Heirloom Mid Century Modern Solid Walnut Desk
Handmade in Hillsdale, New York by Kevin Michael Burns
A great project initiated by a wonderful customer. The feel of this desk reminds me of one of my favorite painters, David Hockney, who's 'Early Years' I'm reading at present. It is light and colorful and yet deep and modern. The name is reminiscent of Hockney's simplistic naming convention as well. This desk is constructed of Solid Walnut. AKA Office Desk, Writing Desk Dimensions: 20"d x 43"w x 29.5" Walnut, mid-century modern, contemporary, made in the usa, desk, secretary desk, handmade furniture
Function
- writing
- secretary
- office
Style
- contemporary
- mid century modern
- modern
Type
- wood
Material
- walnut
Meet the Maker
Kevin Burns
Kevin Michael Burns
So much is said these days for reclaimed materials. I often use them and have participated twice in Reclaim NYC and understand the importance of preserving, reusing, recycling, etc…but I would say
these pieces are less about reclaiming and more about claiming, you know, the conquistador kind of thing, the flag on the moon kind of thing.
A tree was cut down ripped open then I stuck my hand inside and felt around. I'm not trying to not sugarcoat it, but I want to emphasize what is going on in the making world - seizure and claiming. And the rationale is that there is a pearl inside the oyster. It will live on a necklace among others or on a gold earring backing and become an heirloom perhaps…
It's hard to say if the standing tree will live longer than the furniture made from it but that is something on my mind.
The idea isn't to decimate trees it's to put something into the world that is worthy enough to live on and take the meaning of a tree's life into the tangible, practical and modern world in which we all live.
…
One of my friends who is a thoughtful industrial designer was musing one day about his field - more
specifically making 1000+ of something. He said:
I really have to know that this is worth bringing into the world. Look at all the IKEA crap and particle board water-warped junk sitting on the curb or in a landfill. Do we need more of that?
His question touches me. And so, you know, I slid my hand into the wounded tree and pulled out the throbbing heart for these.
I search for hours in stacks of wood to find what will become the drawer faces and doors. If it's too light I toss it aside. If it is too knot-riddled I pan it. I want to find a paintbrush in these stacks. I want to make something beautiful and transcendent.
I’m telling a story. It's in the chiseled brass details and the custom legs. It's in the fiber of the dried
wood pulled from the earth. Something that lasts. Something that lives on.
Customer Reviews
sigrid seibold
Aug 6, 2016I am very happy with Kevin's work. A beautiful piece of craftmanship. I look forward to working with Kevin again.
joel breitkopf
Oct 12, 2015Kevin was very professional and responsive. It was overall an excellent experience and I would use him again. I wish all my vendors delivered like this!
Aris Economides
Mar 24, 2015Excellent and positive experience in every way!
Ethan Haymovitz
Feb 28, 2014Working with Kevin was a pleasure. He is a skilled craftsman. Love love love my new desk.
Jenessa Abrams
Nov 21, 2020Kevin was incredibly kind and communicative. He was flexible and worked with me to create an truly special piece of furniture that is also deeply meaningful.
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