Artists Statement
The
goal of each of my projects is to create a piece that shows the true
beauty of the natural wood while providing a practical functional
use. Cutting each piece of wood is like looking for treasure, not
knowing what I will find.
I refer to many of my designs as “Mission Japanese.” I am greatly influenced by Mission Arts and Crafts style. Mission design is functional and focuses on the beauty of the wood grain rather than ornate carvings. My handles and adornments tend to be natural wood with gentle curves showing the influence of Japanese design.
I hand select the wood for each project. The look and figure of the wood influences and sometimes determines the ultimate design for each piece that I build. Each piece is handcrafted and unique. Hand tools are critical to the building of most pieces. Mortising, sanding and much of the joinery is done by hand.
The finish is a key element to the heirloom quality of the piece. Many pieces require over half a dozen steps and up to two weeks to obtain the desired finish. Sanding and finishing usually takes up to half the build time for each project.
I refer to many of my designs as “Mission Japanese.” I am greatly influenced by Mission Arts and Crafts style. Mission design is functional and focuses on the beauty of the wood grain rather than ornate carvings. My handles and adornments tend to be natural wood with gentle curves showing the influence of Japanese design.
I hand select the wood for each project. The look and figure of the wood influences and sometimes determines the ultimate design for each piece that I build. Each piece is handcrafted and unique. Hand tools are critical to the building of most pieces. Mortising, sanding and much of the joinery is done by hand.
The finish is a key element to the heirloom quality of the piece. Many pieces require over half a dozen steps and up to two weeks to obtain the desired finish. Sanding and finishing usually takes up to half the build time for each project.
About the Artist
Michael Quattrociocchi is an award winning wood craft artisan. He
started working with wood when he was 9 years old in a shop that was
shared by his father and uncles in Rome, NY. Much of the basics of
woodworking were taught by his father. Through reading books by authors
such as Tage Frid and James Krenov, he tried out different joinery techniques to refine his craft.
Michael worked for Lockheed Martin for 25 years and recently retired to devote much of his time to woodworking. Six years ago he started to exhibit at juried art shows as a way to enter the art world. While working full time, he limited the number of shows to two per year. Michael moved to Milford, DE in the Spring of 2011.
Recent Awards:
2010 - 1st Place for Wood at Colorscape in Norwich, NY and 1st Place for Fine Crafts at Window on the Arts Festival in Windsor, NY.
2011 - Honorable Mention (2nd Place) at the Syracuse, NY Arts and Crafts Festival, and 1st and 3rd Place for 3D Artwork at the Mispillion Art League Autumn Show in Milford, DE
Michael worked for Lockheed Martin for 25 years and recently retired to devote much of his time to woodworking. Six years ago he started to exhibit at juried art shows as a way to enter the art world. While working full time, he limited the number of shows to two per year. Michael moved to Milford, DE in the Spring of 2011.
Recent Awards:
2010 - 1st Place for Wood at Colorscape in Norwich, NY and 1st Place for Fine Crafts at Window on the Arts Festival in Windsor, NY.
2011 - Honorable Mention (2nd Place) at the Syracuse, NY Arts and Crafts Festival, and 1st and 3rd Place for 3D Artwork at the Mispillion Art League Autumn Show in Milford, DE
