work as you created it. Even without the philosophical explanation, this piece exhibits "feeling." The title could have other inferences, given the psychedelic curvilinear design, but your words ring true. The impacting-object making ripples on the surface, combined with stressed yet stable form and the mirror, gives the viewer a sense of immediate self-awareness. But it is not a "show-off" riff. It speaks but does not shout. The technical challenges are subordinate to the artistic intent. This piece is fine craft, high art and poetry, all in one. Kudos!
Posted: 1:24 am on April 5th

Mahoganaholic writes: Ooof! Nice piece. I like the waves in the top.
Posted: 4:33 pm on April 2nd

tskinner writes: Interesting design, really beatiful wood and outstanding workmanship.

May I ask what type of finish you applied?

Thanks


Posted: 10:15 pm on March 31st

woodguydan writes: All I can think of is WOW! love the back ground in the mirror
Posted: 4:52 pm on March 31st

baudi writes: Wow. That's really spectacular. Is the top parallel to the floor? How about the drawer bottoms?

What are the bluish cylinders in the third picture?

Really interesting piece.

Posted: 3:22 pm on March 31st

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