A s Vogel an d Zaneto
see it, having
wood in our homes is a
chance to connect
w ith natural m aterial -
in an increasingly
p la stic world.
A stack of unfinished
cutting boards await
carving on the handles.
They’re a clever use
for scrap wood,
which some would
just throw away.
process that stabilizes the wood
by replacing moisture in the
cells. Other times he leaves piec-
es raw; the constant is that all
are handcrafted and the surface
preparation is never rushed.
Vogel envisions his finished
work in people’s homes (admit-
tedly, spacious, loft-like ones)
rather than galleries or muse-
ums, and imagines that what
could be put in his vessels is as
interesting as the forms them-
selves. This unpretentious spir-
it carries through to BCM &T’s
marketing strategy. The plan is
to sell through furniture stores
and design showrooms. Karkula,
a design shop in New York’s
Tribeca neighborhood, was the
first to pick up his work; Zaneto
is busily scouting venues in other
cities. The couple is also work-
ing on assorted small products.
The first one they created is a
custom-blend cutting board oil,
bottled in antique-looking glass
containers and sealed with wax
and ribbon. They also plan to
market cutting boards. Later this
year, they are considering some
limited-production furniture.
This diversified approach is
meant to ensure the company’s
appeal to a wide market.
Not that Vogel seems all that
concerned; for now, the lathe
has him well-occupied.
+
blackcreekmt.blogspot.com
Caroline Hannah is a design
historian in New Tork City.
Vogel can’t bear to
part with the “troubled”
wood he uses in his
turnings. Anything too
small to turn he uses
to create distinctive
collages (detail above).
062
american craft
apr/may n
www.downmagaz.com
Photos (3):BCM&T
