Modernist Branch Bench

This made-to-order bench was originally designed to honor the Ash trees that were cut down and saved by The College Of Brockport. The trees were then cut into lumber, and dried. The bench was commissioned piece that we were awarded and judged by Wendle Castle. The hand carved branch that connects the two sides is formed by two pieces joined with a ship lap joint that is then mortised and tenoned into the sides and acts as a supportive stretcher for the bench while simulating the branch of the tree.

The carved pattern resembles the bark of the Ash tree even though it is carved into walnut. Walnut was chosen to commemorate the early studio work of a number or wood artists from the late 1960s and early 1970s who preferred that combination of native light and dark hardwoods. The bench was constructed to be used every day by students and staff of the college and the bench was positioned in the lobby of the newly constructed Liberal Arts building.