Collection: Derek Hennigar
Wood
Columbus, NC | Exhibiting Since 2012
My work, in solid native woods, mixes established joinery, carving, and finishing techniques with my own Ordinary design perspective. While many pieces are one-of-a-kind and others are individuals of small series, all are made to last for generations, even to improve with age. I originally called my work Ordinary Furniture as a response to the history of industrial furniture manufacture in my native North Carolina. As my designs have evolved and techniques improved, Ordinary Furniture has become an even more ironic name, but still one that acknowledges that no activity in human history is more common or important than gathering and cutting wood. Ordinary Furniture is my solo wood shop, located in Polk County, North Carolina since 1993. Born in Asheville, I started working as a carpenter in Raleigh while attending NC State University, and I continue to learn about trees and how to use them. I strive to contribute to the millennia of woodworking before me and count among my influences modern sculpture (organic to geometric), wooden boat building, Scandinavian furniture design, and the Appalachian craft tradition. I work much of the wood I use from local logs.
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