Karl Nielsen

From boat building on the east coast to cabinet making in Alaska, with time out to do some commercial fishing, Karl Nielsen started his formal training in the craft of furniture making in 1984. He first studied with David Powell, who had been trained by Edward Barnsly, one of the founders of the British Arts & Crafts movement. Powell stressed traditional joinery and construction techniques in combination with modern design esthetic. He then studied with the nationally recognized furniture maker, Wendall Castle. With Castle, the emphasis for creative design was never to outweigh the integrity and quality of a piece.

Curved forms have become Karl's signature. He has been inspired by previous artists who have used veneers for centuries and whose work can be found in museums around the world today. He uses solid wood and handmade veneers mostly from native hardwoods. The beauty he sees in each piece of wood, the details of design, and the integrity of his workmanship all add to the uniqueness of each piece he creates. Currently he splits his time between original designs and comissions from clients, designed to fulfill their individual needs. His habit of collecting, sawing, and drying reclaimed timber and using woods that are harvested from sustainable sources allows Karl to act as a jeweler of rare and beautiful materials.