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Furniture Maker's Shop Destroyed by Fire

Stephen Scott, associate editor

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The early-morning fire that destroyed Mark Levin's shop also claimed more than a dozen furniture pieces.

Courtesy of Mark S. Levin

Perhaps Levin's most recognizable work is his series of "leaf" tables like this one, the Marilyn Monroe.

Courtesy of Mark S. Levin

Among the equipment destroyed in the fire was this 36-in. bandsaw, one of four bandsaws which Levin used to rough out the glued up, solid stock blanks for furniture parts.

Courtesy of Mark S. Levin

The early-morning fire that destroyed Mark Levin's shop also claimed more than a dozen furniture pieces.

Photo: Courtesy of Mark S. Levin

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Mark Levin, a studio furniture maker well known for his sculptural leaf-edge tables and other naturalistic forms, has been forced to stop working temporarily after a fire destroyed his shop.

The blaze on Jan. 30 burned the shop to the ground and destroyed nine finished pieces and six others on which Levin was working, he said. The works in progress included one of his signature “leaf” tables - demilune tables with slender, curved legs and sculpted, leaf-edge tops.

Levin built the 2,500 square foot shop behind his home east of Santa Fe shortly after moving to New Mexico in the late 1990s. The building’s contents represented three decades as a studio furniture maker, during which he has developed a machine-intensive process for making studio furniture with sculptural elements. 

As to how the early morning blaze might have started, Levin said he had no idea. He said he closed up the shop about 3:30 p.m. the previous day, and that he had not been doing any finishing or other work that might create a fire hazard. He said he was out for an early walk with his dog when he noticed smoke pouring from under the shop door. He called firefighters after making a "foolish" attempt to enter the building and being overwhelmed by the smoke, he said.

Insurance adjusters are still poking at the ashes, but Levin anticipates the shop and its contents will be a total loss. Among the equipment he'll be looking to replace is an industrial hoist, a 36-in. bandsaw, three tablesaws and an aresenal of power grinders and sanders.

Levin said he may rent shop space so he can resume work in the months it will take to rebuild. In the meantime, he’s had to bow out of several upcoming shows, including the Palm Beach Fine Crafts Show. 

His shop’s destruction is the second major setback for Levin in recent years. In 2006, health reasons forced him to stop working temporarily, a hiatus that lasted nearly 18 months. He said he is not discouraged, and that he hopes to be back at work in a rebuilt shop before the year is out. “I’m not down, I’m not distraught,” he said. “I look at it as another chance to do things better.”

- Steve Scott 

EDITOR'S NOTE: Are you concerned about fire prevention in your shop? Read our article Fire Safety in the Shop, from issue #174 of Fine Woodworking magazine, for tips and checklists on how to be prepared.

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Comments (22)

MarkLevin writes: Update:

Re: cause of fire-The Hartford investigators could not make a determination.

The insurance companies have come through. I was expecting a major battle with them and initally prepared to take a very tough stance.

Within about four-five days of the fire I had put together a team of two lawyers and the owner of an accounting firm. We've known each other for 30 years and they're collectors of my work. I couldn't afford one of them, they're doing this pro-bono.

Got written permission from them to use their firm names in the CC of the emails to The Hartford. I wanted to send a soft signal and it seemed to work. We've already been paid 100% of the maximuim per my business policy for the studio and they've also paid me a good hunk for machinery and content, barely five weeks from the date of the fire. The Hartford is now waiting on me to get all the receipts for the balance of the content payment. They've come through and fast. The agent they signed to my case has been absolutely professional and has always responded within about 24 hours to any email from me, even Saturdays and Sundays.

Progressive Insurance also has been very good. I lost my new truck in the fire-I loved that truck. They arranged inspection and removal within seven business days and have been pretty fair about what it's worth and payment.

On the negative side, I know the insurance premiums will probably double or more for both the business and auto.

I was just catching up with my backlog from my medical hiatus and now the fire. Not one person has canceled a commssion, two ordered one more piece that they proably didn't need to help me out. Some of them will have waited nearly two years+ for their work. Before all this I use to be able to say I had better than a 95% success rate in meeting my shipping dates-that statistic went out the window some time ago.

So a positive story about rebuilding,the future,insurance companies and the kindness of friends, business assocciates, non-profit organizations plus numerous well wishes from strangers. A special thanks to a number of persons from the ArtfulHome.com.

Good luck to all and again thank you for the emails.

