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woodezine - Volume
II - Issue X - October 2004
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All text and images on this page are copyrighted and
are reproduced with the artist's permission.
Furniture Builder of
the Month
Sponsored by
Village Originals
Photo by Raymond Gendreau
Cecil Ross
| Halfway between Seattle and
Olympic National Park, awash in the waters of Puget Sound, lies a long,
skinny strip of land called Bainbridge Island. Seattle can be seen across
the water, but it's a long drive around the Sound. There's a ferry service,
but Bainbridge still is a refuge from the madding crowd - a small sanctuary
of sanity along a coastline reeling under the menace of suburban sprawl.
It must be difficult at times for Cecil Ross to reconcile the two diverse worlds on his doorstep - the quiet island and the teeming city. Here is a man who says that "the sourcing of wood is especially dear to my heart, using sustainable harvested lumber wherever possible." A conservationist by nature, he delights in producing "the highest quality product while adhering to a green philosophy.". Cecil uses lumber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, and a finish created from natural vegetable oils and waxes. It is made in Germany to exacting standards to meet all child safety regulations, yet is designed as a floor finish to withstand constant use.
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Cecil's Owl Coffee Table is executed in Oregon
walnut with spectacular figure and bark inclusions. 59 1/4" x 34 1/2"
x 18 1/2" |
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Guitar and ukulele stands in walnut and mahogany. Click to enlarge. |
Thirty-four years ago, this South African native moved with his wife and two children to the San Francisco Bay area and became engrossed in boatbuilding. He passion for working wood has evolved into "a life-long dedication to designing and building things as diverse as cruising and racing sailboats, to homes and fine interiors." Now, Cecil works out of his Bainbridge Island studio, creating one-of-a-kind pieces for the home and garden. "All pieces are handmade and of original design, utilizing traditional joinery methods," he says. "The high degree of finish begs the client to caress the piece and enjoy it to its fullest. I work closely with clients to help ensure that the furniture suits its surroundings and that no two pieces are quite alike, often allowing the wood to dictate the design of the piece. A background as a trained draftsman and boat designer lends originality and professionalism to the designs that reflect this diversity." |
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This commissioned cherry chair and ottoman was built in the spirit of Sticley's Arts & Crafts/Mission style. Click to enlarge. |
Looking like its tip was dipped in chocolate, Cecil's
Entryway/Display Table features beautifully figured local maple with
a birds-eye pattern and freeform edges. The leg structure is Oregon
walnut. As of September 2004, this piece was still available for purchase. |
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This staggeringly dramatic slab of Yellowwood comes from the temperate rainforest of South Africa, where it was responsibly sourced through the South Africa Parks Salvage Program. It awaits a commission. Click to enlarge. |
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A commission undertaken for a client who admires
Cecil's Arts & Crafts inspired work, this handsome bookcase was
executed in |
To see a whole lot more of this wonderful artist's work,
Visit Cecil Ross online (http://www.cecilross.com).
To ask him a question or talk about commissioning a piece, send
him an e-mail.
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