Alan Carter

Turned Vessels & Sculptures

These pieces represent a new direction for my work. The combination of lathe turned elements and the various shaped components I've used in my furniture design results in a different dynamic, a more sculptural look. The sensuousness of the round shapes plays off the more rectilinear structure of the supporting members, providing tension and release. A number of the pieces are reliquaries and contain hidden containers. A reliquary is a vessel designed to hold a small precious object, or "relic". This object could be a ring, a precious gem, a document, anything highly valued by the owner. These secret compartments provide a little surprise and add depth and substance to the piece.