Wood
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The Box Joint is a woodworking studio specializing in handcrafted boxes, chests, and cabinets of the highest quality utilizing domestic and exotic hardwoods. The studio is owned and operated by Morris Critchlow in Auburn, Kentucky. I have been an avid woodworker since developing an interest in college. I am an electrical engineer and have worked in heavy industry since 1980. My engineering background carries over into my designs. I incorporate design and joinery techniques that allow a piece to last for generations. Wood is an organic material that changes dimensionally with the weather. My designs allow for that movement while retaining precise fit and natural beauty. In this era of automated mass production, many people still appreciate art and craft because, with handmade items, there becomes a connection between the maker and the buyer that is not possible with mass production. Every person needs boxes, and special belongings deserve special boxes. The boxes that I make serve as perfect homes for all kinds of special items. I primarily use North American hardwoods, such as walnut, maple, and cherry. I especially like highly figured woods like curly cherry, curly maple, birdseye maple, quilted maple, and walnut burl. Features that accentuate a woods beauty include spalting, quarter sawing, worm and insect holes, and natural color variation. Other woods come from all over the world. I use dyes and stains sparingly and only to accentuate the natural beauty of figured wood or to provide detail on trim. All other wood is finished in its natural state. Most boxes are lined with either velvet or ultrasuede in the box bottom, in trays, and drawers. Ultrasuede is a fabric that looks and feels like suede leather but will not tarnish jewelry. My work may be found at the following galleries: Juried member of: |
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Morris Critchlow |
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