Miniature Rustic Twig Furniture by George C. Clark: November 2012

I make my furniture from twigs and Lake Michigan driftwood, shells, stones, bark, seed pods and other natural materials. The challenge is to fabricate objects that require a certain form and symmetry, like chairs, for example, out of materials that are by nature randomly and organically shaped. I seek out the gnarliest twigs and pieces of driftwood, the curved, forked or twisted ones, because they make the most interesting furniture. No two of my chairs are ever alike in construction, although they are all identical in function. They embody the spirit of rustic design by using found or natural materials instead of manufactured ones, and at the same time evoke the many folk tales and legends of the little people of the forest. I have a lot of fun making them.

The little tables' tops are 5 inches above the surface they are standing on, and the chairs are scaled in proportion to that size.

You can email me at gcc@georgecclark.com

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

2 New Craft Shows Next Weekend

Rustic Twig Chairs and Agate-topped Table by George C. Clark (table height 5 inches)

I will be showing watercolors from my Traveler's Sketchbook Series as well as some brand new miniature rustic twig furniture at the ARTS ON ELSTON HOLIDAY GROUP SHOW next weekend. Arts on Elston is located at 3446 N. Albany in Chicago at the corner of Elston Avenue across the street from Chief O'Neill's Pub, two blocks east of Kedzie and south of Addison. Sale dates and times are Friday, November 30 from 6 to 10pm and Saturday, December 1 from 2 to 6pm. There will be live music Friday evening and refreshments both days. The work of 11 artists working in various media will be featured.

On Sunday, December 2 from 1 to 5pm my miniature rustic twig furniture will be shown along with custom jewelry and textile accessories in the ARTISTS GUILD HOLIDAY SALE at 3830 N. Lawndale in Chicago in the home of one of the jewelry-makers. Refreshments will be served.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Evanston Art Center Winter Arts & Crafts EXPO: Nov. 17 through Dec. 19, 2012

Miniature Rustic Driftwood Rocking Horse by George C. Clark

My miniature rustic twig furniture will be featured at the Evanston Art Center's Winter Arts & Crafts EXPO which will be open free from November 17 to December 19, 2012. The Art Center is located on the shore of Lake Michigan at 2603 Sheridan Road in Evanston, Illinois, just north of Chicago. Gallery hours are 10am to 4pm Monday through Saturday and 12 noon to 4pm Sunday (closed Thanksgiving Day). There will be a Preview Party Friday, November 16, from 6 to 9 pm. Tickets to the Preview Party are $30 in advance and $35 at the door, and they can be purchased online at www.evanstonartcenter.org.

In addition to rocking horses like the one pictured above, there will be an assortment of chairs, tables, settees and garden benches, all unique and handcrafted from Lake Michigan driftwood twigs, fibers, seed pods, shells and other natural materials.