Sterling Woodworking is Michael Sterling
Michael Sterling has been making custom, studio furniture for 30 years. He has shown in numerous galleries and shows, calls himself “obsessed” with one-of-a-kind furniture. Sometimes art-furniture, but always practical, ergonomic, and well-made. His pieces can be found in the homes of many private collectors, but he is probably most proud of his pieces in the Oakland Museum and Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian.
One distinguishing characteristic about the new generation furniture makers is their use of exotic hardwoods. Sterling is no exception. In fact, he goes so far as to actually cut and mill the trees from which most of his work is made. This is a concept inspired by Ernest Joyce and the poetic books of James Krenov. Additionally, Krenov's inspirational writings keyed Sterling's use of bookmatching and custom-designed handles and pulls.
Sterling lives in Chico, California. Coincidentally, there are these magnificent Claro Walnut trees there. So for over 20 years he has been harvesting these trees and specializing in that lumber – world renowned for its beauty.
Glance through the gallery to see his use of ebony, rosewood, figured maples and cherry, crotch woods, feathers, and the like. Sometimes solid, sometimes veneer, whichever is appropriate.
Among the most common pieces he is asked to create: dining tables, entryways, executive desks, credenzas, conference tables, entry tables and accent pieces, coffee tables and curio cabinets, chairs, beds……Some pieces are limited-production, others are one-of-a-kind.
Other features:
- Wide range of unique hardware, custom-made or rare handles and knobs.
- Hidden, secret compartments.
- Integration of glass, leather, chrome, brass, woven fabric, etc.
- Custom, exotic veneers or veneers sliced from his stock
- Finish: most pieces are oiled, lacquered with alcohol and moisture-resistant semigloss lacquer, and hand-rubbed.
Though small-scale, and mostly a one-man operation, Michael Sterling has networked for the last 30 years; and he has accessible to him turners, carvers, finishers, and upholsterers who are also masters.
Galleries
- Contemporary Crafts, Portland, OR
- Real Mother Goose, Portland, OR
- Fine Woodworking, Sausalito, CA
- Highlight, Mendocino, CA
- Walter/White, Carmel, CA
- Gallery Fair/William Zimmer’s, Mendocino, CA
- Cory’s, Chico, CA
- Chico Museum, Chico, CA
- Juniper Gallery, Napa, CA
- Starey-Sheets, Los Angeles, CA
- Banaker, San Francisco, CA
- Tercera Gallery, Los Gatos, CA
- Mind’s Eye, Scottsdale, AZ
- Claudia Chapline Gallery, Stinson Beach, CA
- Vagabond Rose, Chico, CA
Museums
- Oakland Museum, permanent collection
- The Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian, permanent collection
Shows
- Apr 2004
- Right at Home, Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian
- Sep 1998
- Wood Art Collectors’ Conference, San Francisco, CA
- Jan 1997
- California Design, San Francisco, CA
- Aug 1996
- CCCA Master/Apprentice Annual
- Nov 1995
- Chico Open Studio Tour
- Nov 1994
- Chico Open Studio Tour
- Aug 1994
- California Design ‘94
- Nov 1993
- Chico Open Studios Tour
- Nov 1992
- Chico Open Studios Tour
- Jan 1992
- California Design, San Francisco, CA
- Sep 1990
- Woodwise, Juniper Gallery
- Aug 1990
- Benchmark, National Invitational, Gallery Fair
- May 1990
- Chico’s Walnut, Chico Museum
- Nov 1989
- Chico Works in Wood
- Aug 1985
- Western States Invitational, Gallery Fair
- May 1983
- Butte County Fair
- May 1983
- Working with Wood, Fort Mason, CA
- May 1982
- Mendocino Woodworkers Invitational
- Aug 1981
- Pacific States Crafts Fair
- Feb 1980
- Forestry Center, Portland, OR
- Oct 1979
- Timberline Lodge Invitational