Box Esthetics
April 30th, 2010I’m getting a bit more subjective here, but for me and my work, I put esthetics right up there with workmanship. I have seen many boxes that exhibit outstanding workmanship, in terms of joinery, finish, etc., but just don’t cut it visually. Wood color(s), texture, and proportion all contribute to making a box also a piece of art. That said, as in other areas of art, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I know, because I have finished more than one box, stood back and took a good look, and said, “ugh!”. Yes, at times if a box is being made for a specific function, then function must lead form, and sometime drive visual dissonance. But even then, that can be minimized through careful control over the aspects other than size which is driven by the intended use.
Proportion is one area that needs constant attention. A beautifully crafted box will not pass visual muster if the handle is too big for the rest of the box for example. Or a small box made of full 3/4″ thick stock will look too clunky, particularly around the top edge when the lid is open or removed.
Box dimensions also come into play. A useful tool to be aware of is the Golden Rectangle. This is based on the Golden Ratio, which is the ratio of the length to the width of what is said to be one of the visually pleasing rectangular shapes. This relationship has been know and used for centuries in both art and architecture. The ratio is 1:1.618, ie, the long side of the rectangle should be 1.618 times the length of the short side. While I don’t use the ratio slavishly, I have learned that the closer I get to it, the more visually pleasing the box. You can use your calculator, or, check out one of these two web sites for easy calculators, as well as a visual representation.
I’ve tried most of the ways and pretty much settled on using the table saw. This technique is the same as one described by Doug Stowe in his book on box making. Using a FTG blade, I cut completely through the two long sides (picture 1). Then I lower the blade to about 1/32″ less than the wall thickness and cut the two short sides. Finally, I use a Dozuki saw to cut through the remaining web and separate the two pieces. 
When I teach, and while at fine art shows, I am usually asked what tools I use in box making. Top of the list is always dominated by products from Taylor Design, makers of the INCRA line of products. Their accuracy and repeatability can’t be beat! Nor can their customer service. My INCRA “portfolio” inlcudes the TS-LS table saw fence, LS Super System router table fence, Several INCRA Gauges, a Miter Express, 3000 SE Miter Gauge, and many different tools from the measuring and marking category. 
It’s that time of year again. I submit applications to multiple shows in Wisconsin and Illinois, and I wait. Jurying is in progress for most shows now, so the schedule should fill out soon. The current schedule, tentative and firm, is posted on my web site. 
