Robert Manhal, Inverloch, Victoria

Red Earth 2
1850 x 350 x 820mm

The redgum slab was salvaged from trees cut down for road widening near Bairnsdale, Victoria. The table legs are recycled redgum house stumps purchased at Building Bitz, Wonthaggi.
Super T instant glue filled gaps and was mixed with sanding dust to level surfaces.
To keep the design as simple as possible, the legs use wood turned tenons recessed directly into the curved exterior of the slab using Titebond polyurethane liquid glue.
Two coats of Organoil Hard Burnishing Oil on all parts and Organoil natural wax and polish on the tabletop enhance the colour and grain of the timber.
Red Earth 2 uses a salvaged exterior slab of redgum to create an elegant and practical narrow table.
The curved waney edge, irregular bowl space and tapered ends highlight the grain and figure of the beautiful redgum.
Recycled, fiddleback redgum house stumps were shaped on the wood lathe and inspired by totem poles. Wood turned tenons are an integral part of the legs, which are recessed directly into the base to support the sculpted slab.
A natural oil and wax finish provides a subtle and soft lustre to complement the rich red colours and uncomplicated forms.

Photos: Robert Manhal