Michael Elkan

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Furniture Explorations

For more than 25 years, my exploration of the beauty and secrets of wood has continued --
How to present these gems of the forest as if on a pedestal, as simple and functional objects?
Each piece is made from a single tree so as to create a harmonious flow -- a continuum.

The Michael Elkan Rocker

Made from extraordinary wood, the carved single board seat is a unique feature
because it is so difficult to find, cut and dry pieces of the right size and quality.
The Michael Elkan Rocker: Maple Burl with Oregon Black Walnut by Michael Elkan
Maple Burl
with Oregon Black Walnut
The Michael Elkan Rocker: Single Board Seat with Matching Arms by Michael Elkan
Single Board Seat
with Matching Arms
The Michael Elkan Rocker with Steam Bent Back and Slats by Michael Elkan
Steam Bent Back and Slats

The Hollywood Rocker Set with Ebony Highlights

Rocking Chair and matching side table made from a single Holly tree with Ebony highlights.
The Holly was cut in Maryland and moved to Pennsylvania for milling, then sent to Vermont for vacuum
drying all within a three day period in order to preserve the precious white color. Original design.
NFS
The Hollywood Set: Rocking Chair and Side Table by Michael Elkan The Hollywood Set: Rocking Chair and Side Table by Michael Elkan The Hollywood Set: Rocking Chair and Side Table by Michael Elkan
Other seating explorations lead to unique presentations
of extraordinary wood and comfort.
Each exploration follows a progression in the attempt to redefine.
There is no one way.
The Bench Seat: single board seat with unique carved back and steam bent slats by Michael Elkan
Walnut

Single Board Bench

Unique single board seat with carved back and steam bent slats.
The Bench Seat: single board seat with unique carved back and steam bent slats by Michael Elkan
Fiddleback Maple

Slat Work

Slats are matching pieces consecutively cut. Used in cabinets, desks and tables,
they create an unusual reflection of light and color.

Slat Work Desk Set

Slat Work Desk Set by Michael Elkan Slat Work Desk by Michael Elkan Close-up view of Drawers on Slat Work Desk by Michael Elkan
Highly figured Maple, matched from a single tree, even the inside of the drawers.
Two drawers hidden in slat work, two drawers in pedestal (one is horizontal file).
Cantilever chair and desk details made from Rainforest Alliance Certified Chechen wood from Belize.
NFS

Slat Work Desk Set

From one tree: a desk and a
rolling office chair to match.
Slat Work Desk Set in Bubinga by Michael Elkan
Bubinga

Slat Work Cabinet

Made from a single tree of highly figured Walnut with Quilted Maple doors and sides, the slat work cabinet features six
curved front drawers.
Slat Work Cabinet with Curved Front Drawers by Michael Elkan

Folded Board Coffee Table

A single board of Birdseye Maple Burl, cut and folded so that a continuum of pattern occurs.
Color, design, and fluidity as a picture of a tree, everything in its place.
Folded Board Coffee Table by Michael Elkan Folded Maple Burl detail on Folded Board Coffee Table by Michael Elkan Folded Board Coffee Table by Michael Elkan

Butterfly's Shadow

The shadow of the butterfly joint makes the butterfly's wings appear to flutter.
Book matched leaves of fabulously figured Walnut.
NFS
Butterfly's Shadow Table by Michael Elkan Tabletop view of Butterfly's Shadow Table by Michael Elkan Tabletop view of Butterfly's Shadow Table by Michael Elkan
Butterfly's Shadow Table Set in Bubinga by Michael Elkan Bubinga Natural detail with 'Walnut Flames' on another version of the Butterfly's Shadow Table by Michael Elkan
Natural detail
with "Walnut Flames"
Opposites Attract Table by Michael Elkan and David Cotter

Opposites Attraction

An exploration of opposites matches the artistry of David Cotter's
stainless steel with its attraction to the Walnut.
Collection of David & Paula Brooks.

Beaver's Folly

Gnawed and cleaned sticks
taken from several beaver dams
are featured, au naturel, in the Beaver's Folly desk and table.
Both pieces are Walnut.
"Cycles of Nature and
Affairs of Man" Exhibit.
Beaver's Folly Table by Michael Elkan Beaver's Folly Desk by Michael Elkan
Leaves of a Tree Table in Bubinga by Michael Elkan
Bubinga
Leaves of a Tree Table in Walnut by Michael Elkan
Walnut with seats & arms
of matched Maple Burl

Leaves of a Tree

The central pedestal bases
of the Leaves of a Tree tables
are made of pieces sliced
consecutively from one board.

Natural Caverns

Turning the natural edges of book matched leaves
inward makes for a cavernous view.
Quilted Maple with Walnut & Maple chairs.

Table leg view of Natural Caverns Table by Michael Elkan
Natural Caverns Table Set in Quilted Maple with Walnut & Maple chairs by Michael Elkan
Natural Caverns Dining Set in Quilted Maple with Walnut & Maple chairs by Michael Elkan Tabletop view of Natural Caverns Table by Michael Elkan

Quilted Lady

Made from a single tree, the Quilted Lady, with book matched leaves
and butterfly joints, shows off her beautiful grain of Quilted Maple.
Chairs are Walnut & Maple (from the same tree).
Below table view of Quilted Lady Table by Michael Elkan
Quilted Lady Dining Set with Walnut & Maple chairs by Michael Elkan Below table view of Quilted Lady Table with Walnut & Maple chairs by Michael Elkan Tabletop view of Quilted Lady Table by Michael Elkan

Puro Natural

The natural shape of the Maple Burl shows uniquely
in the free edges of the Puro Natural table.
Puro Natural Dining Set in Maple Burl & Walnut by Michael Elkan
Maple Burl & Walnut

Walnut Burl Cabinet

Wall piece au naturel.
Walnut Burl Cabinet by Michael Elkan Interior view of Walnut Burl Cabinet by Michael Elkan

Original Trestle Table in Walnut

The Original Trestle Table was built in 1980, a collaboration
by Michael Elkan with Ken Altman, master bowmaker.
Trestle view of Original Trestle Table in Walnut by Michael Elkan with Ken Altman, master bowmaker Original Trestle Table in Walnut by Michael Elkan with Ken Altman, master bowmaker Tabletop view of Original Trestle Table by Michael Elkan with Ken Altman, master bowmaker
Beveled Illusion Cabinet by Michael Elkan
Close-up view of door on Beveled Illusion Cabinet by Michael Elkan

Beveled Illusion

The receding bevels create the illusion that the Walnut Beveled Illusion Cabinet changes shape depending on your viewpoint.
Close-up view of Beveled Illusion Cabinet" by Michael Elkan
Close-up view of drawers & doors on Beveled Illusion Cabinet by Michael Elkan
Cabinet with Book Matched Doors by Michael Elkan

Close-up view of Cabinet with Book Matched Doors by Michael Elkan

Cabinet with Doors of
Seven Book Matched Pieces

This cabinet's pocket doors are made with seven book matched pieces of Walnut from a single tree.
Path Home: sculpture in wood by Michael Elkan with Helen Knauff

Path Home

Walnut with three
painted-interior doors,
Path Home is a
collaboration by
Michael Elkan
with Helen Knauff.

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