New piece of Bambusero furniture

[Mark Mortimer]

Hi all.
i've just finished another coffee table I'd like to share with you.
One big curved piece of moso, and the rest is a recycled timber called rimu. It's very easy to put together. In this piece the bamboo is the backbone of the table, all other elements such as legs and board support, coming from it.
the most time consuming part was carving the timber so that the bamboo would fit snugly.
This is a general view:
http://www.bamboocraft.net/gallery/data/525/31DSCN0184-med.jpg view large (http://www.bamboocraft.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=148&size=big&sort=1&cat=525)
Here's a general view. It looks to me a bit like the Loch Ness monster surfacing before going back down to the depths below!
Or a Zulu shield.
I need a name for this table so I'd appreciate any ideas.

This is a side view:
http://www.bamboocraft.net/gallery/data/525/31DSCN0295-med.jpg view large (http://www.bamboocraft.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=147&size=big&sort=1&cat=525)
This photo shows the way the curved moso punches it's way through the timber board. Also you can easliy see the construction details

I'm finding that I'm using more timber in my work, this may be to do with the fact that I now live in New Zealand, which has wonderful timbers, and plenty of it too. I think it's a good marriage.
Also, bamboo actually has a sort of bad reputation here. Say bamboo furniture to anyone and they immediately think of poorly made rickety patio furniture of the Bali style. I'm trying to change that with innovative design, and good finishing. Subsequently my work is low volume/high cost stuff. Needless to say, I can't make a living doing solely that yet, but it's something I'm working on.
I'd like to hear any feedback.
Cheers, Mark

[CaroleMeckes]

The design is exquisite!
Looks like a rocket!
What are the dimensions?
Carole

[jmbamboo]

Really beautiful Mark. Are those some type of bindings around the moso culm?
Jim

[Mark Mortimer]

Thanks Jim and Carol
The table is about 1.7 meters long from tip to tip and about 40cm wide at its widest.
Here's a couple of shots which show the bindings:
http://www.bamboocraft.net/gallery/data/525/3131DSCN0275-med-med.jpg

http://www.bamboocraft.net/gallery/data/525/31dscn0279-thumb.jpg
bindings close-up - see larger (http://www.bamboocraft.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=150)

The material I use is called Lupolino, and I get it sent over from Argentina. But it's just waxed nylon, used in the leatherworking industry. You can get it in the States, i think from montana, here you go, just found it again:

http://www.montanaleather.com/thread.htm

I was holding the piece of Moso in my hand when I was searching for the right timber down at the timber yard, whilst talking to someone. Suddenly the culm started cracking right there and then!! Every few seconds it did another crack sound and a crack moved another few inches down the culm!! I was mortified. i'd spent hours going through all my moso stock looking for the right curve / length / diameter etc... I narrowed it down to having placed the culm in the sun for a while to try to beach off the remaining greenness, and then transporting it in a hot car, and then suddenly taking it with me into a cool shady timber wharehouse. It didn't like it.
Anyway, that was when i decided to bind it. I bind nearly all my interior furniture, as bamboo will split at some point in it's life. I don't mind that, but not if it will compromise it's structural integrity.
With this particular piece, I decided to use it to my advantage, and picked out the nodes by binding on either side of them, highlighting them. The binding or knot is the one used by shakuhachi makers. It's very strong. I've even managed to close cracks using it.
Now I just have to sell it the piece. It's currently sitting in a Futon/Japanese type furniture shop in Auckland

[TribalWind]

Wow.. now that is Really beautiful.

make me want to move to a warmer zone so i can grow the Big stuff myself :)

Great work mark, i'd be proud to have that in my home

[Mark Mortimer]

Thank you Tribal,
Actually the Moso comes from near New Plymouth North Island New Zealand, and I have a feeling you can grow it in some pretty cold places. I'm not an expert though.
i must say I'm pretty pleased with the table myself. I must make one for myself. My wife has seen a succesion of tables go through our living room. We live with them for a few days then say bye. sad really.

[Tanya]

The piece is spectacular! Looks like a surfboard. I'am looking to learn from the masters in bamboo. Or just from experienced artists like yourself. Currently living in Yosemite and willing to travel. Building with bamboo is beautiful. To work with it and make a living is a great idea. Send me an e-mail if you know of any serious teachers. hiddenfallsyosemite@yahoo.com Thanxs!Tanya