News and Updates - August 2024
Hello everyone and thank you for following along with the happenings here at Jean-Philippe Clark Furniture & Such! I appreciate the investment in my humble process of growing my brand, making exquisite furniture, and (as always) learning as I go.
If you missed the first post (now months ago), I would recommend taking a look. It has a little bit more information on what this blog is going to be used for. I don’t expect it to be a weekly update, but I hope to be writing more frequently with shop updates, projects in progress, and other news worthy events. Of course I am active on social media, but if you are like me you appreciate more than just a few pictures. I like a good story.
Side profile of a recent dining room table. Locally sourced and milled rippled maple.
With that in mind here are some updates:
An end to the Scottish Adventure - School finished with incredible success! All furniture was sold with my two large pieces (the Arts and Crafts Settle and Little Cabinet With a View) going to one family in East Lothian. More on these pieces below.
Moving Home - I’m back in Flagstaff after my studies in Scotland and in the throws of working on commissioned pieces. I recently finished a dining room table for a family in Boulder, CO and am currently working on a work/conference table for a local Flagstaff office.
Upcoming Projects - Some exciting projects are in the works including two fitted interior pieces. I’m keeping those close lipped for now, but I’ll be excited to share them soon.
Workshop Expansion - In the very near future I’ll be moving my shop out of its current, 200sqft space and into a larger building. With that comes bigger tools, faster turnaround time, and more freedom to make!
Additional Ventures - Three things to mention…
I’m thrilled to share that I’m starting to work with a local Flagstaff program on a woodshop project for unhoused and disenfranchised individuals. Community Assistance Teams of Flagstaff has recently expanded operations into two warehouse spaces, one of which will have dedicated tools for us to teach valuable skills and self efficacy. Seriously stay tuned!
Merchandise through the website is coming! During the next few months, especially leading up into the holidays, I will be in production mode in addition to working on the commissioned pieces on the bench. We are going to start local, offering a variety of river and camping themed items.
Annual Grand Canyon Youth auction is coming up! I typically have 1-2 pieces in the auction that start off with wildly low bids. The past two years have included chairs that would normally be priced at close to $1000. This is an opportunity to help out kids getting on rivers.
Finally, some fun news to share:
Student of the year - Upon graduating from Chippendale International Furniture School, I was graciously presented with the Student of the Year award. I’m thrilled to have taken a chance on education and can’t wait to write my thoughts down for everyone. Until then, Chippendale did a lovely write up on me that can be found here.
Shortlisted for the Young Furniture Makers Awards - Both the the Arts and Crafts Settle and Little Cabinet With a View have been shortlisted for the Bespoke Award offered by the Furniture Makers’ Company. On 1 October, myself and others shortlisted for these awards will be exhibiting our work in London. It is free to attend and if you are certainly welcome to attend if you can make it! Registration is found here. I was recently featured on their website from an interview I did leading up to the event. That can be found here.
BBC Radio Interview - As I was completing the course, the BBC podcast Scotland Outdoors came to the school to learn more. I was one of the folks interviewed by Mark along with the Principle and a few of my cohort. Its a nice listen if you haven’t heard it already. Found here.
School picture day, even for adults we get dressed up.
Recently completed dining table.
Myself and the design award recipient. Mishka runs Fidra Furniture out of Scotland.
Back in my shop in Arizona. As always, I use traditional hand skills in all my furniture.
Thank you once again for coming along this journey with me. Stay tuned for more news and other musings of the day.
With love,
Jean-Philippe (your friendly neighborhood furniture maker)
