Past Exhibits
Fine Furniture Show
April 12th through May 10th
Featuring the work of Aurelio Bolognesi, Michael Pietragalla & Robbi Staples.
“Three artists… three visions… one great show” is the headline for the Tatlock Gallery’s first major show of 2007. Following closely on the success of last October’s Vintage Motorcycle Show, this show also follows the theme of form merging with function. In this case, rather than the form emerging from steel, chrome and rubber, the artists are producing their functional works from a much more ancient source… wood.
“We are fortunate to have three extraordinary furniture builders, each with a different style who are able to come together at the same time, in the same place for this show” said Jena Holt, the gallery director. Each of them is highly skilled, dedicated to his craft and working with a unique vision. All of them have what I would say is a reverence for the woods they use and they allow the wood to speak with its distinctive voice.
Aurelio Bolognesi, resident of Hardwick MA, builds furniture that approaches sculpture while still retaining a high degree of functionality. Nicknamed “Bolo”, he often integrates the original shape of a board, sometimes with bark still attached, into the design. Residing and working in Europe for the first part of his life, Bolo says “I build elegant one-of-a-kind furniture using traditional joinery, with integrity and without compromise… tomorrow’s antiques.”
Residing and working in Dartmouth, MA, Robbi Staples crafts his furniture based on functionality and simple lines. While his first inspiration came from the simplicity of the Shaker designs, Robbi says his work has evolved over the last twenty years into a “traditional with a twist” style incorporating highly figured woods with soft contemporary lines. Creating furniture that will outlast changing fads and give the owner years of pleasure is Robbi’s continuing ambition.
The top floor of a historic brick mill is home for the sunlit workshop of Floating Stone Woodworks. Here you will find some of the pieces that Michael Pietragalla makes using mostly hand tools. (The Italian family name literally means stone that floats.) “I like to show the hand in my work… I have always worked with my hands and head”. A graduate of the Swain School Of Design (BFA '72), Michael engaged in a brief career with carpentry that lead him to the more detailed work of furnituremaking. “My inspiration is from the Arts & Crafts period, but it all goes back to simple and functional Japanese design. I make furniture to last, the old fashioned way with no dowels or plywood.” The finish is hand-rubbed oil and varnish, oil and wax, or French polish. “From a drawing to a finished piece takes more time but for me and for the client, it is ultimately worth it”.
The Fine Furniture Show at the Tatlock Gallery premieres Thursday, April 12 (AHA! night) from 5 pm to 9 pm with an opening reception for the artists. The show continues until Thursday May 10th (AHA! night).
Laptop Desk by Robbi Staples
Coffee Table by Aurelio Bolognesi
Billiard Chairs by Michael Pietragalla