![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/aacd18f6-fc2d-45a5-a764-3be714370939/589abe46-3ebc-4bfd-8c77-1c1983d9354b_rw_1920.png?h=24476f070e8972147f065defbae9002d)
"My drawings and models are the slenderest of help, I may scrap them all. I invent, distort, deform, exaggerate, compound and confuse as I see it. I obey only my own instincts, which often I do not understand, myself. I often draw things I do not understand, but am secure in the knowledge that they may at some point become clear and meaningful."
- Wendell Castle
The Doe project was approached as being a side table that could house decorations and also be used for drinks and food. A static surface acts to carry things that move less, and the contents of a dynamic surface are constantly changing. By combining static and dynamic surfaces, the table can satisfy its relationships with the room and the user.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/aacd18f6-fc2d-45a5-a764-3be714370939/b921949f-4fc3-4d11-940c-e9d76d9cc97c_rw_3840.png?h=e0a995e4f43433e439c7441058151433)
Explorations in form. Emphasis made on intersection, joinery, and static vs. dynamic surfaces.
Further form exploration with consideration of joinery, and further emphasis on static and dynamic surfaces.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/aacd18f6-fc2d-45a5-a764-3be714370939/e35894c6-2433-416d-a84f-28c72de6fa54_rw_3840.png?h=25019e07395f7304c6c7b4b17bb3e3a2)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/aacd18f6-fc2d-45a5-a764-3be714370939/eddb8a43-f6d2-4c8e-ad88-fbaf289e5aff_rw_3840.png?h=bed7ee8cdfe6cbb5be496aa554857b2e)
The Decision: Outlined in red, a choice was made between two main ideas: A two surfaced table in a traditional shaker style, or a multi-surfaced table with a fabric sling.
The design moved forward with making an asymmetrical table with a tapered top, with a fabric sling to hold books.
Preliminary Model
Full Scale Drawing and Second Model
Visual tension from the curved fabric sling was interrupted by the straight cross-member on the first model. The straightness of the legs also lacked interest. It appeared to be made of 2x4 lumber.
Therefore, a second model was made with tapered legs, a hypothetical diagonal crossmember, and a tapered top with a rounded underside.
I hesitated when about to glue this cross support, asking, "Should something go here?"
The answer was yes, but it was not a cross support. A fabric sling would take its place, to hold a book, a blanket, or another accessory.
Since the sling would take the place of a cross-member, the apron of the table had to be reinforced with two slats instead of one.
These were sketches that interfaced with each model, exploring various arrangements of a sling/crossmember, as well as edge and end treatment of the legs and top respectfully.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/aacd18f6-fc2d-45a5-a764-3be714370939/93ee3b8d-3dbd-4982-bd56-61d342960ca3_rw_3840.png?h=c828393ce80d99a82cbf2f4883cf1235)
![Doe with Sling](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/aacd18f6-fc2d-45a5-a764-3be714370939/30b14c23-d243-427c-9eab-f88db280479f_rw_3840.png?h=84b74b2d1f105d3168696ceaac2aaea9)
Doe with Sling
![Sizes and Dimensions (Straight Sling?)](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/aacd18f6-fc2d-45a5-a764-3be714370939/f74f74d1-22a6-439e-a313-56eb33e2c9bb_rw_3840.png?h=e10865f1a8c202c8a5c110149b1f2c26)
Sizes and Dimensions (Straight Sling?)
![Cut List](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/aacd18f6-fc2d-45a5-a764-3be714370939/6ad04850-1d00-4cd8-91d0-eb83980b8728_rw_3840.png?h=198acdb698f0de26bb46ba7c349878c5)
Cut List
With the final design of the table decided, a cut list was created, and lumber was purchased.
Two Apron Supports
Table Assembly & Model
Shaping the Tabletop
Final Finish
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/aacd18f6-fc2d-45a5-a764-3be714370939/7979e76f-3928-44c7-82c9-f8848fea4e80_rw_3840.png?h=d05c2ac73f706a0bacc5846cb3c980e8)
Doe Table: American Sugar Maple. Sling: 10oz Unbleached and Undyed 100% Organic Cotton Canvas.