Alby Johnston, Undula Cabinet (CHESTS, CABINETS, SHELVING 2022)

Photos:

Chuck Bradley

Made from Tasmanian Myrtle, Tiger Eye stone slab, Huon Pine and Bronze the 'Undula' Cabinet aims to highlight some of Australia’s finest timbers and semi-precious stone. The 9 drawer cabinet features compound curving end panels and drawer fronts that are each pillowed and individually hand carved to express the natural figure of the Tasmanian Myrtle. This technique allows the timber an influence in the design and form, as if to conjure a dialogue between the material and the maker. By carving around the birds-eyes and knots and expressing the figure in the Tasmanian Myrtle, the end result pays respect to the timber in its natural state, as the undulating form resembles the aesthetic and feel on the outside of the tree. The solid end panels have a very complex, curving tongue and groove to enable the shape to follow the curved legs whilst allowing for timber movement. Each of the drawers include hand cut dovetails with compound angles and drawer slips with a solid Huon Pine bottom. The bronze handles were designed to be in flow with the curves and forms as well as match the tiger eye veins in the stone top.

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