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Perception Is Everything
My time with Michael taught me that if you want to be
a respected furniture maker, you must, in all instances,
act like one. Your clients are buying a part of you
with every piece of furniture they commission. Be aware
of how you present yourself to the public—the associated
respect and admiration must stand the test of time.
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Michael Fortune, left, shows Laura Williamson,
an intern from the University of North Carolina,
how to prepare the marquetry for the backs of the
chairs for former Canadian Governor General, Adrienne
Clarkson. Interns from as far away as Australia
worked in his studio during this commission. |
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Give Back
As a young furniture maker, Michael traveled to England
to intern with Alan Peters, who introduced him to studio
furniture making, the process of building furniture of
one's own design in a small shop. Since that time, Michael
has opened his studio to interns, taught at schools throughout
North America, and participated in international development
projects to encourage sustainable timber use in the local
production of furniture for offshore sales. While I was
in his studio, he gave me his time and energy for nothing
more than a welcome smile. He lives his life giving all
that he has, with the firm belief that only good will
come of it—a valuable lesson for us all.
Karen McBride
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