#sgwoodwork

[kjungwoodwork]

A Pooja Mandir is a home for the gods. It is a place where Hindus meditate, chant and make their daily offerings.

I was very honoured to be asked to design and make this home shrine recently. I approached it with lots of care and respect.

This Mandir is made from solid birch with book-matched walnut veneered front foldable doors. The top stupas are turned from flamed maple. There are small panels of marquetry flowers on the lower sides and a pull out tray for holding offerings.

Inside, a solid maple tray seated within walnut beadings. Finished with a hardwax oil and renaissance wax.

It is so apt that today is Deepavali, also known as the ‘festival of lights’. Wishing all good health and endless joy on this day!

[kjungwoodwork]

Meditation stool 2020

Walnut Meditation stool with Buddhism inspired marquetry.

I am extremely thankful for the trust my clients have in me even though I have barely started my journey in marquetry.

This mediation stool was a special commission and I was thrilled to be able to incorporate a marquetry realisation for the top. 

As with all pieces, it had to go through various rounds of design and considerations, and was settled at a height and angle comfortable for long duration meditation specific to my client. 

The marquetry design is a blend of the lotus and other floral patterns; formed with colours distinct to Buddhism Art. I ended up French Polishing for that high gloss surface. 

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This year has been a rather good one; with some time (during the lockdown) to experiment, and discover new techniques and materials. To spend some time doing things out of ‘work’. Most importantly, to slow down and let myself catch up with myself. 

So, I’m ending off 2020 with a showcase and work-in-progress of this piece, and looking forward to the adventures ahead in 2021. 

[kjungwoodwork]

‘Le Poupon’ Drinks Cabinet.

Some work-in-progress photos of the veneered panels and constructional joinery. I chose to use angled dovetails for the carcass construction even though they will all be covered up by the walnut veneer. This is a personal decision for maximum stability and strength. 

[kjungwoodwork]

‘The Cloud’

A year ago I decided to enter the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize 2020. I was inspired by a traditional Chinese furniture style known as' 回纹摆件' (hui wen ba jian) or ‘卷云纹’ (juan yun wen); returning/rolling cloud pattern. This was something I saw at a museum and was immediately drawn to it.

This piece can stand on all sides, creating a different experience and on each angle; thus like a cloud which changes as you look at it at various points. Dovetails are chosen as they are historically found in both the western and eastern civilisations; thus bringing my personal experience of being trained in the west, yet with my oriental roots. 

This was made with book matched walnut with corner mitred dovetails and internal radiuses. I tried to create an external waterfall effect with the continuous grain of the walnut but I know the limitations of having exposed end grain (which was intended) 

I didn’t make it to the finals but I am very happy that I embarked in this personal piece. The picture of Baby Stewie is included for scale of size. 

[kjungwoodwork]

‘The Cloud’

Some close up images of the piece showing the curves and the corners.

[kjungwoodwork]

An elegant Mignardises trolley made for petit fours (small bite-sized confectionery or savoury appetiser) or coffee and tea presentation. A small drawer extends out from the middle to serve as an additional surface. Movable trays sit underneath, along with a deep caddy for bottles. Made with solid walnut, walnut butcher top, carved walnut handle drawer with cedar, petite brass wheels and cedar trays. Finished with Rubio food safe oil. Another realisation made together with Chef Jeremy Gillon of JAG restaurant. 

[kjungwoodwork]

I have officially moved into the #orchardlibrary. (Orchard Gateway level 3) I will be the Artist in Residence for the next couple of months. Do come by and visit if you are in the area. Who would have guess to have woodworking in the library?! I have challenged myself to go unplugged and use only hand tools. Still, it will be quite a feat keeping my noise low and the shavings at bay. Wish me luck!

[kjungwoodwork]

The first of several commissions by Jeremy Gillon, a Michelin Star Chef who recently opened his restaurant, JAG, in Singapore. Jeremy came to me before the opening of his restaurant with a range of ideas for his restaurant. I was intrigued with his ideas, got extremely excited and started working on this first piece, a cheese trolley. 

The trolley is made mainly with red oak with walnut accents. The drawers are fitted with a pair of fork and knife drawer pulls that kept the service ware. A drop leaf side table for serving plates and a flip top compartment for various condiments that went with the exquisite cheeses. The entire cheese ‘box’ is placed on an existing trolley which I had repurpose for this commission. Finished with Rubio Monocoat, a food safe and 0%VOC polish which I recently started using especially for items which come into contact with food. 

My wife and I were invited for dinner on the day I delivered the trolley. Towards the end of a fantastic dinner, we got to see it wheeled out during the cheese service. What a treat for me. It is always nice to see my pieces appreciated, and being used for their purpose. 

On to the next piece. Stay tuned.