Gary Simmen - Into the Wood

Gary Simmen Into the Wood

From the Hands of the Creators series

by J. Mara Morrison and James R. Morrison

Copyrighted 2016 All Rights Reserved

Photography by James R. Morrison Story by J. Mara Morrison

JamesRMorrison.com JMara@JamesRMorrison.com James@JamesRMorrison.com

Hands of the Creators

“The need to create, make and repair is as vital to their existence as breathing.�

Hands of the Creators is a portrait series featuring individuals who use their hands to turn something raw and rough into a refined object or an inspiring project. Our goal is to visually capture the intensity and joy these people find in their creative pursuits. The need to create, make and repair is as vital to their existence as breathing. Their passion brings a deep satisfaction from seeing the result of their labors - a sense of accomplishment that provides pleasure, meaning, and pride.

A carver who creates designs in wood. Sculptors who bring shape to clay, stone or metal. Individuals who have the ability to repair a leak, help build a bridge or extend the life of our favorite shoes. Skilled tradespeople, whether a carpenter, electrician, or an ironworker. People whose hobbies transforms their lives. Writers who by the action of putting pen to paper, change our perception of the world around us.

These are the unique people who serve as our inspiration.

If you know someone in the Sacramento area who is in the trades, or takes special pride in their craft or hobby or an artisan who creates with his or her hands, please contact us. We would be interested in interviewing them. Thank you.

James @Jamesrmorrison.com

Jmara@jamesrmorrison.com

Gary Simmen - Into the Wood

“I can look at a piece of wood and tell you if it will warp or turn. I can see the growth rings; the density of it, feel the hardness and texture.”

The first impression we had of Gary Simmen was of a Roman patrician.

Donned not in a tunic, but in pair of well-worn white coveralls. His regal bearing and piercing blue eyes belied the warmth in his welcoming handshake. With a wave of his hand, he ushered us into his workshop. Sawdust littered the floor and rose in the air, spotlighted by shafts of sunlight beaming from the door. Plans half rolled up laid on an old table.

Planers, sanders and a lathe shared space with clamps of every imaginable size and style. Looking around, the intensity and focus of Gary's passion was obvious.

Since the age of two, Gary Simmen has loved wood. Influenced by his uncle who owned a lumber mill, Gary embraced the beauty, the grain, the textures, even the distinct fragrance of each tree he encountered. When Gary owned his own lumber business, he recalls it was the smell of wood that kept him impassioned to fulfill his dream - building fine furniture.

“I can look at a piece of wood and tell you if it will warp or turn. I can see the growth rings; the density of it, feel the hardness and texture. All provide a visible clue on how I can create a functional, beautiful piece of furniture”

Unique but effective, Gary draws his design inspiration in the air, visualizing the joinery, the type of wood and the variation of finishes he may use. Later, sketched out on graph paper, his measurements exact, the design elements mesh into a completed masterpiece.

Simmen has been working with wood for over fifty five years. His knowledge in structural integrity and the technical skills honed from years of experience in the lumber industry provided the basis for his craft. Understanding the significant investment needed to call oneself a master craftsman, Gary shared his feelings on the process.

“Mastery is about learning how to do your best work. I studied chipping from a woman who was a woodcarver in Sacramento. I found an expert who taught me to use a lathe. Hours of my time was spent watching Youtube video’s on everything from wood finishes to the use of specialized tools.

I’ve designed projects ranging from kitchen cabinetry to finely applied inlay work. All of which contributed to my level of skill and workmanship.”

For Gary, solving problems while creating one of his pieces brings as much pleasure as actually doing the work. Over the years he has gained the confidence to solve almost any issue he has come across. He shared a typical day in his shop.

“I get up, get dressed and head out to my workshop. I won’t take a break or put my head out the door until it gets dark or my wife comes to get me. If I’m not designing, I’m working through a particularly difficult problem. I get joy from figuring out how to do each project. It’s a shock for me to go into my shop in the morning and discover how quickly times goes by.”

The pride and pleasure Gary gets from creating his pieces fosters an emotional response his clients and friends appreciate. Commissioned works are much more than a project for Gary.

Rather they’re an extension of the man himself.

“I put my heart into every piece I make whether it goes into my home, a client’s kitchen or someone’s office. I see each creation as a part of me. I get so much satisfaction when working with my hands. When I'm working with wood, and building furniture, I see and feel a sense of accomplishment.”

