Paul St. Germain

I have had a long-standing interest in design, going back to a young age, something that was certainly helped and encouraged by my parents, who were both artists. From them, I acquired a fascination for the visual world around us. When I began to build and design furniture in my mid-twenties, I found it to be a very good fit for me. I was extremely fortunate to be able to study with two truly eminent masters: David Powell, and Wendell Castle. David was an Englishman, and trained his students in the fine tradition of English excellence. Studying at his school for a year, provided me with a strong grounding in the use of tools, machinery, and woodworking skills.  I then spent a year with Wendell Castle, whose artistic take on furniture was winning national and international acclaim. It was a very exciting place to be!

I have always been drawn to curving shapes, arcing forms which draw our eyes to them. When you look at a classic Hereschoff  sailboat, for instance, you know right away that it is beautiful. I am looking for those arcs in the furniture I make. Successful designs are more than utilitarian objects. They offer an engaging visual depth as light and shadow flow over their surfaces. They enhance our lives.