Students in the Fine Woodworking program at Selkirk College had their year-end show last weekend at the Trading Company mall on Baker Street. As usual, it was one of the artistic highlights of the year in Nelson, with large crowds attending the opening reception. The Star talked with four of the students about their work. All photos by Bill Metcalfe.
Justin Davis: stereo cabinet of black walnut and maple.
"The challenge was to make all these sticks work and hold it flush and have the strength to hold the speakers and record player. The biggest reward is completing it, seeing my vision come to life."
Danielle Soucie: kitchen island of black walnut, maple, and black cherry.
"The hardest part was the drawer, fitting it and having it slide perfectly. I liked carving the handle. I wanted it to look like a piece of driftwood, but it is made of walnut which is an expensive wood, so it looks natural but elegant."
Erica Strom: table of black walnut, maple, black cherry and ash.
"This table is put together using traditional Japanese joints so you can take it apart and transport if flat and put it back together. The biggest challenge was getting it square when I am not gluing the joints. The best thing is that I love it myself. It all came together and looks pretty much exactly the way I planned it or better."
Elizabeth Frith: alder cabinet inspired by the Tree of Gondor
"Alder is a very soft wood, so I had to be very careful not to break off any pieces. The greatest reward is that it is exactly what I had envisioned it being."