RIP Wendell Castle

Wendell Castle died yesterday. 

Look him up - he's as important to the world of furniture making as it gets. Often considered "the father of the art furniture movement," his influence on the world of woodworking is vast.  

His organic laminated and carved pieces morphed over the years into different shapes; his style changed. But if you knew his work, you could spot it a mile away. 

When I was a young furniture maker in college, I wandered into a gallery in Boston and was lucky enough to catch an exhibition of his work. It changed my life.  Not too much later, I carved my first piece of walnut - a log sketching desk, inspired by his work. 

His "My 10 adopted rules of thumb" hung on the wall in my last studio - a reminder to think outside the box. 

1. If you are in love with an idea you are no judge of its beauty or value.
2. It is difficult to see the whole picture when you are inside the frame.
3. After learning the tricks of the trade, don't think you know the trade.
4. We hear and apprehend what we already know.
5. The dog that stays on the porch will find no bones.
6. Never state a problem to yourself in the same terms it was brought to you.
7. If it's offbeat or surprising it's probably useful.
8. If you do not expect the unexpected, you will not find it.
9. Don't get too serious.
10. If you hit the bullseye every time the target is too near.

RIP