Blaise Gaston
Born in England in 1953, Blaise has been making furniture since 1969. Blaise's formal training (1971–75, B.F.A.) was at The School of American Crafts at Rochester Institute of Technology. After graduation, Blaise returned to his hometown of Charlottesville to produce furniture with both sensibility and passion. Pieces from this period were displayed at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, Makers Gallery in New York City, and at The New Gallery of Contemporary Art in Cleveland, Ohio. Blaise went on to found Gaston & Wyatt, Inc., which became the leading Central Virginia firm in the field of architectural woodworking and custom furniture. Clients throughout the United States included projects at Monticello, Montpelier, Ash Lawn, and University of Virginia Rotunda, as well as private homes and businesses. Blaise sold Gaston & Wyatt, in 1992 so that he could focus on his artistic expression through furniture. He now works as an independent craftsman, designing and building contemporary furniture.
Blaise's designs range from fanciful to formal, and combine both grace and practicality. His commitment to the highest quality of craftsmanship is evident in his work. In many of Blaise's pieces, one can observe the influence of nature—the organic lines follow the sweep of a deer's flank or the wing of a bird. Blaise's inspiration comes from animals, trees, or the curve of a woman's leg. These forms come to life through carving, lamination, and traditional joinery. Sculptural elements serve both as decoration and as structure. The grain of the wood comes to full luster under his careful hand, shown to its fullest advantage in long curves. Surfaces are carefully finished in order to accentuate the natural warmth of the wood. Of late, Blaise can also be found adding color to his pieces—in some unexpected ways. He is particularly drawn to the iridescent quality of interference paints, which add light and draw the eye.
Studio 6
North cluster
434-973-1801
