“Tulip Bench,” 2024, white oak, red oak, pine, 34 x 46 x 18 in. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Charles Thompson
Teaching Artist Cohort
,
2025
Charles Thompson makes chairs and carvings in a humble workshop on a hill in western Massachusetts. His work reflects on vernacular forms and uses a mixed vocabulary of techniques, patterns, and materials that speak to the efficacy of hand work. He typically works straight from the log—splitting, bending, manipulating, then rejoining wood—in a process that leverages personal intention and celebrates common materials. He senses, in the back of his mind and now in his work, a deepening curiosity as to what could count as his own tradition.
Charles teaches at venues including Snow Farm, North Bennet Street School, and John C. Campbell Folk School. He is the recipient of the 2024 John D. Mineck Fellowship.
Selected works
“Tulip Bench,” 2024, white oak, red oak, pine, 34 x 46 x 18 in. Photo courtesy of the artist.
“Tulip Bench (detail),” 2024. Photo courtesy of the artist.
“Brettstuhl,” 2023, cherry, 34 x 18 x 16 in. Photo courtesy of the artist.
“Brettstuhl (carving detail),” 2023. Photo courtesy of the artist.
“Windsor Bassinet,” 2022, oak, elm, hickory, 36 x 36 x 22 in. Photo courtesy of the artist.
“Snake Chair,” 2023, elm, apple, 34 x 18 x 16 in. Photo courtesy of the artist.
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