Phil Wendt Furniture Design
I’ve been woodworking for since 1989, focusing primarily on designing and building fine furniture. My early inspiration for furniture design came from the Arts and Crafts period, and was further influenced by the simplicity and directness of the Shakers.
Although I’ve been building my own contemporary designs for many years, I haven’t strayed too far from my earlier influences. I’m drawn to clean simple lines, and strive above all to create furniture that is comfortable, pleasing to the eye and to the touch, and that will last a lifetime.
I have designed and built furniture on commission, and have collaborated with architects and designers on furniture pieces for their client’s homes. My award-winning designs have appeared in shows such as Art in the Redwoods, Wood Creations, and online in Fine Woodworking. I am a member of the Sonoma County Woodworkers Association, and when purchasing hardwoods for my furniture pieces I use FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certified wholesalers.
Art Tour of Japanese Artists and Woodworkers
Art Tour at my Studio/shop
On July 13, 2016 my shop and our home were part of an Art Tour of Japanese Artists and Woodworkers sponsored through the Mendocino Art Center. I considered it quite an honor to be asked to be part of the tour of local Artists’ Studios by these Japanese visitors. They spent an hour or two touring my shop and our home focusing on my furniture and, as it turned out, Barbara’s Art quilts.
House Tour
Over the years, I had built most of the furniture that fills our home. It was a wonderful afternoon sharing ideas and experiences. It was also nice for us to be reminded that no matter how individual our respective art or craft pursuits may be, we are all still part of a larger creative community of “Makers.”
Latest Work
Bar Stool Trio in Sipo Mahogany, Wenge and Leather (Commissioned Work)
Three Stools in Sipo Mahogany, Wenge and Leather
Finished Stool
To see the design and construction process of how I built these commissioned stools check out the Bar Stool Trio feature in my In The Shop Now Page.
Furniture Gallery
Garden Bench using Recycled Redwood
In The Garden
To see the design and construction process of how I built this bench check out the Redwood Garden Bench feature in my In The Shop Now Page.
Floating-top Bench in Bubinga and Maple (60″L X 20″W X 18″H)
SOLD! This piece is currently on display and available for purchase at the Spindrift Gallery in Gualala. SOLD!
Organic Table in Zebrawood and Bubinga (54″L X 16″W X 30″H)
“Lyric, a perfect marriage of form and function. Execution is flawless.” 2008 Art in the Redwoods Judge Judi Throckmorton, in presenting the award for my “Organic Table in Zebrawood and Bubinga”.
Joinery Detail: Organic Table in Zebrawood and Bubinga
Organic Barstool in Bubinga (19″L X 17″W X 30″H)
Pair of Organic Barstools in Bubinga
Organic Stool Joinery Detail
Shaker-Style Dresser in Birds Eye Maple, Cherry, and Apricot (28″L X 18″W X 53″H)
Shaker-Style Armoire in Cherry and Bubinga (40″L X 21″W X 72″H)
Commissioned Work
Wall-Mounted Book Display Shelf in Bubinga and Wenge (17″ X 24″ X17″)
To see how this display shelf was made, you can see the process at my In The Shop Now page.
Mahogany and Wenge End Table (30′ X 30″ X 24″)
Mahogany and Wenge Barstool with Leather Seat (17″L X 17″W X 36″H)
Mahagony Barstools with Wenge Accents (with leather seat)
Phil your work is awesome! Have you worked with other local woods like tan oak and madrone.
Thanks very much John. I have worked with a some locals but only on small turned pieces, no joinery. So many choices, so little time!