HANDS DOWN CALECHEE BOUND
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THE PHILOSOPHY OF SIMPLE THINGS...
The pleasure of minimal aesthetics and expert craftsmanship are the foundations of Philomath Woodworks.
Robert Stephen Morrissey combines centuries-old traditional Japanese woodworking techniques with his well-known expertise in mid-century Modern, Shaker and Craftsman furniture to offer this new line of unique, lovingly-handmade and naturally-finished wood designs for your home. Drawing on his study with the famed Japanese woodworker, Toshio Odate, Robert imbues the philosophy of simplicity and the beauty of tradition into his pieces. The result of each is a one-of-a-kind, simple, clean and honest sculptural furniture work of art and function.
History...
Philomath Woodworks was founded in 2020 as an artistic blending of Robert Morrissey's life-long passions: woodworking and sculpture. Named after lyrics in a favorite R.E.M. song, Philomath equals a destination of inspiration and a small town in rural Georgia. A philomath is also defined as a lover of learning.
In addition, Robert designed and made furniture under the name Head, Heart, and Hand from 1988 to 2018 (an abridged portfolio is available to view on this site under art/archive).. During that time the business became highly regarded as a benchmark of quality handmade furniture.
In 2020 Robert realized it was time for a creative change and the idea for Philomath Woodworks was born.
Sculpture and Furniture...
The seed of combining disciplines was originally-planted in Robert at Purchase College where renowned traditional Japanese woodworker and tool master, Toshio Odate was teaching while Robert was working towards his B.F.A. in sculpture. At that time, the sculpture and furniture programs shared the same woodshop and this fortunate coincidence allowed Robert to pursue both disciplines with equal vigor and spend the next few years exploring their symmetry.
After graduating from Purchase College, Robert signed to be represented by The Bill Bace Gallery in New York City. Robert spent the next ten years showing his sculpture and drawings in solo- and group-exhibitions around New York and Canada.
Reviews and Collections...
Robert's work has been featured and reviewed in many periodicals, including ARTnews and ART IN AMERICA.
Robert's work is also in many prestigious collections including those of Allen Ginsberg, Edward Albee, The
Richard Brown Baker Collection of Post War Art, The David Anderson/Martha Jackson Collection
and the permanent collection of Yale University Art Gallery.
Thoughts...
As I enter my third decade of woodworking, I'm grateful that everyday presents the opportunity to build objects of quality and beauty, all with the utmost attention to detail and craftsmanship. I firmly believe in the integrity of both the maker and the client above all other things.
These are the qualities of Philomath Woodworks.
Making Kumiko Video
Kumiko is a delicate and sophisticated technique of assembling wooden pieces without the use of nails. Thinly slit wooden pieces are grooved, punched, mortised, and then fitted individually using a plane, saw, chisel and other tools to make fine adjustments. After dry fitting I then reassemble using glue to make the Kumiko structural for furniture.
The technique was developed in Japan in the Asuka Era (600-700 AD), and has since been refined and
passed down through generations of craftsmen who are passionate about the tradition of kumiko.