Bent lamination represents a dramatic departure from most traditional fine woodworking. Rather than working within rectilinear geometry, you will lean into the materiality of the wood and explore its natural strengths through curvature. Reference face is often non-existent, so cutting joinery requires some creative thinking and novel use of machinery and hand tools. We will explore a variety of methods including cold lamination, mold making, vacuum forming, freeform lamination, and steam bending.

Just as this course will challenge you to explore unorthodox techniques, equal emphasis will be placed on experimenting with design. Through sketching, model making, and test pieces, you will rigorously develop designs unique to your personal style. Projects should take full advantage of the bent lamination techniques both aesthetically and structurally.