- The Artful Wooden Spoon by Joshua Vogel, Chronicle Books, 176 pages, $34.
Elegant in its simplicity, the wooden spoon has claimed its place in kitchens since man first made tools.
The modern version presented in this beautifully photographed book is a work of functional art.
The spoon is a creation of reduction; by removing material the final product is revealed. Joshua Vogel presents an extensive selection of wooden spoons that celebrate the notion of handcrafted.
The basic carving techniques and appropriate tools are first introduced before moving on to look at more sophisticated approaches. Vogel provides detailed descriptions of the various stages of carving, along with the correct use of the different tools that are used. From simple flat designs to ambitious curves and deep bowls he presents a broad spectrum of methods to create beautiful wooden spoons.
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- American Rustic by Chase Reynolds Ewald, Gibbs Smith Publishers, 208 pages, $68.
The image conjured up by the American Rustic description is often one of log cabins, stone fireplaces and heavy wooden furniture.
That connection is true of its origins as an offshoot of the arts and crafts movement and its move to natural materials and a sense of place. But while its appeal has gone in and out of fashion it has continued to evolve.
Today the American rustic style can be found anywhere. Its guidelines of connecting with the local environment, utilizing local materials and clean lines are being re-imagined with a new old esthetic. Author Chase Reynolds Ewald examines more than a dozen properties that are beautifully photographed by Audrey Hall. Through conversations with the owners and architects Ewald tells the history of each one and its construction. Hall's photographs provide a guided tour of these stunning homes and their surrounding landscape.
