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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (March 4, 2015)
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon 19 Woodworking on the wild side in Sisters Country By Katy Yoder Correspondent Adam Bronstein has two passions: fly-fishing and woodworking. He moved to Sisters from New Hampshire back in July; his reason for choosing Sisters is simple—Trout. Bronstein took some time away from shop production work to talk about his craft and the business he is build- ing in Central Oregon. “I’ve traveled all around the coun- try fishing,” he said from his shop on Ash Street, “but I always seemed to come back here.” A regular along the Metolius River, Bronstein is sinking roots in Sisters. His business, Spring Creek Woodworking, is gaining rec- ognition for creations ranging from cutting boards to mas- sive dining-room tables. His signature creations exhibit the figuring and unique characteristics found through careful wood selec- tion. Often keeping the “live edge” intact. He keeps his designs simple and prefers to alter the wood as little as possible. “I try to bring out the inherent beauty of figured woods to the maximum extent possible. This is accomplished through fin- ishing techniques that I have developed over the years; techniques that I am continu- ally trying to improve upon. For me, it boils down to let- ting the wood speak for itself. There is so much beauty to be teased out,” he said. Bronstein is challenged and inspired by the projects he undertakes. “Fine furni- ture building is just like fly- fishing for wild, wary trout. They both present an oppor- tunity for a lifetime of learn- ing and discovery.” A burl coffee table in his studio comes alive with swirls and grain that continue to reveal more and more tex- ture and detail. Each piece that Bronstein builds is one- of-a-kind and is created with his hands only. His burl cof- fee table will be donated to My Own Two Hands for the Sisters Folk Festival’s fund- raising auction in May. L a rg e l y s e l f - t a u g h t , Bronstein was always a do- it-yourselfer who loved a challenge. “Once I research it, I can usually accomplish it,” he said. A real student of the craft, Bronstein is learning all the time. “I learn from the woodworkers who came before me. These methods have been passed down since ancient times.” Spring Creek Woodworking offers prod- ucts from $50 cutting boards to 10-foot-long, majes- tic walnut slab tables that fetch $6,000. He has many mid-range options avail- able as well that he hopes will give more people access to quality, handcrafted furniture. “Part of my mission is to provide quality, affordable furniture that lasts a life- time,” he said. “It’s true that they don’t make it like they used to. Buying a handcrafted piece of furniture is practic- ing sustainability. If you buy a cheap piece of furniture it will end up in the landfill instead of being passed on to your kids. I create fur- niture that adds aesthetic beauty to any room and can be enjoyed and used every day.” Bronstein puts a lot of energy into sourcing his wood and vetting wood sources. The larger slabs he uses are salvaged urban trees. “The urban trees grow so large because they are not competing for sunlight and water in the forest alongside other trees. They grow big and often gnarly. And the gnarlier, the better. That’s usually where the best figur- ing can be found.” Adam welcomes new cli- ents and the opportunity to create something unique and intriguing. “If you can think of it, I can probably build it,” he said. “Custom tables, desks, beds, chest of draw- ers, gun cabinets … you name it,” said Bronstein. Currently, Bronstein is work- ing with galleries in Napa and Sonoma. “I appreciate the work and their interest in what I do, but I want to work mostly locally.” He hopes to focus on direct sales and plans on doing some local shows in Sisters and Bend this year. He will be at the Camp Sherman store over Memorial Day and Fourth of July. No doubt, his new home location will make it easier for him to slip away and get a little fly-fishing in between sales. To learn more about Adam Bronstein’s work and to con- tact him, visit his website at www.springcreekwood working.com. photo by katy yoDer adam Bronstein followed his fishing passion to Sisters. SPRING BIKE TUNE-UP $45 Cuba Fly-Fishing Trip - Oct. 31-Nov. 6 + 4 tour days at end of trip 151 W. Main Ave., Sisters 541-549-FISH | Open 7 days a week 541-549-2471 Open 7 days a week Corner of Hood & Fir, Sisters www.eurosports.us READY FOR TIRE CHANGEOVER? Call and make your appointment now for no-wait service! DAVIS TIRE 541-549-1026 Serving Sisters Since 1963 188 W. Sisters Park Dr. In Sisters Industrial Park across from SnoCap Mini Storage