Swahili II

Dimensions: 94” wide, 26” high, 32” deep

Materials: African Mozambique exterior, White Birch interior

Date: Completed in 1990 as a private commission

Description: Cabinet/sculpture with 4” thick doors and sides carved in solid Mozambique. Interior fitments include trays for bottles and glasses, pull-outs for stereo and television units as well as drawers for CD storage.

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Thoughts on my work: I enjoy the entire process of working with wood - from the idea of its origins in the living tree, through the excitement of bringing color and figure to the surface in carving; to the satiny feel of a wooden surface which is finely sanded and finished. I could achieve the same results in form in other media, and some would present less structural limitations, but I would miss the complex satisfactions of this natural material.

Michael Coffey at Work

Touch and Go

Dimensions: Dimensions: 96” wide, 84” high, 18” deep

Materials: African Mozambique wood

Date: Completed for show in 1992

Description: The union of two cabinets and a connecting sculpture carved out of Mozambique place this work squarely in the no-man’s land between functional furniture and non-functional art. The cabinet doors open to display interior drawers and shelves suitable for stereo or buffet use. The sinuous, dramatic form which connects them seems to balance on one toe, as if poised for flight. Hidden wall mounts complete the engineering of a massive piece of furniture which conveys lightness and delicacy.

Variations

Dimensions: Individual units are as follows:

1) Bar (left side of photo),

"Allegro" carving motif, 36" wide, 16" high, 16” deep;

2) General purpose cabinet (center of photo), "Crescendo” carving motif, 36" wide, 42" high, 12" deep;

3) Desk (right side of photo), "Counterpoint" carving motif, 42" wide, 14” high, 14" deep;

4) Shelves, each carved in a different motif, measure 16", 20", 36" and 42" wide, all 4" high and 12" deep.

Materials: African Mozambique and White Oak

Date: Completed for show in 1977; subsequent commissions executed.

Description: Wall system consisting of modular combinations of wall-hung cabinets and shelves. Individually mounted, the units can be grouped in any arrangement on a wall and can be combined with paintings, sculpture or other objects or decorations. Dovetail cabinet construction. All units are carved on the front and both sides.