MEL LINDQUIST,  3 Carved Spoons 1976, Cherry Burl



 


 

Mel Lindquist, 3 Spoons  Cherry Burl, January 1976

 



 


 

Mel Lindquist, Serpentine Natural Edge Spoon,  Cherry Burl, January 1976

Dimensions: 9" following curve of back (7-3/4" over all length) x 2-1/2" deep x  2" diameter of bowl



 

 

 

 



 


Mel Lindquist, Ladle, Cherry Burl, 1976

Dimensions: 8-1/4" L x  2-1/2" high x 3-1/4" wide (bowl) 

 

 

 

 


 

Mel Lindquist, Dipper - Cherry Burl, 1976

Dimensions: 11-1/2" length x 2-3/4" wide (bowl) 

Dimension

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Many types of water dippers and ladles, and wooden spoons and scoops, were in everyday use on the Kingsburg, California, farm Mel Lindquist grew up on in the early 1900s. As an adult, spending time in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State, he became fascinated by the rustic furniture for which that region is so well known. In the late 1960s, Mel began interpreting the familiar forms of utilitarian handled containers within the natural shapes and surfaces of wood, creating pieces that express a similar natural aesthetic to that of Adirondack furniture.

The spoons, however, are not useful in the traditional sense. Their usefulness is in conveying a respect for simple everyday objects and inspiring an appreciation of the beauty and individuality of each piece of wood. Mel was fond of saying "Wood is just like people." In his spoons we see the expression of his philosophy that all individuals are worthy of respect and that each one is beautiful in a unique way.

Most of Mel's spoons were sold at craft fairs and disappeared as soon as they were put out. He kept some of his favorite spoons in his personal collection, which he called his "keepers." The three cherry burl pieces shown above were "keepers" that eventually became part of the Lindquist Studios archives. These are among the finest of Mel's spoons, kept for their form and character. Their combination of primitive and elegant qualities shows the influence of Mel's study of the crafts of Japan.

Mel Lindquist was among the first to incorporate irregularities and imperfections in carved spoons. While refering to the long tradition of utilitarian crafts, the spoons demonstrate the awakening of interest in the aesthetic appreciation of wood forms not meant for use in the traditional sense.
 
 




 


Mark Lindquist Totemic Covered Jar  |  Spoonerism  |  Captive of the Spoon  |  3 Spoons

 

 

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