DESIGN SOLUTIONS
Nautilus Table to Wall Hanging: A Different Perspective
This piece marks a departure from my usual art style—there’s no metal! Instead, it’s crafted from Richlite, a paper/phenolic resin composite often used for industrial cutting boards. The idea was to create an eye-catching patio table for my back deck, something unique that wasn’t round or square. As I searched for inspiration, I found myself drawn to nature. The nautilus shape, with its beautiful radiating curves, felt like the perfect starting point for a 4-foot-diameter table.
The process began with designing the line art for the tabletop. I then CNC-routed the ½-inch-thick Richlite material, carving smooth, rounded-bottom grooves to form the curves. The cutting process went smoothly, and next, I filled the grooves with a clear resin mixed with copper flecks for a glittering effect. After letting the resin cure for a couple of days, I ground it flat and polished the surface to a sleek finish.
At this point, the tabletop was nearly complete, but I still needed to figure out the legs and how to incorporate an umbrella in the center. While brainstorming, I propped the piece against the wall in my living room, expecting it to soon transform into the functional table I had envisioned.
But, as is often the case with art, a shift in perspective revealed something new. Seeing the piece upright and vertical—while doing yoga, of all things—gave it an entirely different feel. The tabletop, originally intended to lie flat, suddenly felt dynamic as a wall-mounted artwork. Intrigued, I experimented by rotating it until I found an orientation I loved. With a bit of work in the shop, I mounted it on the wall at a height that allowed me to fully appreciate its presence.
However, the center hole, originally intended for an umbrella, felt incomplete. Drawing inspiration from the coastal native art of the Pacific Northwest, particularly the intricate Argillite carvings adorned with abalone shell highlights, I decided to fill the void with something meaningful.
A quick search on Etsy led me to beautiful abalone shell pieces that fit the center perfectly. Adding these pearlescent highlights brought the entire piece to life and gave it a polished, cohesive look.
So, for now, what began as a patio table has found its purpose as a striking wall sculpture. This journey reminded me of the unpredictable nature of art—and how sometimes, the most compelling creations emerge when we’re open to new perspectives.
