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Bone Furniture, Part III

Candle stand

“It’s Not About the Table,” by Paula McCullough

Cow bone, Redwood, and Western Red Cedar

End table

“It’s All About the Table,” by Paula McCullough

Cow bone and Western Red Cedar

The last artist to be included in this bone furniture exhibition is myself, Paula McCullough. I am honored and thrilled to be a part of the Phoenix Commotion let alone have an opportunity to exhibit in Texas alongside Dan and Bob.

I'm fairly new to making furniture, let alone working with bone. To date I have made a few found object pieces when I lived in Vermont, and now that I'm newly transplanted to Huntsville, Texas I look forward to creating more functional works with and for the Phoenix Commotion.

My first wood and bone piece was the candle stand. I call it 'It's not about the table' as it was very challenging for me to get the hang of physics/gravity and general furniture making skills seemingly over night. I was pushed almost to my limit working with a time crunch and new materials. I am happy to say the table, albeit ever so slightly a-tilt, works fine, is sturdy and if you were to shave the lower sides off two candles, you're good to go for a little romantic evening. Dry flowers or twigs could also be inserted to suit your visual needs. The bones are permanently affixed to the top of the stand. Table stand approx. 29", 9.5" wide.

The second table is more of an end or side table. Four cow jaw bones are screwed to the top with sliced bones dotting the center line. The underbelly of the table has several 45 degree angle scrap pieces of redwood for support and decor, while 4 cow vertebra's dangle securely onto each leg below. This table is called, 'It's all about the table' as this time I felt more comfortable with the materials and was less conscientious. Measurements: approx 22" tall, 27" long and 16" wide.

The bone furniture in all three posts (see first and second below) are exhibiting and available for sale. Contact Doss Heritage & Culture Center in Weatherford, Texas for more information.

Bone Furniture, Part II

“Arrested Development,” by Bob Maninger

Cow bone, Sycamore, and Western Red Cedar

Robert Maninger, EdD is an Assistant Professor at Sam Houston University. Robert, aka Bob, is also involved with the Phoenix Commotion in that he has helped build the Bone House, volunteers his time and will be one of the artists in residence at the Bone House/Arist Studio when it is completed sometime next year. Along with myself and Dan, he too has made bone furniture for the upcoming exhibit at the Doss Heritage & Culture Center in Weatherford, Texas.

When asked about how he became interested in art, Bob said, "My artistic bent began with my association with my girlfriend Edie Wells who grew my desire to take stimulating pictures and begin to construct altered books and paint. My desire to work on artistic furniture started with a visit to South Congress in Austin and inspiration followed. I usually dumpster dive for pieces and then alter them in some fashion with bottle cap tops or sign tops. I then evolved into the idea of rustic style furniture through my association with Dan Phillips."

"The table I think should be titled "Arrested Development" as I tried to make something that would look like it was rising up out of the bone and forming a top that was framed in bone. The tie to the other bone furniture undeniable with a touch of practicality. I love the look of sliced clavicle bone with forms the frame for the top... the single leg is a remnant of the sycamore tree that stands through the fire damage of the original Bone House structure. I seemed like a fitting tie into the home I will soon occupy."

I saw Bob's table next to Dan's chairs and was intrigued by the beauty of the sliced bone delicately laying atop the table (the bone is firmly affixed). The table top is a good height and spacious enough for a plate + beverage as it stands approx. 24" tall and is 12 x 11" wide. A slightly burnt sycamore piece makes for quite a unique 'leg' that is then securely bolted with more wood and a strong gob of bones. It is perfect as a stand alone table but of course it also blends quite wonderfully with Dan's ensemble should you want the entire set.

Bob's table will also be exhibiting/for sale. Details soon on the Design Store Page.

The Bone Furniture, Part I

“A Short History of Rib Roast,” by Dan Phillips

Cow bone and Western Red Cedar

Outdoor patio furniture made by Dan Phillips. This furniture, along with three more tables made by two other artists, will be exhibiting at the Doss Heritage & Culture Center in Weatherford, Texas. I will post about the rest of the furniture in part 2 and 3.

Dan made four chairs and one alarmingly creative table using the scapula's of the cow as resting points for drinks or platters. When I first saw this table I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Very unexpected, as Dan had been talking about his ideas for a table and as is the case, this table is completely different than what he was planning. It's a wow table. And the chairs, with their tight lines of ribs serving as the seating and backing along with various other bones bluntly screwed atop and behind the chair, make for an exceptional visual orchestra. Yes you CAN sit in these for long periods of time. Yes they ARE functional. Yes you might need to own them and yes Dan is going to offer this furniture up for auction, details to come! Table is approx 35" tall (at highest point), 29" W and 46" long.

Per Dan's comments:

The Phoenix Commotion is currently building a residence/studio combination for legitimate artists, using bone as one of the design elements. The only difference between ivory and bone is that ivory is illegal, and bone is free. In these parts, every rancher has a bone yard. And so, bone will be integrated into all aspects of the building--from balustrades, counter tops and mosaics, to door- and cabinet-handles and patio furniture. An ensemble of chairs and tables like those shown will provide appointments for outdoor gatherings.

Click here to read more about the Bone House. The history of the original Bone House pre-fire is talked about and you can always find more pictures and info on the Phoenix Commotion Facebook Fan Page.