Mark Levin

Posted: 10:08 pm on March 4th

towjoe writes: Sorry to hear about your shop. Hope you can rebuild soon and replace lost equipment.
Posted: 10:18 am on March 1st

JohnZappulla writes: Unlike Bruce from NY, I believe this was a tragic event.This was not just another shop, another collection of power and hand tools that was destroyed. The 9 finished pieces plus 6 pieces in progress that were destroyed represent decades of design in extraordinary wood work. It is a shame that my kids kids will not have the chance to see these pieces in a museum.
Posted: 8:27 pm on February 25th

Wood Rat writes: Mark,
I'm so sorry to see what happened to your favorite place to be(shop). I hope that you can get back into your woodworking soon!
My wife and I live in Illinois. Two years ago we visited your neck of the woods. We spent a few nights in Santa Fe. We took a side trip to a road east of town that was recommended to us for scenery. It took about 20-30 minutes to get there. It runs north & south (mostly north of the expressway). It followed a small river. We saw some beautiful homes/cabins and lots. It was about 30 miles long. Do you live near there?
Just wondering.

Terry Kimes
-----------------------------------------------------------
Posted: 8:21 pm on February 25th

bowmkr writes: Mark,

I have been fascinated with your work from the very first time I saw it. I don't know you personally unfortunatelly, but the very passion in each piece you create is so evident. Anyone reading your comments to Steve Scott would be enchanted at your spirit and it is obvious that you will spring back like a switch of Juniper !! Perhaps FWW can provide us with some pics as you go along in your new journey! God bless

Kevin
AZ
Posted: 7:08 pm on February 25th

potatohead writes: So sorry to hear of the loss of your shop. Man, that must be disheartening. My little shop took a long time to get it where I'm the most productive but if I lost it all, I'd be crushed. Of course, on the other hand, you could design and even better one! Good luck.
Posted: 5:41 pm on February 25th

sdash writes: Very sorry to hear of your loss. I have taught at the jr. high, sr high and university level since the early 1970's and twice experienced fire in one of my shops. Both were related to a spark or heat generated from use of a table saw. In both cases a dust collection system was involved and the fire was not discovered for an extended period (4 - 12 hours) after the shop was shut down. Good smoke detection that reported to a central monitor point kept damage to a localized area and minimized damage. With today's technology (not residential style detectors) it is possible to install a system that would report to your house or even to the local FD. As a suggestion, when you rebuild. consider ICF with rated plywood sheeting on the walls. Based on my experience the well-insulated concrete structure makes a great shop.
Posted: 10:35 am on February 25th

densa44 writes: Hi Friends;

It is a terrible loss that is for sure. When you rebuild, I recommend a "house type" sprinkler system. I live in the country outside of Calgary Alberta and our fire experts recommend one of these fairly cheap small systems that will put out the fire before the fire trucks arrive. It uses a small pressurized tank in the building to provide the water.
We all feel your loss you have my sympathy.
Posted: 10:07 am on February 25th

SusanCarver writes: Insurance will help, but could probably not return your shop to "normal" if you have as many self-designed solutions as I have in my little shop; but what cannot ever be replaced is the trove of unique art objects that came from wood with own "personal" character. Of course all the stuff we make and have is "temporary" in that it all will go away someday, but to have work in progress suddenly go *pouf* in front of your own eyes-- that's a grief that must be very heavy for you. Be of good heart. Your spirit is not lost and your work in the future will be a tribute to lost works.
Susan
Posted: 9:51 am on February 25th

gsapollo455 writes: Mr. Levin,
Insulate your next building with cellulose insulation both in the attic AND in the walls. In the event of a fire the spread of flame will be greatly reduced allowing more time to get the fire under control and more time to remove valuables and keepsakes. Cellulose insulation does not burn. Anytime you see a structure that is burnt down to the ground you will find that, if insulated, it utilized some type of fiberglass which doesn't burn but has a very low melting point and can do nothing to prevent flamespread. Note: Cellulose is not toxic under fire as compared to most foam and f/g types.
Also, cellulose will reduce the # of "air turns" (outside/inside aire replacement). The inside temp change due to the ongoing air turns is what activates the thermostat turning on HVAC equipment consuming energy. Also cellulose does a much better job of managing the moisture in the air reducing the corrosion that is often found on metal tools and equipment. All of this I have experienced 1st hand.
Steve in IN 800-848-9687 x 216


