EVAN

I was introduced to furniture making in a high school woodworking class, where we explored techniques, wood species, and fundamental joinery. My journey continued as I built my collection of hand and small power tools while in college.

My early style was influenced by the classic Mission furniture that filled my grandparents’ Craftsman style farmhouse. I made furniture for our home, relatives, and close friends. Offering my work to this small group allowed me to get quick and honest feedback about style and comfort.

It was during this early period, through word of mouth, that I began to sell to people outside of my immediate circle.  This was an intense time while my wife and I raised two daughters and I earned a master’s degree. As demand grew, I was able to begin making furniture full time in my Billings, Montana studio.

DESIGN INSPIRATION

The Craftsman-style furniture I started making 30 years ago has evolved. Forms and shapes in nature began to inspire my designs significantly. The tree that provides the wood for furniture has subtle shapes that can stimulate the inner senses to create new forms.  The curvature of the tree trunk, where it springs from the ground, has a significant curve that becomes linear as one follows it up to the canopy. This, an almost French Curve shape, provided the inspiration for my furniture leg designs several years ago.

In addition to nature, man-made structures have impacted my design concepts in subtle ways and others not so subtle. The Clevenger Collection takes inspiration from the sacred Japanese Torii Gate and the exquisitely refined shapes of the Shimagi and Kasagi top beams.  My Clevenger Collection pays homage to the Torii Gate by incorporating its sacred archway as the crowning section of the bed headboard.

Another significant design influence comes from the architectural elements and ruggedness of Timber Frame construction found in Montana and other mountainous regions.  The goal of my Mountain Timber Collection is to capture the essence of strength while doing so in a way that projects elegance and a feeling of warmth.

My design process, with all my pieces, strives to achieve a level of sophistication and integrity while protecting the core philosophy of comfort and functionality.  To fulfil the achievement of integrity and structural resilience, my pieces are fabricated using conventional woodworking joinery, such as mortise and tenon joints and dovetails for drawers. While requiring a greater undertaking of effort, these woodworking techniques ensure that my pieces will endure for several lifetimes.

MATERIAL SELECTION

My pieces are produced from American Black Walnut that is harvested from sustainable forests in the Midwest along the Missouri River Valley.  I’ve used a variety of hardwoods during my woodworking career, however, several years ago I realized that I was always drawn to the allure of Black Walnut.  The species is a beautiful dark chocolate brown with hints of purple hues. It’s almost intuitive that Black Walnut has straight grain patterns and uniformity.  However, it’s when we are lulled into the tranquility of its uniformity that Black Walnut provides us with the most spectacular grain variations.

The union of the branch at the trunk produces the most spectacular wavy, curvy chevrons at the intersection of the two.  This area of a board, known as the crotch, is generally a small section which provides the opportunity to display these unique patterns in framed panels.  The refraction of light on this transitional branch section produces a profound translucent depth in the visual experience of the panel.

Upon completion of a furniture piece, other materials are used in the process to enhance or complete the final end product.  I only use the finest quality leather or fabrics that complement the piece while providing the best comfort. Fabric patterns and color choices can be determined by the customer through consultation or supplying sample swatches.  Drawers on case goods are fitted with pulls that are selected based on their exclusivity and the ability to enhance the design aspect of the piece.

The finishing process starts with an oil-based product that is hand rubbed into the Black Walnut to stimulate and promote the wood grain.  The piece then receives several coats of lacquer to continue the process of showcasing the beauty and warmth of the Black Walnut. The special lacquer top coat provides a lasting protection to assure a beautiful appearance for years.