A Life of Woodworking

Dr. Matt Ferguson, M.D., my step-dad, has a love of woodworking that runs deeply.

I had the job of photographing a large sample of his work over the past few weeks, traveling from Ellicott City, Maryland, to Lake Champlain.

The sheer volume and great variety of his work are a testament to his love and skill with wood.

Matt is as much at home creating ultra-modern pieces, like this triangular chest of drawers, as he is doing traditional work.

He made the bar, the wainscoting, and most of the furniture at Matts Grill, 932 8th Avenue, in NYC.

Matts Grill was owned and operated under a different name by his father in the 1950's, and is now run by my step-brother, Terry.

Matt's six children can attest to the fact that he is a very practical woodworker.

Whatever the need has been over the years, Matt can deliver a piece to elegantly suit the purpose.

He started by repairing and upgrading his own home, learning as he went.

His enthusiasm and generosity has extended to projects for all of his friends, his six children, and their families.

Throughout Matt's woodwork, the same, clean lines can be seen, whether in kitchen cabinets and drawers, a plant stand or a semanier (below).

How he found time to be a medical doctor on top of this hobby beats me!

They've always called him "Doc" at the lumber yard. Recently someone there asked why they called him that...

He thought Matt was a contractor because he buys so much wood, and was surprised to learn that he was an actual doctor!

My stay in New York ends this week, as I travel back to the West Coast.

Have a great week!
Todd