Sean Staniforth, Krenov Inspired Cabinet (STUDENT 2023)

Student:

Secondary

Name of school or tertiary institution, and name of woodworking teacher (if you have one):

Edmund Rice College. Teachers: Andrew Edmondson & Daniel Breeze

Video tour:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CwZ366wrgVC/?img_index=1

From the age of 5 my love and ambition for woodwork evolved into the founding of Sean's Unique Woodworking at the age of 12, creating unique wooden pieces. This endeavor has provided me with the continual platform to experiment and meticulously refine fundamental skills from an early age which has proven pivotal in the construction of my year 12 major project, a Krenov inspired cabinet. This has been the ultimate expression of this lifelong journey employing every technique and utilising every skill that has been acquired and developed from my personal experiences. I am extraordinarily honored to present the cumulation of my undivided attention to detail, produced with an unrivaled skillset and unparalleled dedication to excellence across its 500 hours of craftsmanship. My multifunctional Krenov inspired cabinet stands proud, paying homage to the life work of James Krenov. Produced from bookmatched American Black Walnut and Rock Maple the defiant contrast between the carcass and encapsulating frame optimises the intricacy that each component presents, enhanced with Quilted Maple veneered doors and Birds Eye Maple drawer fronts contributing to the distinctiveness of this piece. Rooted in traditionalist techniques the seven drawers feature intricate, hand cut, half blind dovetail joints reminiscent of those presented on high quality, fine furniture. Whilst the drawers are precisely fit to their respective carcasses maintaining a smooth and highly desirable piston fit. The door and drawer pulls feature a concave hemisphere whereby a convex pull was inlaid in the contrasting species providing an elegant means of operating the doors and drawers, maintaining curved design elements across all components. Intricacy is the key to fine furniture, three dimensional tesselating veneer marquetry was tediously hand cut and stitched comprising Walnut, Maple and Jarrah to form a mesmerising harmonious pattern within the drawers where attention to detail is celebrated. The fine details matter! Hand cut through wedged mortise and tenon joints were selected for the door frames and Rock Maple frame, ensuring an inseparable bond between the door rails/stiles and the frame stretchers/rails. Utilising contrasting timber wedges ensured continuity was maintained across all design elements, illuminating the beauty of traditionalist joinery. Curves break the monotony, the Rock Maple frame features sequentially cut bent laminated stretchers, paired with solid machined curved legs assuring the symbiotic relationship between components in the absence of straight lines. Customisation enables functionality, 180 degree concealed hinges provide comprehensive access to the interior of the cabinet allowing ease of access to the four adjustable glass shelves, customising their height to accommodate the size of any object on display. Standing at 2000mm tall, 1100mm wide, and 500mm deep, my Krenov inspired cabinet presents as the ultimate testament to my unrivaled skill set and undivided attention to detail paired with an unparalleled commitment to achieving excellence across my craftsmanship.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.