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

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

The Good News: My Work Is Now in the Chicago Illinois Artisans Shop

Miniature rustic twig rocking horse handcrafted by George C. Clark
(rocker length 8 inches)

I am happy to announce that my miniature rustic twig furniture is now being shown and sold at the Illinois Artisans Shop in the atrium of the State of Illinois Center at 100 W. Randolph Street in downtown Chicago.  Just take the escalator to the second floor, where the Shop is located right next to the Chicago gallery of the Illinois State Museums.

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The Bad News: Southern Illinois Artisans Shop Is Closed

Due to state budgetary problems, the Southern Illinois Artisans Shop at Rend Lake, which exhibited and sold the works of 750 Illinois artists and craftspeople, is now closed.  It's funny how when times are tough politicians always know the first thing to throw under the bus is Culture.  To be followed, if Governor Rauner gets his way, by hungry children, crippled workers, and sick people.
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Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Another Devil Dog


Devil Dog, miniature rustic twig sculpture by George C. Clark

In addition to miniature rustic twig furniture, I sometimes sculpt little critters when the driftwood so demands.  In this case, I found apiece of driftwood that looked like this Devil Dog's head.  I added the eyes, the fangs and the left ear, a couple of little bits on top of the snout, and I painted the nose black.

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Sunday, May 10, 2015

Thank You!

Fish Bench, miniature rustic driftwood sculpture by George C. Clark

My thanks to the Greater Independence Park Neighborhood Association who sponsored yesterday's Fine Craft Fair and to the collectors who purchased my miniature rustic twig furniture including the Fish Bench pictured above.

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Sunday, May 3, 2015

Independence Park Pre-Mother's Day FINE CRAFT FAIR Saturday, May 9, 2015 from Noon to 4pm

Miniature rustic twig chairs handcrafted by George C. Clark

Come to the Pre-Mother's Day Fine Craft Fair Sunday, May 4, 2014 at the Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace Street (at Elston Avenue) in Chicago from noon to 4pm.  This event sponsored by the Greater Independence Park Neighborhood Association will feature fine handcrafted items in many mediums including jewelry, glass, ceramics, textiles and my favorite: Lake Michigan driftwood twigs.  Once again this annual event will feature the availability of specially-priced drinks and bar snacks.  What could be better than culture and cold ones on a Saturday afternoon?  

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Monday, November 17, 2014

2014 Winter Arts & Crafts EXPO at Evanston Art Center

Miniature Rustic Twig Chairs by George C. Clark

Pictured are two chairs from the new batch of my miniature rustic twig furniture I delivered this morning to Evanston Art Center.  They will be featured in the 2014
Winter Arts & Crafts EXPO Nov. 22 to Dec. 22 at
Evanston Art Center
2603 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60201
Open Free Mondays to Saturdays 10am to 4pm, 
Sundays Noon to 4pm, Closed on Thanksgiving Day.
There will be a PREVIEW PARTY on Friday, November 21 from 6 to 9pm.  Tickets to the Preview Party are $30 in advance and $35 at the door.  Buy tickets online at www.evanstonartcenter.org.

Update December 29
Picked up the unsold pieces today.  I've been doing this show for years, and this has been the best one yet.  Over half my inventory sold, including both the chairs pictured above!  My thanks to all my collectors and to Paula and the staff and volunteers at Evanston Art Center.
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Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Miniature Rustic Garden Bench at Rend Lake

Miniature rustic twig garden bench by George C. Clark (back height approximately 6 inches)

One of the new pieces of my miniature rustic twig furniture currently on display at the Southern Illinois Artisans Shop just off Interstate 57 at Rend Lake.  Sharp-eyed readers may recognize it as the demonstration piece I made at my Woodlanders Gathering workshop at Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts in July.  It appears at the upper right in the photo I posted July 14th.

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