Artist Background
 HistoryMy initial experience with wood included many years of repair and maintenance of my 200+ year old Italian Bass Viol. From working with my instrument, I learned the importance of fine craftsmanship, using the right materials, and how wood is a living organism. My design is influenced by the structure and rhythms of music, particularly jazz forms. In my furniture making and woodworking, I try to let the wood suggest the design, giving it form, color, and natural beauty. I have collected a large i |  Artistic InfluencesI am careful to make sure in my sources of wood that it has been cut legally and is not destroying natural habitats. I also incorporate Japanese design principles as well as the concept of "wabi sabi" that brings out the natural form, the "imperfections" of the wood that give it its unique character. My design is influenced not only by Japanese furniture, but also by the simple functionality of Shaker furniture. I have also incorporated many traditional quilting block patterns into my work, usin |  Custom Made ProductsMost of my work is done according to custom order. My clients usually have concepts about the function and size of the piece they are interested in, or where in their home or office the piece will be located. Clients often bring in pictures of pieces that they like, and talk about other design features they would like to incorporate. I also urge my clients to look at other pieces I have made to get an idea of possible designs and wood types that that can be used. Samples of furniture and samples |
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Richard Webster has spent his career in creative pursuits. Trained in music at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester New York, Richard pursued a career as a professional musician with the National Symphony Orchestra for over 30 years. Many of his other pursuits included teaching jazz history at Georgetown University and the Smithsonian Institution. His interest in the arts includes the visual and performing arts, as well as hands on experience with gardening and woodworking.
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My pledge to my clients
I will give an estimated delivery date, taking into account the backlog of orders. I will keep you informed on the progress of the project, and will send you photographs or welcome you to the workshop to see the progress on it and make any small modifications you may desire. The end result will be a beautiful, unique piece of furniture that you will enjoy living with for many years.