Collection: David Mahaffey

David has always loved wood as a warm, natural material, and the pleasure in touching and shaping it!  As a boy of 10, he learned to use the lathe to make wood spinning tops, and has been exploring the wide world of wood ever since, making turned objects of art and utility.  In search of unique species, he has traveled far and wide – to New Zealand to find kauri, to Costa Rica for cocobolo, and to Hawaii for milo and koa. 

As well as the exotic woods of the world, one of his real joys is exploring this fabulous material in the variety of trees that have lived their lives near his home in Napa and Northern California, such as coastal redwood, madrone, and claro walnut. He is especially drawn to the beautiful range of texture in wood species that have burl growth, crotch grain, and curly patterns, not to mention his enjoyment of the deep perfume of camphor and rosewood filling the studio as he works!

He will often start working on a piece without knowing the shape it will take. As he turns the wood (“making chips and ribbons”), the structure, balance, and harmony of the piece will begin to emerge. Starting with beautiful material, the wood itself is the “muse,” driving the exploration and almost always leading to a gratifying result.

He hopes you will enjoy and value these lovely pieces as much as he enjoyed making them!