THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX

Or, actually it's thinking about Celebrating Boxes a wonderful new book by Peter Lloyd and Andrew Crawford. As the publisher notes in introducing the book, "If you ever thought of a box as just six bits of wood, think again!" Just one flip through of the pages of this book told us we didn't know what we thought we knew about boxes.

There are several pictures on every page of the book and artists, woodworkers and craftsmen from Britain, U.S.A., Europe, Austrailia, Russia, Denmark, Canada, Israel and New Zealand are represented. Peter visited the U. S. and Andrew visited Australia looking for the best box makers. They began their book in February 2000 and they drew from a base of 400 makers worldwide for the final selection of 68 designers to be included in this book. Each artist tells their own story and shares insight into the many ways they are inspired.

Peter Lloyd began his woodworking career as a joiner. While fulfilling his appointment to the craft, design and technology department in a Cambria, U. K. school, he was given a piece of burr oak. Later, this wonderful wood provided the motivation for the launch of Peter Lloyd Boxes. Peter's work exhibits clear flowing lines with a signature note of interest in each piece. You'll enjoy his use of wood grains which add a special character to his work.

It was Andrew Crawford's musical career that led him to box making. For a time, he studied flute and guitar at the Royal College of Music in London, eventually giving up the flute to become a bass player in a jazz rock band. It was about this time, that he became interested in instrument repair, restoration and guitar making. The offer to share a workshop got him started in box making. The space was small and this area limitation guided Andrew to begin crafting small 'precious' items, eventually resulting in the art of the box form. Andrew defines his work this way "...like good folk music, I endeavour to blend past and present practises whilst still trying to nudge a barrier or two."

There is an overiding sense of art through all the pieces in this book. Many of these woodworkers mention the spiritual side of their work. Some of the works defy the laws of balance and gravity. Most of the craftsmen learned not in woodshop courses, but rather from other woodworkers and artists already practising the discipline of creating in wood.

A surprising number of the featured box makers are teachers and engineers who quit to do woodworking full time. The artist will out! Many of these people, however, did not consider themselves artists until they found their element in wood.

A common theme of the book is the liberation of the art that crys to be formed from each piece of wood. Just about any kind of wood is used in the construction of the boxes and various techniques - turning, sculpting, carving, fine joinery and puzzle making are used. You'll find an element of humor to these works and it is apparent the craftsmen take particular satisfaction in hiding drawers, locks and small surprises throughout their work.

Celebrating Boxes is ripe with applicable descriptions of this art form. One of the most interesting observations on boxes was made by Sam Gorman who is featured in the books. She says, "We live in boxes, we travel in boxes, when we finish working in our boxes we go home and relax in front of one. Bearing this in mind, it doesn't seem that surprising that some of us start to make them." Petra Ohnmacht, another box makes offers "Schmuckbehausungen - a place fit for jewellery to dwell in."

Box making is a great blending of art and craft. If you are looking for inspiration and motivation to get started, then you need to add this book to your library. We know you will return to it again and again. At the end of the book you will find an index of the makers with all contact information.

You can preview and purchase the book at two different websites, just click on the links below: http://www.celebratingboxes.com .

What do you give a person who has everything? A box to keep it in!