This ark was commissioned by Congregation B'nai Moshe in West Bloomfield, Mi to be placed in their small chapel/special events area. It had to be portable , fit through doors and have an everlasting light (Ner Tamid) incorporated in the design. The cabinet's exterior is white ash solid core plywood with African wenge wood edging through out with the back in walnut plywood. The front relief is bent laminated hand dyed and natural ash veneer finished withed paduke veneer. The Interior is ash plywood, wenge wood trim, and flame patterned walnut plywood. The curtain is hand dyed silk with glass beaded trim. The sun burst crown (Ner Tamid)) is stained glass and back lit with lights that stay lit when plugged in the wall and instantly converts to battery power in the event that it becomes unplugged or there is a power outage.
A Maker who has been a valued part of this community for several years.
Customers say that this Maker ships promptly after completing a project.
This Maker has consistently demonstrated excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.
I Design and realize contemporary functional and decorative art . My work has been made for synagogues, theatre, opera, ballet, homes and individuals. Whatever you can imagine I can bring it to life. Whatever I can imagine might surprise you.
My interests include but are certainly not limited to…Contemporary solutions to seating, tables, lighting , wearable art, sculpture, drawings, model making, murals, theatrical props, puppets, sports mascots and the most wonderful walking sticks you ever saw.
Materials include wood(domestic, exotic, and reclaimed), steel, bronze, copper, cloth, leather, silver, paint, pencil, fur, foam, plastic and aluminum………….
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Tobi Alfier
For Walking StickOne of the things I appreciated the most about Robert was that he listened to me. He heard not only my challenges, but also my preferences regarding the aesthetics of the cane/walking stick. As he came up with ideas and materials that would satisfy both functonality and aesthetics, he kept in touch. We talked by phone, text and email. Although the timeliness of delivery was later than originally estimated, that was because Robert really went out of his way to deliver something way beyond both our expectations in the very beginning. And I loved when he'd call to tell me his solutions to questions I had, and how they fit in with my wishes beautifully. Example: I wanted a stick that did not look brand new. I wanted it to look like it had been found behind the door in a ghost town, like it had been well used and well worn and left in the sun baking for forty years. Well obviously it is gorgeous - rosewood, copper and brass. It looks new, but not crass. When I told Robert I had concerns that it might be slippery, he found a box of ancient ulpholstery round-headed nails in an old hardware store in town, and patterned them on the stick so I could grip them and not slide. Robert made a cane version and a convertible longer version. I had told him I talk with my hands at public speaking events. The longer version has a small crutch at the top, NOT to use as a crutch, but to hold me when speaking so I can use my hands. I say that Robert gave me my hands back and for that I will always be grateful. As the project progressed, I could hear in his voice that Robert was very proud of his work, and I felt so special and cared for because he was making me a piece that he cared about. It is difficult to admit that you need help, but Robert has made me feel so proud to be using a walking stick that he is proud to have made. It is so beautiful, so gorgeous, understated but made of the most beautiful wood, the bands of copper and brass compliment the wood beautifully. I have been using it only a week and I have gotten so many compliments. But truly, it's not just the craftsmanship, it's the caring of Robert that made this a good experience. I would recommend him without question, and I would recommend CustomMade without hesitation. I am beyond thankful for both the experience, and the product. Thank you. Tobi Alfier