Shea Vollstedt, Walwyn Entry Table (RECYCLED & RESCUED 2023)

Photos:

Shea Vollstedt

Country:

USA

Having lost their family property due to a wildfire two years ago, I was recently commissioned by my clients to give new life to one of the few items that held history from their time growing up there; a dining table. The dining table whose lumber was salvaged from that property some 60+ years ago serves as the material for the Walwyn Entry Table. Asked to design a clean, modern structure for their entryway, I was drawn to telling a story of renewal for this piece. The composition of tiered pillar-like elements represent upward growth, constructed with both new and repurposed straight-grained material. The juxtaposition of the repurposed ebonized accents symbolize the shell and remnants from which growth appears; much like what comes with the after effects of fire. The ebonized accents are additionally shaped with a hand carved texture along the edges to bring a subtle, tactile contrast from the rest of the table. Finally, the suggestion of unbalance created from the asymmetrical cantilevered repurposed top rests upon all that has been built. Growth requires some risk, after all. The Walwyn Entry Table measures 90” x 14” x 30” and is made of western Oregon maple and eastern hard maple. It is finished with a shop made oil/varnish blend and wax furniture finish.

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