Stefan Straka,
Furniture Artist

Artist Statement
Years of building houses in Alaska and the Northwest has led me to seek refuge in the shop - there I can focus on the more refine side of woodworking. My furniture features solid forms, subtle shapes and highly figured wood.

Process
I start with envisioning the size and function of the piece I want to build. Next I choose the raw lumber. I often work with local Northwest mills using salvaged and hazard timber. I'm able to turn this high quality hardwood (Calro walnut, broadleaf maple, cherry), that these mills save from being wasted, into fine furniture. The qualities of the specific wood I'm using influences the finer details of the furniture (e.g., leg shape, drawer aspects). My finished pieces feature clean lines and accentuated exposed joinery.