One of the most enduring projects Gary completed is the dining room table gracing his own home. Gary, and his wife Judi, love the rich depth of color in the old heart redwood reclaimed from a 2000 year old log. The texture and graining is visible through the finish Gary applied.The detail apparent in the inlay and the logo design found on the table’s edge.The weight and structure of the piece fits perfectly in their old farmhouse in North Sacramento.

“When we moved into our home, we didn’t notice the inlay work on our hardwood floors until we refinished them. When the floors were completed we realized they matched the inlay design Gary created for our dining table. It’s as if we planned the table to be in this space. The dining table is one of our favorite places to enjoy a cup of coffee or to be gathered around with family and friends,” stated Judi. “It brings us joy and a sense of connection.”

“I'm really focused on what I'm doing. The tightness of the clamps, being aware of the kickback of the saw; I check the fineness of the sanding. It has to be perfect in order to accept the finish I will later apply.�

Collaborative Craftsmanship

The most enjoyable projects Simmen creates are those based on a collaborative approach with his clients. He brings the design, function and craftsmanship together to create pieces his clients can use and enjoy for years to come, exquisite, touchable, and organic.

Maria Stefano and Peter Silva commissioned Gary to build several pieces for their home. The three have formed a friendship based on a love of handcrafted work.

Peter acts as designer; Gary as master craftsman turning Peter's design into something uniquely beautiful.

“When Peter came to me and asked me to build these pieces I thought to myself, I hope I can do it well. Peter is an architect. He drew out exactly what he and Maria wanted. His training came into play when he laid out the exact proportions and dimensions of each piece. Peter understands how it should look. It's easier for me to build his designs because he provides the visual concept. It's a great partnership.

Peter inspires me when we work together.”

Peter commented on how effective the partnership worked when he conceptualized the credenza he and Maria wanted for their living room.

"I pictured an Asian, modern look; very clean and simple. The credenza had to do three things. It had to hold our stereo and audio equipment; hide a heating vent on the floor and have contrasting wood finishes. Maria and I went to a stone yard and found the top. It has embedded seashells that look like fossils scattered through the material. It has a sense of the ocean. I work in Monterey, so it gives us a connection to the area. The finished piece is strikingly beautiful. Perfect for our room and our lifestyle.”

Peter and Gary also collaborated on the large modern glass topped coffee table and console table in the living room. Each piece representative of a partnership built from respect and appreciation of time and effort.

Enjoyment played on their faces as they recounted the challenges of working on a particularly difficult project in the lovely 1920's Land Park home. Down a steep and narrow stairway is a small guest room. Peter knew he wanted to install a Murphy bed and create a set of barn doors for the closet. His design bespoke of an Asian influence with grass cloth insets for the bed and closet doors. Peter gave the design to Gary for completion. The challenge came when it was time to install the pieces.

They realized they would have to put it together on site like a large and complicated puzzle.

Gary recalls, "We were like two little boys playing. We had to bring all the pieces down individually and put them together, then do the finish work all on site. It wasn't easy, but it came out great. We really felt like we accomplished something."

"Everything came out perfect. They had so much fun down stairs. I could hear them laughing as they worked." Maria went on, "I respect Gary's years of craftsmanship, and he is a wonderful gentlemen. Always so willing to do something to your liking."

“I admire Gary’s ability to take my designs and dimensions and turn them into beautiful and functional works of art," Peter added.

The "painting in watercolor" above the credenza is by Jerald Silva. www.jeraldsilva.com/

Photographs above the table are part of a collection of images created by architect and designer, Peter Silva, AIA,

“We were like two little boys playing. We had to bring all the pieces down individually and put them together, then do the finish work all on site. It wasn't easy, but it came out great.

We really felt like we accomplished something."

We want to thank Gary and Judi Ater-Simmen for their time, patience, and access to their home and woodworking shop. The experience of watching wood come alive through the hands of a master craftsman was deeply satisfying and a little mysterious.

If you have a project in mind, Gary Simmen can be contacted at gary@simmenwoodworks.com (916) 690-2599

Gary Simmen Into the Wood

From the Hands of the Creators series

by J. Mara Morrison and James R. Morrison

Copyrighted 2016 All Rights Reserved

Photography by James R. Morrison Story by J. Mara Morrison

JamesRMorrison.com JMara@JamesRMorrison.com James@JamesRMorrison.com