Rustic Garden Furniture is both contemporary and at the same time rooted (no pun intended) in tradition. For Americans, this is one style and art that can be claimed as part of American heritage since much of the art has to do with the natural surroundings of a given geographic area.
In the early 1800’s Hickory was soaked in boiling water and bent to make hoops. The backs were woven from samplings that grew abundantly in the Appalachian Mountains. Adirondack chairs were born here as well rough hewn from Oak and Pine. The country charm, yet subtle sophistocation of rustic garden furniture is a study in contrast.
One of my favorite designers, Laura Spector, crafts the most amazing pieces from Oriental Bittersweet vines. The origin of the vines can be traced to Asia and much of her work takes on an asian flair. Her work is featured regularly in interior design publications. For more information and to see her work go to www.lauraspectordesign.com.
There are many other fine artists working in Willow which some refer to as Gypsy Willow Furniture, twig willow, rustic willow, bent willow, and mexican willow. Bim Willow is the author of several books that deal with the art of making willow furniture.
Willow is flexible enough to be bent in very graceful lines yet strong and very durable as a finished piece of furniture. It is also used to craft trellis’s and arbors creating a very natural unbroken landscape. Many of the best artisans are located on the east coast, close to the history of the culture but there are others located in the Midwest and the South. Many of the artists conduct workshops and have a very stong network of members. I will explore finding some of them and publish in the upcoming pages.
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