A Chat with Michael Moran

   

As part of our home-grown blog series, we like to feature local artisans that tickle our fancy.  Thus bringing us to Michael Moran of  Michael James Moran Woodworked Furniture.  Let me tell you, spend a few minutes with Michael talking about his craft, and undoubtedly, you’ll be quickly amazed by his passion for his work and rooted appreciation and admiration for wood as a material (pun intended).

Rather than reporting about him, we thought we’d share some Q&A’s with Michael that provide insight into his work and him personally that you may not know otherwise. 

 

Q: What is your favorite tree?

A: Black Walnut. It’s the first nice wood I worked with and it romanced me. It’s great for furniture.

 

Q: What’s your inspiration when starting a new design?

A:  For commissioned pieces, I think about the dimension and functionality needed.  I really focus on what my clients will be using the piece for and spend time learning more about them and their style of living.  For gallery pieces, I focus on the materials to create a design that fits a piece of wood, not vice versa.  In everything I do, structural integrity is key…do it right so it’s going to last.

 

Q:  What brought you to Charleston? Do you envision staying here as your business grows?

A: I played soccer at College of Charleston.  Then, after some time in Europe, I returned and went into an apprenticeship for three years before deciding to start my own shop. [As a side note, during his apprenticeship, Michael worked on many projects at some of Charleston's favorite establishments including Carolinas, The Boathouse and Raval.]  As my business grows, I’d hopefully have Charleston as my home and travel for business as needed.  [I joke with him about being the future "Mary Norton" of woodworking as she's kept Charleston as home even as her business has manifested into a global brand.]

 

Q:  Most cherished possession?

A: Well, I actually have two.  Two sets of chisels that once belonged to a 5th generation Japanese blacksmith.  [He references these as the heart of his shop toolwise.] Then, my work truck.  It’s a mid-90’s Chevy pickup with moss growing on the side.  Love my ‘ole work truck.

 

Q: What’s the one thing you want people to know about your craft?

A: Well, there are two things.  Every client I’ve worked with looks at trees differently now. There’s not one client of mine that I couldn’t drop in and say hi to…we become friends. One of them told me recently that he reads The Giving Tree to his child every night before bed time. What an amazing feeling.  The second thing would be to know the process of what I do and understanding the history of a tree, how it grows, everything that goes into the finished product. 

 

Q: Quirky habit?

A: I love soap.  I love going to Stella Nova to buy soap.  [Suprising from the low-maintenance farm boy from the KY.]  Also, I have no A/C or heat in my shop. [At this point, I'm shocked because for those of you who don't have the pleasure of knowing, Charleston in August can be a swelteringly humid place . And, for those of us accustomed to this climate, 50 is freezing in our minds.] I have to dance a jig on winter mornings then run out to my small fire to warm up.  In the summer, I tell people to make an appointment if they want to come by, not to drop by because I’m literally working in shorts.  [Ladies, catching him off-guard may not necessarily be a bad thing.]

 

Q: What’s the ultimate goal for your business?

A: To do more business nationally and hopefully internationally.  I’d love to be able to continue what I’m doing now.

 

Q: If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be? 

A: Here.  I love Charleston in the spring.

 

Q: What piece are you most fond of at the moment?

A: The redwood root coffee table is one of my favorites that is finished, but honestly I’m most excited about what is next…always.

 

Just a few other things that weren’t in the Q&A that I found out while talking with Michael…

He doesn’t and will not stain his wood. He only uses a clear coat for finishing.  He’d “rather eat rice” than stain wood or replicate another’s existing pieces.

He believes the fewer hands handling the wood the better when relating to the milling and delivery process.  From cutting to delivering, he knows everyone who touches the wood he works with.

  

Click to admire his full collection.  Thanks for chatting with us Michael!