Martin Goebel, Maxine Eleanor (FURNITURE 2025)

Photos:

Martin Goebel

Country

United States of America

A love letter to my daughter... Every artisan has a collection of materials, sometimes set aside for decades, waiting for the perfect project—the one that goes beyond the simple value of the materials and labor. It’s the project where they’ll invest countless hours, meticulously planning and executing, knowing it will be one of the few they keep for themselves. When I learned I was going to have my first child 14 months ago, I promised my wife and our future daughter a crib. I spent months agonizing over how to use the 3" x 3" Mexican Bocote wood I’d had in my stash for the last 11 years, custom cut for me by Bill Hibdon of Hibdon Hardwoods. The crib would be a physical celebration of the pure joy my wife and I felt. Ornamentation would be key. Curves would be emphasized. More is more—a departure from most of the work I do for clients. Finials mimic egg cups and soft boiled eggs "Diping Eggs". Arches in rails reference BRIO toy train bridges. Spindles match bamboo that grew not far from my home as a child... all references from my childhood I wanted to bring into Maxine's world. The time, materials, and techniques I poured into this project could never be justified for any other reason aside from a father's love. However illogical it may seem on paper, it’s a reflection of what we’re willing to do for our children. It’s excessive, and there’s no logical reason for it to exist aside from a tangible expression of joy for our sweet Maxine. Corner posts were turned by my dear friend and Master Turner, Keith Gotschall. (Salida, Colorado, USA) Mexican Bocote, American Osage Orange (urban harvest), Zebrano

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