Sushi
Serving Set

This set was made for a colleague and her son. They both love sushi and a few years ago I promised I would make something for them.

Walnut gives the set its contrast and structure. Applewood is more personal. It comes from a tree that belonged to my grandfather. After it was cut down, it dried for several years before I started using it for gifts and smaller objects.

I never had a large enough piece of applewood for a continuous tray, so a lot of the work was about finding ways to join smaller pieces naturally and without unnecessary display. The final shape developed gradually around those joints.

I wanted the grain to stay prominent, but the shape itself to be simple. No ornament. Just proportion, material and a few subtle transitions between individual pieces of wood.

The most important details are usually almost invisible. Here it is probably the wood transition on the chopsticks and the light grooving on the bottom of the bowls.

The finish is oil and beeswax. I always apply beeswax last, for the feel and the scent it leaves on the wood.

I like things that have a real purpose. This set was never meant to end up on a shelf. It is meant to be used, to age gradually and to become part of everyday moments.

One of the hardest things in woodworking is knowing when to stop. Not trying to show everything you can do. Not overdoing it.

Keep it simple stupid.