Stephen Barlow
Artist Statement The choice of grain patterns in the wood, and the flow it creates with the lines of the piece, form the foundations of my work. My pieces start with a study of Shaker originals, then evolve into furniture that is all my own. The body of their work and the way it stemmed directly from the needs of their daily lives forms a bottomless well of inspiration for my craft.To me, the art of furniture making is a synthesis of functional, graceful design and well engineered construction.
With functional simplicity as my primary goal, I build future antiques one piece at a time.
Biography Stephen Barlow originated ShakerStyle in 1989 as a one-person furniture building operation working out of a small garage in Peterborough, New Hampshire. Stephen is a third-generation New England woodworker who takes pride in carrying on the tradition of excellence passed down to him by his grandfather and great-grandfather. He still uses many of their tools today, further enhanced by his associates degree in construction technology.
By 1990, steady growth warranted the move to larger quarters. This was accomplished with the purchase of an 18th century farmhouse in historic
Harrisville, New Hampshire. Formerly a livery stable, the large barn was converted into a woodshop and cozy showroom.
Education
1988 - 1990
New Hampshire Technical Collage; Associates Degree in Construction Technology
Honors -
1999-2006
Invited yearly to demonstrate my craft at Hancock Shaker Village Pittsfield, MA
2003
Invited to demonstrate my craft at Fruitland's Museum Harvard, MA
2005 - 2007
Juried in to displayed my work in the Keene Art Walk
Professional Affiliations-
Member of Historic Harrisville
Member of The Friends Of The Dublin Art Colony
Member of New Hampshire's Own
Member of Greater Peterborough BNI Connection
Bibliography --
1993 & 1998 Articles in the Shopper News
2000 Article in Common Threads
2006 TV interview with Boston channel 5 Chronicle
2007 TV testimonial for NHPTV
Professional Experience --
I have taught the art of fine woodworking to numerous apprentices in my shop.
My pieces, built to museum specifications, grace many fine homes from New
England to California.