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| Michael Kaplan began woodworking by taking classes at Santa Fe Community College's Fine Woodworking Program from 2003 to 2006. He was invited to join a local co-op shop in '06.
He says: “What started as a hobby has turned into a full fledged addiction. I consider myself a semi-professional- that is, I sell some, and the rest of my work is for myself and friends/family. I would like to make it more of a career, but don't want to compromise and do work that I am not interested in, so I keep my other job as a bartender.
I also have a committed martial arts practice, and I find many parallels in the two disciplines- commitment, focus, passion, a pursuit of excellence, and the opportunity for self expression through discipline. Also, both are a source of life long learning.
Like many others, I was deeply moved by the writings of James Krenov, |
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Sideboard: Black and Claro Walnut
Kaplan says: “One I'm most proud of, and one of my first commissions.” |
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and his admonishments to be uncompromising, to do one's best work, resonated deeply with me. Also, his apparently simple, but deeply beautiful aesthetic, and his obvious love of wood have also been motivation for me.
I am always trying to learn more, and also to refine that which I know. I like strong, yet restrained design. The Japanese aesthetic and restrained elegance move me deeply, and I try to balance that with a strong love of form and beautiful woods. I am still developing my own voice as a designer, as well as working hard to hone my technical skills.
I have lived in Santa Fe, NM, for 20 years, hailing originally from Philadelphia. My schooling was in engineering, though I never worked in that field. When I discovered woodworking I felt like I found something that I only half knew I was even looking for.”
Michael can be reached via email: mrosskaplan@aol.com |
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Chest: Mesquite, Spanish Cedar and Bubinga. |
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Tansu Cabinet: Quartersawn Shedua, Mesquite, Quartersawn Sycamore, and Pear - Built
to hold motorcycle gear. |
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Bedside Table: Mesquite and Canarywood drawer front
Cabinet: Cherry and Maple - Made for Kaplan's dojo |
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Tansu Cabinet: Cherry, Curly Cherry and Alder
Chair: American Beech |
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Kitchen Table: Cherry and Quarter sawn Sycamore |
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Box: Curly Madrone |
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Box: Pear and Figured Black Walnut
A
wedding gift for some of Kaplan's dear friends. |
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Box: Black Walnut and Curly Madrone |
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Jewelry Box: Claro Walnut |
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Ottoman: Black Walnut and Curly Birch |
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A Chinese style 8 sided table: Mahogany
Built to hold a piece of marble from the Taj Mahal |
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Past Craftsman Highlights:
Dean Pulver, a woodworker and Collector’s Specialty Woods client, lives and works in Taos, New Mexico. His recent furniture project using tiger maple and curly cherry is a truly amazing example of craftsmanship and art. |
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| We will be highlighting the work of one of our clients every month or so! If you are interested in being a highlight, please contact Alana at alana@cswoods.com. |
