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CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
PIECES |
When you are ready to purchase one of my pieces, or if you have any questions about them, call me at 630-971-0690, or e-mail me at apcarter@sbcglobal.net
You can pay either by credit card through PayPal or by check. You don't have to have an account with PayPal to use their services. When I have all the details for your purchase, I'll e-mail you a statement showing all charges, shipping time, etc. Once you're satisfied with the terms, I'll proceed with preparing the order for delivery. As a proverbial one man show, it's very important to me that you be comfortable with all aspects of the transaction.
Shipping is not included except where noted. Smaller pieces are packaged and sent UPS or FedEx. Larger items are blanket wrapped and shipped via a company that specializes in delivering furniture and artwork. The cost will depend largely on size and your location. If you are in the Chicago area, I'l most likely hand deliver the work myself at little or no cost. Once I know what you want and where you are, I can determine the best and most cost effective way to get it to you.
Illinois residents get to pay sales tax.
Note that all items are subject to prior sale. |
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Even though most of the pieces shown on my web site are
sold, and many were commissions specifically designed for
various clients, most can be reproduced. Some of the pieces were made exclusively for a client and won't be reproduced. Of course many
factors enter into that process. As with fingerprints,
no two pieces of wood are alike, so exact duplication is
impossible, and some highly figured veneers or unusual
boards, both exotic and domestic,may no longer be available. That's part of the beauty
and allure of handcrafted furniture; yours will be unique.
Virtually any piece shown in the photos can be used as a
basis for new work. Wood combinations and dimensions can
be adjusted to fit your exact needs. One type of piece
can be transformed into something completely different. I
will work closely with you to develop the look and functionality
you desire. Often the collaboration between the client and
myself creates an exciting synergy that results in something
that exceeds all our expectations.
The commission process I use is pretty straightforward.
I would have an initial conversation with you to see what
the basic parameters of the project are; type of piece,
size, usage, color palette, budget, etc. This can be done
by e-mail, but usually a phone conversation is better.
I can ask questions and get a better sense of what you're
looking for and you can get an idea of how I work.
Once I get some basics, I'll develop a drawing for the
project. The actual design, its proportions, scale, details,
etc. are key to its success. The wood choices are also
very important. The symbiotic relationship of design and
materials has long been the benchmark of successful, artistic
craftsmanship. After we've settled on the initial design,
we'll fine tune it, focusing on things like handle design,
hardware, finish, etc.
Once we've decided on everything and you've approved it,
I'll send you a contract outlining the project. It'll
include the dimensions, materials, features, approximate
start and end dates, and shipping or delivery information.
It'll also include a request for a deposit, usually 50%,
with the balance due on delivery. Any shipping charges
will also be stated. (See the Currently
Available Pieces section
at the top of the page for delivery and shipping information.)
Upon receipt of the deposit, I'll also send you a copy
of the detailed plans and specifications. Sadly, Illinois
residents will have to pay sales tax. Starting dates are
determined by current work loads; end dates by the length
of time I think it will take to acquire the materials and
build it. I'll keep you informed, as necessary, of progress
on construction, any unforeseen delays or problems that
may arise, and completion dates.
Of course, you are always welcome to contact me at any
time. My studio is not open to the public, but I'm always
ready to take phone calls (630-971-0690) and e-mail (apcarter@sbcglobal.net)
You can also fax me at 630-971-0691. I really enjoy working
with people and building special pieces for them; I hope
I can create something for you.
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| Design fees, if any, are based on the size and complexity
of the project. They can range from zero to 10% of the finished
project cost and will be established at the beginning of the process.
The fee is waived if you have me complete it. If you wish to have
someone else do the work, I'll provide line drawings, specifications,
materials, etc. at the aforementioned rates. |
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ORDERING SIMILAR VERSIONS OF SOLD
PIECES |
| As I stated above, many of the sold pieces were
done specifically for a client and won't be reproduced. If you're
interested in an item that's been sold, contact me and I'll let
you know if I can build one similar to it for you, or if we can
use it as a starting point for a new piece. When you place the
order, I'll let you know if any of the woods or veneers are unavailable.
If you want to change any of the materials, the price difference
will be based solely on the actual cost difference of that particular
component, with no additional markups. The same goes for changes in
dimensions, hardware, etc. Any substitutions and consequent price
adjustments I make would be approved by you before I begin. |
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Good design is the bedrock upon which any successful
enterprise is built. The psychological space a piece of furniture
occupies, its visceral, magnetic allure is as meaningful as its
physical presence. As a designer, I'm keenly aware
of the importance of serving these two masters, the practical
and the aesthetic.The measure of success I achieve is directly
related to my devotion to both disciplines and to my never ending
desire to learn and grow. The recently coined phrase "studio
furniture" aptly describes my work. It suggests that furniture
need not be simply functional, but can also make an artistic
statement usually reserved for painting or sculpture.
Craftsmanship is also unequivocally vital. Construction technique,
an understanding of wood behavior, and attention to detail are
integral to the success and durability of the finished product.
As I stated in my ABOUT
THE ARTIST page,
I spent much of my professional life in the 2-D world, painting
photorealistic street scenes on canvas. Years spent photographing
and observing urban life taught me much about form and design.
My design influences are many and varied. The shapes
and proportions of interesting buildings may spark an idea. Other
furniture styles and designers have an impact.
Art Deco and Asian influences are certainly evident in some
of my pieces. Often the wood itself
will suggest an idea; a particularly unusual grain pattern
or texture can trigger an interesting project. Even organic sources
such as land formations and plant structures exert their subtle
pull.
Wood combinations are also very important. The interaction of
various grain patterns, colors, and textures can define a piece
and it's impact on the viewer. Too much going on and its a visual
jumble; too little and its pedestrian and dull. I spend a great
deal of time sorting through lumber racks to find timbers that
complement one another and will contribute to a visually satisfying
finished product.
All these elements have to be in harmony for the work to be
successful. Compatibility, however, does not preclude innovation.
Some of my most interesting pieces are the result of pushing
the design envelope. My work is contemporary
but has a lasting quality that will wear well over
time. |
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