Whimsy in Wood - Page 5

Cullen, who would have studied sculpture instead of engineering had it not seemed "totally impracticable," has been gradually moving in that direction. "Michael has the potential to be a tremendous sculptor," says Pierre Clauzon, who has two of Cullen's pieces in his Petaluma shop, Pierre Art & Antiques.

Cullen creates pieces he calls 'elementals,' from found pieces of wood that he carves, cuts, and rubs. "They are all about the wood and all about what the material has experienced over time," he says. "It's immediate, it's visceral connection, its just 'wow, this is amazing.'"

A recent pair of elementals suggests animals—one a bear perhaps, the other a cat. One of his largest pieces, a freeform coffee table crafted from a crosscut section of red eucalyptus, weighs 1,500 pounds. Clauzon loves the way the piece has changed color over time, evolving to a golden honey.

Cullen has written books and many articles about woodworking, and has taught at colleges and gives workshops, including a recent series in France. He also accepts apprentices. In the past he has, at times, used assistants—but less so now.

"The work has gotten a lot more personal for me," he says. He used to design a piece first, and then build it following the design.

"I don't want to build a lot like that anymore. I want to be able to stop, look at the piece, spend time with it, make small changes. I can't have someone tapping their foot next to me saying, 'What do I do next, what do I do next.'"

Photos: David Toerge; and courtesy Michael Cullen

• For more of Michael Cullen's wood creations, visit michaelcullendesign.com