Simple Wooden Stools
Thigh Stool by Emma Senft, 2023. Soft maple (wood), 17” x 17” x 30”.
In this introduction to the woodshop, participants will design and build their own simple wooden stool. We will cover the fundamentals of woodworking using both machine and hand tools, starting with understanding wood movement, breaking down lumber into chair parts, and using hand tools to shape the legs and seat. Participants will explore carved textures and decorative elements, and learn how to layer milk paint to create dynamic finishes. Key skills covered will include turning and milling lumber, drilling complex angles, and cutting wedged mortise-and-tenon joinery. These processes are forgiving, and the experience will focus on intuition and material empathy rather than exacting measurements and perfection. Participants should be willing to work hard and have a lot of fun! Exclusive for beginners.
Emma Senft (they/she) is an artist and woodworker based in Montreal, QC. They received an MFA in Studio Arts from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a BFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design (NSCAD) University. Senft creates sculpture and furniture using wood, textile, and decontextualized construction materials. Inspired by the interaction between our bodies and the built environment, they explore the overlap between visual, tactile, and spatial perception. They have participated in residencies at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center, the Banff Centre, Penland School of Craft, and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in South Korea.