Spalted Maple Freestanding Tabletop Sculptures
A few years ago, I chain saw carved a large 8' sculpture out of a huge spalted maple log. The wood cut away was so beautiful, so I carved my wife small piece and hung it on a silver chain. She received many comments and requests about the "wearable sculpture" pendant and I started making them for family and friends, and eventually galleries. Because splating is a natural process; like a finger print, there are no two alike. Spalting traits can include; Blackline, Bluing, Ambrosia, Quilting and more - Let me know what you would like to have made, I most likely can make it. Spalting is the process where the wood starts to change chemically and creates blacklines in the wood, it also creates blue/green/grey/brown areas as well. Sometimes an ambrosia beetle digs into the wood and follows some of these changes in the wood and creates more chemical changes such as streaking orangish or amber colors and creates other colors and figuring. I expanded the hand carvings to earrings and rings, and then started making other objects these small freestanding sculptures. They are based loosely on the idea of the Chinese coin, which were forms that were mounted on a metal rod to be displayed. The rod lifts the treasured object up elevating its status and highlighting its form. These sculptures fit well on a fireplace mantle, end table, coffee table or in an office. I have made many of these as commissions for events such as a job change, memorials, anniversaries, wedding gifts, or just to add value and beauty to a part of your home. The sculpture can be made to be removed from the metal rod so that you or a guest can admire the feel of the work, or it can be made to be permanently attached. The rod is typically made from reclaimed metal, and the base is out of a heavy weight wood such as walnut or an exotic wood like cocobola to give stability. Spalted maple is lighter in weight and well suited for the sculpture top. My work is driven by my love of shape and form. I tend to be minimal in design. I work with whatever material is the best for the project but have an affinity for wood and metal. I also work in stone, acrylic, glass, resin, foam, and many other unique materials. I take commissions while also producing my original designs. My fine artwork is available upon request. Please let me know what you are trying to accomplish and I will interpret your ideas and provide a beautiful heirloom for you and your family to treasure. The typical time frame on these products is 4-8 weeks, but they will vary depending on how busy I am and what requirements you have. If you have a certain deadline or event you are trying to meet, please let me know ahead of time, so I can make sure that I can fulfill your needs. Thank you for letting me share my work with you. I always appreciate referrals, as they are praise from a satisfied client.
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As an artist, I found my love of objects at an early age. I was always drawing diagrams on napkins and discussing how things were made, like my father and grandfather. They owned and operated a display manufacturing business, so I was around design and material process from the beginning. My entrepreneurial career began around the age of seven, when I asked my dad to help me cut out some wood shapes on a small jigsaw, added color and sold them on the driveway. i was hooked.
After a year playing college football and throwing javelin in Indiana, I honed my art skills especially metal fabrication and casting finishing with a BFA in sculpture at the University of Kansas. During art school my brother Brian and I designed and made alternative clothing for the skate crowd. My wife and I began selling visual merchandising products to retailers, eventually garnering major clients all over the world. We also started HAVA studios to collaborate on creative projects which led to unique and very high end work. Many times I was providing the design and project management and not having the time to work on the making. I have had to carve out time to make art and also collaborated with my wife on award winning public art.
A few years ago, after chain saw carving a large 8' sculpture out of a huge spalted maple log. The wood cut away was so beautiful, so I carved my wife small piece and hung it on a silver chain. She received many comments and requests about the "wearable sculpture" pendant and I started making them for family and friends, and eventually galleries. Because splating is a natural process; like a finger print, there are no two alike. I expanded the hand carvings to earrings and rings, and then started making other objects including small freestanding sculptures and charcuterie/cheese serving boards, while filling custom requests for furniture and lighting as well as interior design.
My work is driven by my love of shape and form. I tend to be minimal in design. I work with whatever material is the best for the project but have an affinity for wood and metal. I also work in stone, acrylic, glass, resin, foam, and many other unique materials. I take commissions while also producing my original designs. My fine artwork is available upon request.
- MS
Mandy Schuler
For Walnut Wood Charcuterie, Cheese, Bread, Serving Or Cutting Board5.0Darin worked with me to meet a pretty tight timeline for an anniversary gift. He was very responsive and provided feedback during the course of the project. The gift arrived on time and I'm more than happy with the results!
DWDiane Walden
For QUICK walnut charcuterie board5.0Was looking for a special gift and found Darin. I ordered a walnut charcuterie board. Darin worked closely with me to provide a high quality, unique and beautiful board that will last a lifetime! Love working with him.
Highly recommended!- JV
Jesse Vierthaler
For custom wooden storage chest/bench5.0Darin was great to work with. He is very artistic and had interesting suggestions about my project that I had not thought of and that ended up looking fantastic. He stayed in touch about how the project was going and if something would be more expensive he would let me know how it would affect the final price for me. He was professional, courteous and the finished project was absolutely gorgeous and works great as well. I highly recommend Darin and would enthusiastically recommend him to a friend as well. I will definitely be contacting him the next time I have another project in mind!
- DD
Denise Dunlop
For Walnut Wood Charcuterie, Cheese, Bread, Serving Or Cutting Board4.7Darin is an artisan! He created the custom charcuterie board that I envisioned but could not find anywhere else. He cared about my project and worked to meet all of my needs. It was fun to work with Darin . . . even though we are a few states apart, I felt like I was in the workshop with him as he found that perfect board for my project and kept me up to date on the progress of the project through pictures and messages. I highly recommend Darin for your next project
- PC
Paul Cugno
For Natural Burl Wood Charcuterie Or Serving Board5.0When I received this board I was sceptical that I would not be fully satisfied for as an art collector for 40 years I have become very demanding. Well to my incredulous view of this final product was without any doubt absolutely stunning. Darin White is an accomplished artist let alone a true professional who follows his client from beginning to final shipment. I truly hope that craftsmen of this caliber stay in business for a long time. Thanks again Darin and best of luck.
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