Sculpture Born From Necessity

For a unique set of walnut stairs, I had mounted cast bronze door handles, horizontally, in place of the traditional wall mounted handrail. The bronze handles are shaped as tree branches, a motif that continues throughout in the furnishings,hardware and handmade Motawi tiles in this master bedroom and adjoining master bath.

The idea is simple and effective. However, the mounting engineering was not lasting. After several months of use, the heavy bronze began to pull from the wall.

The mounting hardware is designed to be attached directly into the wood of a door, not through a layer of drywall into wood backing. To correct this, I designed a walnut piece to which to secure the bronze handles and then itself to be secured to the wall. The result is a functional work of sculpture that compliments the angled walnut steps and occupies an otherwise plain wall.

The practical application of the idea began with sketches on photographs of the wall with the bronze handles in place. Then, I conformed the design so that the carving would be done on one solid piece of walnut and accommodate the precise placement of the handles. ...»

To see more: http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2012/09/26/2242420/the-alexander-home-in-cambria.html

16 Comments

Torri B Saint Louis, MO

Beautiful Art ! ! !

on Aug 11, 2012 · Like 0
Steve G Fort Collins, CO

Great solution and beautiful work. Thanks for sharing, William.

on Aug 11, 2012 · Like 0
Becky H Tampa, FL

Necessity forced your talented hand to create something far finer than you may have originally planned. I love it when that happens. I admire your skill and unbelievable artistry!

on Aug 11, 2012 · Like 0
Sharron W Memphis, TN

This is just absolutely genius, I am in love with the look and so blown away that it serves as a handrail as well, i just LOVE this, you are so very talented! Thanks for sharing!!!

on Aug 12, 2012 · Like 0
SheilaG, Plum Doodles Acworth, GA

I'm just blown away with your talent- I love when art meets practicality- genius!

on Aug 12, 2012 · Like 1
JP S Marietta, GA

So beautiful!!Please show more of your home.

on Aug 12, 2012 · Like 1
William Heistand Cambria, CA

The branch motif continues in the master bedroom fireplace. The link in my profile to my site will show more examples of my work.
on Aug 12, 2012 · Like 2
Dee W Rock Creek, OH

Absolutely beautiful! Your talent is remarkable.

on Aug 12, 2012 · Like 0
Sharron W Memphis, TN

Oh William, that fireplace surround is breathtaking! i wish I had half that talent!!!!

on Aug 12, 2012 · Like 0
Amanda @ The Ivy Cottage ... Wylie, TX

Just breathtaking and so original!

on Aug 12, 2012 · Like 1
Lisa I Woodcliff Lake, NJ

Absolutely stunning. Your work always takes my breath away! It is so clear that you have been gifted with amazing vision and talent. Looking forward to seeing more and more of your wonderful work!

on Aug 13, 2012 · Like 1
William Heistand Cambria, CA

First, let me thank everyone for your responses and comments. They have been more than appreciated! Next, I have added a link to the "to see more" that will take you to a recent article on this home. Open the article's photo gallery as the photographs and story help to put the walnut handrail and my other work in perspective, as well as offer some very helpful tips to those involved in the remodeling process,
on Oct 07, 2012 · Like 1
Sharron W Memphis, TN

Well Awesome Thanks William! I can't wait to see more of your beautiful work!

on Oct 07, 2012 · Like 0
William Heistand Cambria, CA

Yes, a handrail has a necessary function. It is its design that can add so much more to a home.
on Oct 10, 2012 · Like 1
Sharron W Memphis, TN

I LOVE the arts and crafts style! This is just beautiful and so true about the need for function and the DESIRE to also make it beautiful!

on Oct 11, 2012 · Like 0
Kevin M. Veler, Law Offic... Alpharetta, GA

Simply fantastic but I love the style overall!

on Oct 11, 2012 · Like 0

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Sculpture Born From Necessity

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