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Former N.H. State Artist Laureate David Lamb creates masterwork in honor of the 100th Anniversary of Acadia National Park
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CANTERBURY, N.H. - David Lamb developed an early connection with Acadia National Park. His father and stepmother lived on the island for a number of years and his childhood exploration of its wilds created the spark of inspiration for his latest masterwork, 'The Four Seasons of Acadia.'
Last winter, the
Gallery at Somes Sound approached the N.H. Furniture Masters about commissioning a piece for
"Acadia through a Furniture Makers Eyes" as part of the Acadia Centennial Collection. David Lamb presented his concept for 'The Four Seasons of Acadia' and it was readily accepted.
The Gallery assisted in securing a patron to support the complex making of the piece which took the entire spring to build. Lamb emphasized his gratitude, "Without the patron's assistance, 'Four Seasons' may have remained just a sketch to be imagined."
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'Four Seasons' is primarily curly maple with birch predominating the facade and carved panel and featuring Lamb's 'black ice' design element that he has been perfecting for several years.
The birch 'black ice' is a fractal orientation of crotch figure birch and there are hundreds of pieces fitted throughout the door faces, apron, upper legs and corners. "Black ice relates directly to the rigors and extremes of weather we face in New England and the darker months of winter." said Lamb.
Lamb continued, "I created an exceptionally visual piece, leveraging the illusory effects inherent to the feathered figuring in the wood to evoke other repetitive patterns seen in nature - a river's eddy, a fern's growth, a cirrus cloud."
For the remainder of the cabinet's exterior, Lamb chose a curly maple, also dyed in black, but with a less concentrated finish to allow the wood's spectacular figuring to shine through.
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When the cabinet is opened, spring, summer and fall - rendered in a lush curly maple - burst into view. The interior is dominated by a richly carved panel depicting the stone bridges, trees and plants common to the park. Lamb explained, "I wanted to pay tribute to the beautiful carriage roads constructed by John D. Rockefeller throughout Acadia National Park and the bridge represents the span of 100 years, a nod to the park's centenary."
'The Four Seasons of Acadia' addresses all aspects of the seasons in its ice display on the exterior and interior carving and warm coloring.
To view, Lamb recommends first walking the trails of Acadia National Park and then heading to The Gallery of Somes Sound, 1112 Main Street, Somesville, Maine, where
"Acadia through a Furniture Makers Eyes" featuring 'The Four Seasons of Acadia' will be on exhibit until October 31.
'The Four Seasons of Acadia' is available for purchase by contacting the Gallery at Somes Sound,
(207) 244-1165, art@galleryatsomessound.com.
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Video of David Lamb presenting 'The Four Seasons of Acadia,' Saturday, July 9, 2016.
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Scenes from The Gallery at Somes Sound opening reception for "Acadia through a Furniture Makers Eyes" and first public reveal of 'The Four Seasons of Acadia,' Saturday, July 9, 2016.
Pictured with David Lamb is Tyra Hanson, The Gallery at Somes Sound, who proposed the commission to the N.H. Furniture Masters.
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About David Lamb: New Hampshire-based artisan David Lamb [b. 1958, Laconia, NH] is recognized as one of the most gifted American furniture makers working today. Characterized by exquisite craftsmanship and extraordinary creativity, Lamb's signature style is a unique blend of period forms, Shaker sensibilities, classic re-interpretations and contemporary influences. His latest commission, Four Seasons of Acadia, is a commemorative piece for Acadia National Park's 2016 Centennial Celebration and a beautiful example of the artist's breathtaking facility in manipulating wood to create an aesthetic that is visually arresting and utterly engaging.
Lamb was raised in New Hampshire's Canterbury Shaker Village and apprenticed with the master European cabinetmaker Alejandro de la Cruz. Following this traditional training, he enrolled in Boston University's Program in Artisanry where he studied under fellow Furniture Master Jere Osgood and Alphonse Matia. Lamb is the recipient of numerous design awards and his work has been featured in such publications as the Wall Street Journal, Traditional Home Magazine, the New York Times, and NH Home Magazine. He is a founding member of the N.H. Furniture Masters Association - an organization dedicated to continuing the state's legacy of fine furniture making - and served as the state's fifth Artist Laureate from 2010 to 2014.
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The New Hampshire Furniture Masters are a group of professional furniture artisans committed to preserving the centuries-long tradition of fine furniture making. The association promotes the growth of fine furniture making, as well as the sale of fine furniture by its members, by hosting exhibitions; engaging in collaborative marketing and educational activities; and partnering with museums, art organizations, and galleries. The organization strives to uphold the highest standards of quality craftsmanship through a peer-reviewed jury system. The Furniture Masters' Gallery is located at 49 South Main Street, Concord, New Hampshire.
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