The Pleasure of Breaking the Rules

Michael Beaster, an artist from Door County, combines art and functionality in his unconventional furniture designs. Initially running a business in underground power line installation, Beaster pivoted to woodworking after an economic downturn. He enrolled in a woodworking and cabinet-making program at Madison Area Technical College. Despite initial pressure to focus on cabinetry, he pursued his interest in furniture making, eventually developing a distinct style that gained recognition both locally in Door County and nationally. Beaster's journey into furniture art began 17 years prior to the article's publication when he moved to Door County. After vocational school, he secured a position with a local woodworker, which provided him with valuable hands-on experience and insights into various woodworking techniques beyond formal education. Over time, he familiarized himself with the properties of different wood types and started collecting tools and machinery, preparing for his own workshop. His artistic evolution was marked by a curiosity about challenging traditional woodworking norms. Beaster started experimenting with unconventional styles and techniques, leading to furniture pieces that appear to bend, lean, and curve. His designs create an illusionary effect; for instance, a cabinet might stretch and curve to one side, or taper to a tiny drawer at the top despite a solid base. Other pieces seem to be caught in a strong wind, yet remain firmly rooted on thin legs. He also incorporates hidden compartments and asymmetrical elements, often with slanted drawer fronts. One of his most impressive creations is a cabinet that curves and curls with a perfect spray pattern of wood grain, giving wood a plastic-like appearance. While his designs have a cartoonish and fun aesthetic, they are meticulously planned, engineered, and perfectly balanced, demonstrating a deep understanding of physics and functionality. Beaster emphasizes that breaking rules effectively requires a thorough understanding of the basic principles of woodworking and the properties of wood. He believes this knowledge is crucial to knowing the limits of how far one can deviate from traditional methods. His first unconventional piece was an art deco unit with inlaid glass marbles, which was well-received and led to marbles becoming a signature element in his designs. He also incorporates lighting, including fluorescent, incandescent, and neon lights, into his pieces. To overcome the challenge of wood drying out from the heat of these lights, Beaster developed methods using masonite, silicon, or ventilation holes, sometimes integrating these solutions into the design itself. Beaster often uses up to ten different types of wood in a single design, creating a rich interplay of color and texture. He meticulously hand-selects each piece of wood for its color, cut, and interesting grain patterns, known as the figure of the wood. For example, when selecting maple, he examines both the top and the edge to appreciate the illusion of hills and valleys in its grain. He favors Australian lace wood for its intricate patterns and iridescence, and ash for its strength and more noticeable grain, as well as its ease of workability compared to maple. Despite his mastery, Beaster acknowledges the challenges in creating his bent furniture pieces, sometimes needing to step away from a project for weeks to find a solution. He remains optimistic, believing there is always an alternative approach, and notes that wood can be forgiving if one adheres to the 'measure twice, cut once' rule. His future aspirations include creating neon kinetic furniture and wood sculptures. His work is exclusively sold at Fine Line Designs Gallery in Ephraim, where he sometimes interacts directly with customers, observing their favorable reactions and appreciation for his unique blend of art and function. #MichaelBeaster #WoodworkingArt #FurnitureDesign #ArtFurniture #DoorCountyArt #CreativeCraftsmanship #SculpturalFurniture #UnconventionalDesign #MichaelBeaster #WoodworkingArt #FurnitureDesign #ArtFurniture #DoorCountyArt #CreativeCraftsmanship #SculpturalFurniture #UnconventionalDesign