AN INTERVIEW WITH ANDY MANGIN OF MANGO WOODWORKS
The creative synergy between a designer and a talented maker can result in something truly special for a client. The opportunity to go custom on furniture is appealing for obvious reasons - perfect sizing, control over finish and look, and of course enjoyment of the process itself.
A truly unique piece brings a level of sophistication and interest that is hard to achieve with a mass produced option.
Over the last six years, I've had the privilege of creating many beautiful pieces with my good friend, Andy Mangin of Mango Woodworks. Andy and I met during college a loooong time ago :). Fast forward a few moves and careers for both of us and we both ended up living in Chicago's western suburbs. I can't quite remember the first piece we did together - but it might have been the gorgeous live edge elm slabs we bookmatched, back lit and hung on the wall for a commercial client (see below). We've designed and built coffee tables with brass inlay, fireplace built-ins, light fixtures, live edge countertops and dining tables for many special clients.
These gorgeous live edge elm slabs make an instant impression in the reception area of this office space. They were huge and dramatic (the total install size was roughly 15' wide by 5' tall) and super hard to install!
Our process varies depending on the needs of the client, but there are always sketches, revisions, brainstorm sessions and usually some good laughs along the way. What is ultimately satisfying about working with Andy is that we're getting our clients the best piece for their home, and their investment goes directly to a craftsman who really cares about the art of creating.
I had a chance to chat with Andy about his craft and here is what he shared with us:
How did you get started with woodworking?
I started to fall in love with woodworking in college as I built sets for theater. It is where I learned to first use tools and create things. When I was living in Los Angeles as an actor, I worked in a custom furniture and cabinet shop to support my acting habit. That is where I began to really learn the skills that made me a furniture maker.
What draws you to creating?
The process of creating is so satisfying. The challenge is always to find the perfect balance in creating something beautiful that is also functional. You will always remember and love a piece that you helped design and create over something that you ordered from a catalogue.
When creating custom pieces, how wide open are the options?
The options are very wide open. I want each piece that I create to be one of a kind. I am not trying to make anything that you might find in a store. My goal is to give the client something that is unique and serves their specific need. I think I bring both craftsmanship and common sense to furniture making. I want my work to be beautiful and make sense. I love to meet with Rachel and the clients to try and figure out what would work for their exact scenario. I will sketch and draw and model until we get it right. And, then deliver a piece that is one of kind, made just for them.
We’ve seen your range of pieces from light fixtures, to tables and intricate cutting boards. What do you enjoy making most?
I am drawn to work where the beauty of the wood can show through. Wood is so beautiful and unique. No two trees are the same, no grain is the same. I love making tables or even cutting boards where you can really see this uniqueness.
Custom millwork fireplace surround adds so much to this living room.
Talk to us about wood species. What do you suggest for different types of projects? A lot of your pieces seem to use Walnut - what about this wood do you prefer?
I do seem to be using walnut a lot. There are a couple of reasons for that. Part of it is taste. Walnut is pretty hot right now. It is a really pretty wood and one of the only local woods that is dark. The style for wood tables is dark right now. Wood tends to go through trends, like many things. I also have a friend who cuts lumber locally and has been really focused on walnut. I am a fan of using locally cut from a small lumber yard over stuff from a big lumber mill. But I love using a variety of wood species including American Elm, Sycamore, Ash, and Hickory.
Plans to create the show stopping mid-century light fixture for an office renovation.
Hand drawn ideas turn into functional works for art.
Tell us about your “day job” and how you balance your work at Wheaton College with your woodworking passion?
I am Faculty in the Theater Department at Wheaton College. I really enjoy what I do - telling stories on stage with students. And, I also love to go away from it some and create in a different way. I work with simple materials that are meant to last only a few weeks in the theater and then I work on a piece of furniture that I hope lasts a lifetime. These two worlds balance each other and I really like the different tempos and paces of both. It is a blessing to be able to do what I do in two worlds.
A live edge walnut countertop adds punch to a simple IKEA base cabinet. A durable marine-grade varnish keeps the surface as functional as it is interesting.