12 October 2013

Chatoyancy

Chatoyancy is the optical property of the surface of a natural material such as wood to give the illusion of depth or three dimensions.

My lovely wife booked me on a two week course at the Centre for Fine Woodworking earlier this year.  The Centre is based just out of Nelson, N.Z. and runs short and full time courses.

The project was a wall cabinet with a curved or 'coopered' door, and shelves and a small drawer inside.




We were offered a selection of different woods to use for the drawer front.  I jumped at the chance to nab a piece of rippled New Zealand Red Beech (Nothfagus fusca).  When caught in the right light it has the appearance of a drawn curtain.



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