“George Nakashima, Woodworker" at the Figge Art Museum -- May 15.
Thursday, May 15, 6 p.m.
Figge Art Museum 225 West Second Street, Davenport IA
On May 15, patrons of Davenport's Figge Art Museum are invited to the venue's John Deere Auditorium for the definitive documentary about George Nakashima's famed furniture design and woodworking practice in George Nakashima, Woodworker, the film's screening followed by a discussion and Q&A with the director – and George's nephew – John Nakashima.
George Nakashima (1905-1990) is one of the best-known and influential woodworkers in history. His works were always finely crafted from solid hardwoods and always fell into two categories: his perfected but simple nuanced forms, and his explorations of the endless complexities found inside centuries-old trees. The craftsman and artist did not come to woodworking until his mid-30s after a worldwide search for meaning for several years during the Great Depression. During his seeker’s journey, Nakashima found important answers that brought him to evolve this new approach to woodworking. It is a timeless story for anyone who has a fascination with the creative process.
A two-hour documentary that offers a rare and very personal perspective of Nakashima and the work that he designed and produced over a period of 54 years, George Nakashima, Woodworker offers viewers a unique opportunity to see Nakashima as he develops and refines his aesthetics, craft, and philosophy. Following his seven-year "seeker's journey," Nakashima returned to the United States with the knowledge and wisdom he found and used it to become one of the most original woodworker/designers the world has seen. It is said by critics that George’s work always grew better, until, near the end of his life, he was creating his finest works. The film contains information, interviews, archival footage, recordings, and photographs otherwise lost in time, the product of 20 years worth of research and editing, all deftly woven together in a unique and compelling story about the man who changed woodworking forever. His influence has been formative and life-changing for makers in almost every country, while his body of work and approach to furniture making is central to design history, leading him to become the only woodworker who is a household name throughout the world. Jon Binzen, editor and writer for the magazine Fine Woodworking, says, “Every woodworker tries their hand at making at least one George Nakashima slab table.”
George Nakashima, Woodworker will be screened in the Davenport museum's John Deere Auditorium on May 15, the 6 p.m. showing is free, and the Figge Bar (only cards accepted) will be open at 5 p.m. For more information on the evening, call (563)326-7804 and visit FiggeArtMuseum.org.
