George Nakashima’s legacy: wood, time and philosophy
- George Nakashima
- Photography: Monika Mróz
In the heart of Pennsylvania, George Nakashima Woodworkers is not just a woodworking shop, but a sanctuary where wood and philosophy converge. Founded over eighty years ago by George Nakashima, this space reflects a deep connection to nature and a dedication to the art of working with natural materials.
A vision that honors natural materials
Nakashima, born in 1905 in Spokane, Washington, and trained as an architect at MIT, found in wood and natural materials a means to express his vision of the world. His approach moved away from the modernist trends of his time, seeking instead a more intimate and respectful relationship with the materials. During his internment in a concentration camp in Idaho during World War II, he learned traditional Japanese woodworking techniques from Gentaro Hikogawa, which profoundly influenced his later work.
“Wood is our muse and our palette; its shapes and colors speak to those who know how to listen.”
– Mira Nakashima
The uniqueness of unique designs
The workshop in New Hope, Pennsylvania, is an extension of this philosophy. Each piece created there is unique, respecting the natural forms of the wood and highlighting its imperfections as part of its intrinsic beauty. This approach is manifested in the use of live edges and butterfly joints, techniques that celebrate the individuality of each plank.
“To care for the forest is to witness it all: nature unfolds, the seasons pass. Traces of nature’s great variety appear on the freshly fallen snow.”
– George Nakashima
A legacy that crosses generations
After George’s death in 1990, his daughter Mira Nakashima took over the management of the workshop. Mira, also an architect, has continued her father’s legacy, combining his teachings with her own vision. Under his leadership, the workshop has maintained its commitment to quality craftsmanship and explored new forms and designs, always true to the essence of Nakashima’s work.
The testimony of Nakashima‘s philosophy
The workshop environment, with carefully arranged structures and their integration with the surrounding landscape, offers an experience that transcends a simple visit to a workspace. It is a place where time seems to stand still, inviting reflection and appreciation for natural beauty. Every corner tells a story, every piece of furniture bears witness to a philosophy that values harmony between man and nature.
George Nakashima Woodworkers represents a way of understanding architecture and design that prioritizes authenticity, sustainability and respect for materials. In a world where mass production and standardization are the norm, this workshop offers an alternative that celebrates uniqueness and a deep connection to the environment and natural materials.
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