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Follow on Google News |  Mesquite Furniture: There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in.Featuring the cracks and crevices often found in mesquite and featured prominently in Lou Quallenberg's work.
crack What is it about cracked or broken things that seem to pull at our heartstrings? We have assembled a selection of photos of Lou's work that shows off the cracks and crevices so characteristic of mesquite. Since Lou Quallenberg only uses mesquite it is only natural that his mesquite furniture projects will have cracks. Each crack is a challenge and depending on the crack and the client's taste can be handled in several different ways. We will briefly touch on each. BOW TIES Lou's Signature bow tie was developed because he saw that he would need to regularly use wood bow ties in his projects and the standard bow tie was well, while functional, "standard." His stylized signature Bow Tie features the curves he loves so much. We have had clients request a bow tie even if it was not structurally needed because it is almost like a signature, brand or label and it is beautiful to look at. Once Lou's Quallenberg's signature bow ties began showing up in National Furniture and Art Shows we started to see other versions of original bow ties begin to develop and expand. It's almost like permission was given to create your own. Speaking of shows don't forget: The Texas Mesquite Association Annual Mesquite Art Festival in Fredericksburg, Texas October 12th-14th 2012 and The Texas Furniture Makers Show November 8th-December 8th, 2012 in Kerrville, Texas. (We sure hope Lou will have a piece finished in time!) SPLINES The mesquite spline is added to the edge of a piece the stabilize the cracks a bit more securely than the bow tie giving both internal strength as well as contrast in color for a design accent. MAN MADE Cracks/ Sometimes man made cracks are added to the Lou Quallenberg's designs. These are usually created in the curved mesquite laminates that Lou uses in his pieces bases to match the natural curves of a slabbed tops. TURQUOISE INLAY Inlaid turquoise is an option that some of our clients chose over the black epoxy cracks. Lou is very particular about choosing each piece of jewelry quality turquoise with a pair of tweezers and placing it in its perfect spot along the crack or crevice. It is very time consuming but the devil is in the details and this is one area where his work stands out because he will not compromise. Lou limits the use of turquoise inlay to an artistic sprinkling on only select cracks and crevices. A coat of clear epoxy is added to hold the turquoise in place while allowing it to remain beautifully visible. The end result is a strengthened and beautifully filled crack that is not over done. BLACK EPOXY For those clients that do not like the look of turquoise with the mesquite, the cracks and crevices are filled with a black fresco filled epoxy. It defines the line and serves as a glue to hold the piece together. Another "Crack" of inspiration comes from one of our favorite singer songwriters Calvin Russell (who is gone but not forgotten) especially his song "A Crack in Time" the lyrics are pure poetry: I came down the line Through a crack in time Slipped between two seconds in the night From the shadows I sprang Someone screamed my name And I headed for the morning light. Cracks and light they just seem to go together naturally in nature, song and poetry. You won't find any better cracks than the ones in mesquite wood. Lou Quallenberg sure has an eye for finding the real beauties. The ones that would have otherwise ended up as someone's fire wood but now grace elegant homes and galleries with their unique allure. DANCING TREES Lou's perfect example of "cracks" that let the light shine in. you can read more about Lou Quallenberg's Dancing Trees here: http://www.louqart.com/ The Dancing Trees and Lectern full of cracks for light to get in. I'm always inspired by this quote by artist Robert Smithson “A crack in the wall, if viewed in terms of scale, not size, could be called the Grand Canyon. Size determines an object, but scale determines art.” We are currently planning a trip to see the Grand Canyon since Lou has not yet seen it in person. I can't wait to see the influence and inspiration that this gigantic crack in the earth produces in Lou's work...... http:// mesquite-musings.blogspot.com/ End
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