Mark’s wood: Talking joinery and timber with England’s fastest bowler

The article highlights the previously unseen work of Hans Hokanson, a Swedish-born sculptor renowned for his mastery of wood, who resided in East Hampton from 1961 until his passing in 1997. While his sculptures and functional art, including chairs, benches, beds, and tables, are featured in various public and private collections, a significant two-story spiral staircase he crafted has remained largely private for 45 years within an East Hampton home. This massive oak staircase, installed in 1970 during the conversion of a barn into a residence, serves as a prominent example of Hokanson's ability to blend sculptural art with functional design. The owners of the barn initially faced a challenge regarding access to the hayloft, which was only reachable by a ladder. They sought an alternative to a metal spiral staircase, which they felt would clash with the barn's rustic aesthetic. Following a friend's suggestion, they commissioned Hokanson for a wooden spiral staircase. Despite providing a Shaker staircase photograph as a reference, Hokanson, known for his intuitive approach to wood, created a piece that, while initially surprising to the owners, ultimately brought them satisfaction. For much of its existence, the staircase was situated against a wall separating the living room and kitchen, limiting its visibility. However, after the removal of this wall around Thanksgiving, the staircase is now exposed to natural light from all sides, allowing it to be appreciated in its full, three-dimensional glory. Hokanson immigrated to the United States from Sweden in 1951 at the age of 26. He spent time in California, working as a construction carpenter, before moving to New York City in 1956. In New York, his diverse experiences included stretching canvases for artist Mark Rothko, working as a stage designer at the Living Theater, and serving as a technician at the Museum of Primitive Art. In 1961, he relocated to East Hampton to undertake carpentry work for Willem de Kooning. Although his collaboration with de Kooning was brief, Hokanson found a lasting connection to the area, particularly a place on Northwest Creek that he described as "beautiful." Beyond the spiral staircase, Hokanson's architectural legacy also includes a house he built for himself and his wife, Barbara, in Northwest Woods, which was described by House Beautiful as his "largest work in progress." He also furnished this home with many of his handmade pieces. His son, Bengt Hokanson, and daughter-in-law, Trefny Dix, now reside in the house. Bengt, who assisted his father with woodworking, pursued glassmaking after studying at Tulane University. Today, he and Ms. Dix operate HokansonDixGlass, with their work displayed in over 40 galleries, museum shops, and high-end retail establishments globally. The staircase itself is notable for its construction without nails or screws, allowing its joints to expand and contract naturally, a feature expected to ensure its longevity as long as the wood endures. #HansHokanson #WoodSculpture #SpiralStaircase #EastHampton #FunctionalArt #WoodworkingMastery #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalLegacy #ScandinavianDesign

Karl Harkness, the owner of Iron Oak, a custom furniture fabrication shop located in Shockoe Slip, has a lifelong passion for building. From a young age, he enjoyed disassembling and reassembling objects. This interest continued even as he pursued a business degree at Virginia Commonwealth University. Six years prior to establishing Iron Oak, Harkness began crafting furniture. As the demand for his custom pieces grew, he officially opened Iron Oak in 2014 to cater to this increasing clientele. Iron Oak provides a comprehensive turnkey service, involving a collaborative process with each customer. Harkness and his team work closely with clients to understand their specific vision for a piece, then develop a strategy to bring that vision to fruition. Their initial focus is on the functionality of the furniture, incorporating elements such as adjustable feet or electrical plugs when necessary. This ensures the piece is perfectly suited for its intended space, whether for a designer or a homeowner. The company's objective is to create durable furniture that will endure over time and effectively serve its purpose within the environment. The business specializes in crafting distinctive statement pieces, with a particular emphasis on dining room tables and bar cabinets. Iron Oak's manufacturing process utilizes locally sourced, reclaimed wood and metal, aligning with a commitment to sustainable practices and local resources. Their work spans both residential and commercial sectors. Notable commercial projects include the design and construction of clothing display units and a cash register desk for Jackson & James, a men's clothing store in Scott’s Addition. They also produced picnic tables for the outdoor patio of Gelati Celesti Ice Cream on Boulevard and barstools for a new brewery in Scott’s Addition, showcasing their versatility in different commercial settings. A key advantage highlighted by Harkness is Iron Oak's dedication to lifelong maintenance of each piece they create. This commitment stems from their local presence, allowing them to offer ongoing support to their customers. If a client encounters an issue with a piece in the future, or if they desire a refinishing service, Iron Oak stands by its product and provides these services. This ensures that customers receive sustained backing for their furniture for many years after purchase, reinforcing the company's reputation for quality and customer care. #WhereToFindItGuide #Furniture #Makers #IronOak #CustomFurniture #Woodworking #ReclaimedWood #MetalFabrication