Question Of The Week-v2 .... ( 2025 Week 41 )

[ripjack13]

Are there any woodworking traditions or styles from different cultures that you admire or draw inspiration from?



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**Rules**
There is no minimum post requirement.
primates, woodticks, wood spinners, and leprechauns are welcome to post an answer.
And of course the and the doc too....

 

[phinds]

About 70 years ago my family took a trip across the US and I remember being quite taken by some Navajo weavings that we saw in a little town in, I think it was New Mexico or Arizona. Anyway, it stuck with me, sort of, and I have reflected that memory in some of my bowls, to a small extent.

It's a bit tedious to build up the construct that becomes the center, but I like the result, so have done it several times.

 

[DLJeffs]

The intricate design and the engineering aspects of Japanese joinery without nails always gets my attention.

 

[Nature Man]

Can’t help but be inspired by the craftsmanship in centuries old European furniture and other wooden building structures. Chuck

 

[Mike1950]

Japanese and Asian. I like the elegant lines.

 

[Mike1950]

Can’t help but be inspired by the craftsmanship in centuries old European furniture and other wooden building structures. Chuck

I used to. But when antiques were the rage, a biz here got containers from eastern Europe. They looked good on surface but I was amazed at saw overruns in dovetail and other hidden spots. The DTs worked but ugly.... sorta soured me on European furniture.
Ps, I bought a modern waterfall faucet for powder room. One expensive POS.

 

[trc65]

Obvious copies of Native American baskets with my illusion pieces.

Edit to add. If you look at a majority of the hollow forms presented here, you will find that a majority are heavily influenced by pottery throughout history from every civilization that produced them.

Mathematical formulas describing "ideal forms were first recorded in ancient Greece I believe. However, artisans were using those principles since the beginning. Sometimes you just know when it is right without having to describe it.

 

[Jonkou]

Admire the Umeke form of the ancient Hawaiian People. Traditionally they were carved with stone adze and fire then polished smooth with stones, corals and leaves, yet the best of them look as though turned on a modern lathe. They inspired my style since taking up Woodturning in the late 80s and continue to be the major influence in most things I turn today. Scale, proportion, clean flowing curves and lack of adornment showcase the makers skill and emphasize the natural beauty of the wood.

 

[2feathers Creative Making]

Like the European mountain cabin/chalet/cottage designs with handmade / hand cut details on everything from shingles to doors to filligree braces and on and on...

 

[Mike Hill]

Never thought about it much. However, I do enjoy looking at timber framing and the joinery associated with it, as well as Adirondack furniture. So, I guess, if I had the opportunity to have a "Mancave" and if that "Mancave" were not filled with purdy wood and tools, I'd have Adirondack furniture pieces as well as hunky timber furniture. This is, of course, a pipe dream - I don't and never will get to choose the decor in the house. Perhaps over the years, in the furniture and casework I have built, I would say Shaker influences prevailed.