Discovering the Rhythm of Woodworking
My story, as a woodworker, didn’t begin with a chisel or a lathe – it actually started with a pair of drumsticks. You see, I’ve been a drummer for as long as I can remember. The rhythmic beats and the feel of the instrument in my hands have always been a source of joy and inspiration for me. But little did I know that this passion for percussion would one day lead me down an unexpected path – the world of bespoke furniture making.
It all started with my curious nature as a kid. I remember tinkering with my dad in the garage, taking apart old electronics like VCR players and stereos, just to see what was inside. This sense of curiosity and a desire to understand the inner workings of things only grew stronger as I dove deeper into the world of drums. I would disassemble and modify my own drums, experimenting with different cuts, drills, and finishes. It was this early passion for tinkering and hands-on exploration that laid the foundation for my future in woodworking.
After moving to Minneapolis in 2010, I found myself immersed in the world of furniture restoration. This experience was a revelation – I realized that the same skills I had honed on my drums could be applied to the art of crafting bespoke furniture. The precision, the attention to detail, and the satisfaction of transforming something old into something new – it all clicked for me. That’s when I made the decision to take the plunge and pursue a formal education in fine woodworking.
Mastering the Craft
Enrolling in a woodworking program in Denver, Colorado, was a pivotal moment in my journey. It was here that I truly began to understand the depth and complexity of this craft. From learning the intricate techniques of joinery to experimenting with a wide range of materials and finishes, every day was a new adventure. I remember the first time I stepped into an unheated woodshop in Boulder, shivering as I worked, but fueled by an insatiable passion to create.
As I honed my skills and built up my expertise, I started to develop a deeper appreciation for the art of bespoke furniture making. It’s not just about creating a functional piece of furniture – it’s about imbuing each creation with a unique personality, a story, and a connection to the maker. This realization would shape the way I approached my work, and it’s a philosophy that has remained at the core of my practice ever since.
Launching Rovan Hand Crafted Furniture
Upon returning to Minneapolis in 2013, I was ready to take the next step and launch my own furniture-making business, Rovan Hand Crafted Furniture. The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, of course. Owning a business always comes with both major hurdles and tremendous rewards. We’ve had to navigate the complexities of managing multiple jobs at once, taking on projects that pushed the boundaries of our capabilities, and constantly striving to acquire new skills to meet the ever-evolving needs of our clients.
But the rewards have been immeasurable. With each custom piece we create, we have the opportunity to bring our clients’ visions to life, to transform their ideas into tangible, functional works of art. Whether it’s outfitting a bar or restaurant with one-of-a-kind tables and specialty pieces, or crafting bespoke furniture for residential spaces, the satisfaction of seeing our creations come to life is what keeps us going.
Embracing the Unique
At the heart of Rovan Hand Crafted Furniture is a deep appreciation for the unique and the extraordinary. We’re not bound to a specific style or aesthetic; instead, we see ourselves as collaborators, working hand-in-hand with our clients and designers to bring their unique visions to life. Our job is to listen, to understand their needs, and to then use our expertise in materials, techniques, and finishes to create something truly one-of-a-kind.
One of the ways we achieve this level of customization is by sourcing our materials locally, from the Midwest region. We believe that using locally-sourced wood not only supports our community, but it also imbues each piece with a distinct regional character. Sure, we’ll occasionally import exotic slabs for a special project, but our focus is on celebrating the natural beauty and character of the materials found right in our own backyard.
Pushing the Boundaries
As we approach our 10th year in business, we’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of bespoke furniture making. Just recently, we’ve been working on a stunning 60-foot-long bar top, featuring some breathtaking imported slabs from Central America. It’s projects like these that challenge us to expand our skills, to experiment with new techniques, and to truly elevate the craft of furniture making.
But it’s not just about the technical aspects of our work. We also strive to infuse each piece with a sense of emotion and connection. We want our clients to feel a deep, personal attachment to the furniture we create – as if it’s a reflection of their own unique story and personality. This is what sets our work apart and makes it truly bespoke.
The Journey Continues
As I reflect on my journey from a drummer to a woodworker, I can’t help but marvel at the unexpected twists and turns that life can take. Who would have thought that my early fascination with tinkering and my passion for rhythm would one day converge in the creation of beautiful, custom-made furniture?
But that’s the beauty of this craft. It’s a never-ending exploration, a constant evolution of skills, ideas, and personal growth. And as I look ahead to the next chapter of Rovan Hand Crafted Furniture, I can’t wait to see where the road will lead us. One thing’s for sure: no matter what challenges we face, we’ll continue to approach each project with the same unwavering dedication, creativity, and passion that has defined our work from the very beginning.
So, if you’re in the market for truly unique, bespoke furniture, I encourage you to visit our website and explore the possibilities. Who knows, maybe your next piece of furniture will be the one that captures your heart and becomes a cherished part of your own personal story.
