Woodworker's Journal 2008-32-6, страница 46

Wh en I learned that Bruce Kieffer was building a replica chair from Ihe El Tovar Hotel (page 56), my thoughts immediately raced across the road to a building called Hopi House. Designed by Mary Colter in 1905, it was her first of several commissions that have since become icons of American Southwestern architecture, greatly influenced by the living history of the region and the many ancient dwelling sites that have stood for thousands of years in the American Southwest.

Having had the privilege of walking amongst some of these places, I found it easy to see why Ms. Colter was so enamored. I've had an affinity for all things Southwestern since my earliest days as a woodworker. Whatever your discipline, the landscape, the light, the nature and the people of this vast area are sure to inspire anyone with an eye and a mind toward creative pursuits.

This "chair-table" style of furniture seemed to really catch on in Spanish Colonial times, and examples can be seen in photographs of some of the buildings that Mary Colter designed. When editor Rob Johnstone chose mesquite lumber for this bench, I couldn't have been happier. Mesquite, a tree native to the Southwest and known for its dark, grainy and tough wood, is perfect for this style. Mesquite art and furniture can be found in fine craft galleries from Santa Fe to Scottsdale.

Woodworker's Journal December 2008 46

unique selection of velvet mesquite in hand, author Frank Grant began the challenging process of harvesting bench pieces from this special lumber. While it's not a difficult species to work, the checks, flaws and limb incursions present challenges not found in your run-of-the-mill lumberyard stock.

With a