RICHARD NARDONE

Richard Nardone’s direction in furniture design is a channel for exposing the miracle and beauty of the natural world by producing uniquely organic functional art. Furniture produced through conventional assembly line progression cannot share the same reflection and inspirational creativity which goes into distinct hand made craftsmanship. “Allowing the wood to speak for itself reveals a hidden narrative thereby yielding a true one-of-a-kind organic creation.” Each piece is intrinsically created using blend of Japanese minimalism and architectural innovation. Influenced by the master George Nakashima, Nardone creates furniture which is not only unique and timeless, but designed to last generations. Typically, no hardware of any kind is used throughout the construction of a piece, unless structural limits are imposed. Rather, traditional joinery techniques such as hand cut mortise and tenon braces, butterfly inserts, dovetail joints, etc., are utilized ensuring true artisan quality. Customization is at the forefront of our work for both residential and commercial projects with an emphasis on complete sustainability. The design process starts with close attention to the client’s needs, desires, spatial limitations, decor, etc. Freehand sketches, artistic renderings and speculative images are created, modified if necessary, and then carried out. However, efforts to retain the wood’s natural or “organic” shape after it has been cut and sawn are always the primary focus. “The wood slab itself often yields the creative direction of a piece, consequentially respecting and celebrating its natural character. My work is merely a channel for exposing what is the miracle of nature.” The furniture reveres nature’s quintessence with as little intervention as possible. Large slabs of wood are hand selected and evaluated for their size, shape, color, grain match, texture, figure and structural integrity. When applicable, wood slabs can be personally selected by the client from our vast collection. A variety of species are typically used such as Claro Walnut, European Walnut, English Elm, Bubinga, Mahogany, Redwood and others. Production time varies with each piece. A project is never unduly rushed and meticulous design principles are always maintained. A disciplined perfectionist, Nardone’s signature will not go on any work until it is deemed complete and ready for release. There is an immense amount of personal care and quality control which manifests into the process of every project no matter how large or small. Compromise in excellence is never an option. Hand made joinery is difficult to design and even more difficult to execute, but the love for the craft and the pleasure in the result, far outweigh the labors. One can expect a production time of 6 to 12 weeks depending on the project’s complexity. Once a piece is completely assembled and hand sanded with extremely fine paper it is ready for finishing. A machine polishing followed by a lengthy hand rubbed oil process begins which can take up to two weeks with many thin coat applications. This procedure intensifies the wood’s grain and texture creating a beautiful, rich look. Our oils provide excellent protection and durability while enhancing the natural beauty of the wood. The oils contain no petroleum distillates, derivatives or heavy metal driers and are completely safe to the environment and the user. Manufactured from sustainable agricultural plant extracts, they are 100% non-toxic and contain no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). Unlike many oils on the market which utilize petroleum products and dangerous heavy metal dryers, the polymerized linseed oils we use dry naturally and evenly producing deep, beautiful and durable finish. Once dry, the oil is odorless and coats the surface with an elegant, non-glossy sheen. The more fashion styles change, the more they stay the same. We make objects that do not become dated with passing trends, but live on for generations complementing any decor whether being traditional or ultra contemporary with one-of-a-kind heirloom creations. Our goal is for each piece to emit tranquility and natural serenity within the room it fills, concurrently soliciting touch and appreciation from those around it. A feeling of reverence to the natural world has a profound, albeit subconscious influence to one’s inner spirituality. If we can achieve even a glimmer of this, then we have succeeded.