Matthew Schulz, A Woodworker's Evolution

 

 

Matt carries on his grandfather's skills

Matt Schulz is a relative newcomer to woodworking, but has been exposed to quality craftsmanship his whole life. He explains, "My grandfather, a self taught carpenter and cabinetmaker, built practical pieces made of domestic hardwoods. His home, and that of my parents, is full of fine examples of simple furniture made with enduring details."

While attending Northeastern Illinois University he discovered an underused woodshop adjacent to one of the sculpture studios. A lack of instructor knowledge led to frequent calls home and trial by error familiarization of the equipment. From this exposure he began building basic pieces of craftsmanship.

Matt's work expanded in order to incorporate a personal tone and artistic sensibility. A lumberyard that carried exotic hardwoods from all over the world in exquisite tones of purple, red, orange and black helped to continue this progression. He was able to showcase these unusual colors in furniture, while letting the quality of the material speak for itself. Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie Style, many pieces featured clean lines, added inlay detail and traditional joinery.