Posted: 9:45 am on February 25th

rhclapper63 writes: Mark
I feel for you and your loss. Prayfuuly, it is not really a loss, and you has insurance. i had a fire myself, and everything was distroyed including eveything in my ome. (fire place)Fire surpressent equipment is a "MUST" in any shop and home.
I am a huge fan of safety equipment, better know as PPE.
I see all to aften crafters NOT using eye protection, breathing apparatises, ect,,,. this is no exception. i see a picture of Mark using one of his band saws, with NO safety glasses or shield. This is not an isolated incident I am sure.
It is imparitive that we show our next generation of crafters that saefty has to be number one rule. No glasses,, no power for any tools,,, i have both of my eyes, and all of my fingers,, of course I ask for Gods protection when I walk through the shop door too,, but I have my safety stuff sitting on my bench, waiting for my next project.
Work safe, and live to enjoy another day with family.
Posted: 9:07 am on February 25th

speaker writes: While there isn't very much to be said concerning the fire damage since it primarily speaks for itself. I do believe that as long as there are Trees there will be carpenters! God speed Man!!! We pray for your recovery to be complete.
Posted: 8:29 am on February 25th

Simplywood writes: My heart goes out to you. Yes you can start again, yes you can find ways to do it better ... however as I was reading the story I was thinking "how I would feel if it happened to me" and I just had that sinking feeling. The one thing they can't take away from you is your spirit and creativity. You have clearly and abundance of both. Good luck
Nick
Posted: 4:25 am on February 25th

weiserbNYC writes: I think Fine woodworking's heading of Tragic may be over the top. I do feel sorry for the loss of your shop and efforts.

I commend you for your positive attitude. "“I’m not down, I’m not distraught,” he said. “I look at it as another chance to do things better.” That is the way all setbacks need to be viewed.

Best Regards,
Bruce NYC
Posted: 3:57 am on February 25th

vitools writes: Mark, News of your misfortune sent a chill thru my portly body since fire in the shop is what I fear the most in my garage refuge named "Paradise". I really do enjoy my shop and furniture repair place. sorry to hear of your loss and hope that you can rebuild a better place with more advanced equipment; the more we work with our stuff the more we see stuff we would like to replace or upgrade to, this your chance, good luck. A Wood worker in Vienna, Va.
Posted: 3:12 pm on February 24th

MarkLevin writes: I appreciate all your supportive and kind comments. Many poeple have asked how they can help. I'd ask that you consider making a donation to the Crafts Emergency Relief Fund http://craftemergency.org/. Ten or twenty dollars would help them out. They are still working with artists who went through hurricane Katrina.

I'm quite impressed with CERF. I don't know how they found out, but they contacted me within about 48 hours of the fire making me aware of their grants and loans which at this time I hopefully won't need. The director of CERF is Craig Nutt and is also a founding member of the Furniture Society, http://www.craignutt.com/. I love his work and humor. It's obvious that he has a thing about vegetables as I do about fruit. He likes to garden and I like to eat fruit.

Again, thank you all

Mark Levin
www.marklevin.com
Posted: 3:44 pm on February 20th

Taigert writes: At least no one was hurt in the fire. Machines and material can be replaced. Thank God you had insurance!
Atitude is what gets you through the rough times in life. i wish you luck getting back up and running.
Your work has been a inspiration to me.
Posted: 3:14 am on February 17th

TonySic writes: My condolences. I can't imagine losing my little garage workbench and the three or four tools I have, let alone an entire studio.

The big picture - you and your family are safe. Your positive attitude sets an example to all of us. Good luck and God speed.
Posted: 12:46 am on February 17th

gilmartini writes: Mark,
Your positive attitude seems to be one of the gifts that comes with talent of your scope. It makes sense that your spirit is not limited to your ability to create beautiful work. When I had the chance to meet Sam Maloof, I was struck by his humility and friendliness. People like you and Sam remind me that woodworking is but a part of who we are, and often an extension of our spirit.
I get upset if I have to stop to tune up a machine. Thank you for reminding me that often the only thing I really have control over is my attitude!
Posted: 4:40 pm on February 16th

kmack writes: I have been fascinated with your work from the very first time I saw it. In the years that I have been builing furniture I have been looking for a style of my own, often thinking that (Its all been done before.) Work like yours gives me inspiration that creativity is still alive and well.
I hope all works out for you and I look forward to seeing your NEW work in the near future.GOD BLESS.
Posted: 5:00 pm on February 15th

northhouguy writes: I would be very interested in the cause of this fire. Please post the details if you can.
Posted: 5:33 am on February 14th

agewon writes: God, aside from losing a loved one or your house, this probably has to be the worst thing to happen to an artist. Good luck and keep interest.
Posted: 8:14 pm on February 13th

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