Crystal Fraughton
What kind of maker are you? (please include ALL mediums in which you create your art/craft)
When it comes to woodworking I consider myself a lifetime apprentice. I have a fetish-level love for beautiful furniture so I relish the opportunity I have to dream up my own designs and then build them. Maybe as a maker, I could be called a curator of space. However, while woodworking is an irreplaceable staple in my life, it is actually not my number one passion or career goal. Ultimately acadamia including philosophy, literature, math, and science are what fuel me, which I also hope to be a lifetime apprentice in.
What inspired you to start making?
I have always enjoyed working hard, manual labor, and seeing the fruits of my labor. I grew up with an inherent desire to be handy and useful in mechanical ways. When I was in my early 20s, I was already highly unsatisfied with the kind of work I was exposed to and engaged in - work where there was never any product of my labor to see once I was done. Additionally, I had always carried my love for furniture and eye for design. I was finally keyed into where I could sign up for furniture making classes around the age of 23 (by Chris Proctor of UDX himself) and was introduced to Chris Gochnour at SLCC. I had finally found the opportunity I had been craving for years.
Where are you based out of?
I live in Salt Lake City, Utah and when it comes to woodworking these days I primarily work with Chris Gochnour at the Joiners Bench. I hope to buy myself more making-time by entering into another shop soon.
What do you do for work currently?
Coronavirus certainly sent my life for a tailspin. I must say that so many are experiencing more turmoil and uncertainty than myself - ahem, VOTE!
Anyway, with the economic shutdown and physical lockdown this spring, I was laid off from Atmosphere Studios, a design build firm that specialized in booths for tradeshows. In my time there I was a Bench Carpenter, Traveling Supervisor, and an Assistant for Facilities Maintenance and CNC Operations.
These days I am building hiking and biking trails and loving every minute of it. If only it could be year round!
What is the most engaging part of building for you? What do you enjoy most? What do you enjoy least?
I truly love the entire process. From imagining up something beautiful, tweeking the design and building a prototype, to picking the lumber, making jigs and using joinery that ensures the piece I'm making will be around for future generations to see. I love taking my time and doing things right. Ultimately the most engaging part for me is the community; being in the shop with fellow makers, building relationships and sharing the craft - which makes us each capable of truly appreciating eachother's work. Whenever I'm finishing a piece, it's bittersweet because I'm sad that the process is over. What do I enjoy least? I really hate when I'm applying finish, typically linseed oil, and glue that I missed in the sanding process reveals itself.
When do you feel most inspired?
When it comes to woodworking, I feel most inspired when I'm working with my fellow makers in the shop, immersed in the community, and when I get to be part of the Utah Design Exhibit.
Where do you want to take your building and designing skills? What do you hope to learn and do with your career?
Ultimately I am happy if I can continue designing and building for years to come - whether that be to merely furnish my own private spaces, the privilige of furnishing spaces for entities I support, or being brought into the fold of interior design and exclusive lines where I can have the responsibility to curate environments.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a custom builder and designer?
Currently the main challenge presented to me with my limited resources and building capabilities is enough shop access and time to maintain the consistency that fosters learning and turnout. Additionally, one of my greatest challenges is confidence in my abilities. It's difficult to strike a balance and be a humble, meticulous craftsman without completely doubting my understanding and skill. It's also hard to technically keep up with my increasingly difficult design ideas. In these uncertain times while I don't know what is next for me as far as my livelihood is concerned, being my own boss and doing something I enjoy for work, like building custom furniture, would feel much more plausible should I tackle these challenges.
What are some pieces you that you've made that you are the most proud of?
The piece I'm most proud of is always the next one I'm making. They tend to get more ambitious. Right now it's a midcentury settee made out of walnut.
What is your favorite tool/instrument/toy right now?
There is a lot of modern impressive machinery that allows a maker today to really tap into perfection in some aspects of building. The Time Saver Sander is a prime example of this for me. I can never say too many times how much you have to love a machine that does exactly what you want it to do. Right now while I'm building trails though, the leaf rake has my heart.
Favorite design style:
I feel there are so many different design styles that can have a place at the same table. I love midcentury furniture yet I also enjoy more masculine pieces and even flock to ornate detailing as well. Ultimately I think a sincere designer has to have a breadth of understanding and appreciation for the differing aims and values of differing styles, and ultimately embraces the balance they bring to their counterparts.
What skill do you most want to learn?
There is no end in sight for how much I have to learn both in woodworking and life. A couple of things I really want to get comfortable with and feel the independent freedom to implement into pieces I build is turning and carving.
Favorite thing to listen to while you work?
I committedly keep up on current events and politics, love an array of journalistic podcasts and have a deep seated appreciation for music varying across genres. However, when I'm working, specifically in a shop or amongst others, I'm most comfortable without headphones and feeling completely present and audibly aware to my surroundings.
Favorite outfit/footwear to wear to work?
Luckily I really like wearing boots because there's no doubt that is what you should wear in a shop, and on a mountain.
Favorite post-work activity to unwind?
Me, myself and I driving listening to whatever music speaks to my mood that day. A drink and shooting the shit with friends later is nice too. Nothing else quite captures what having a beer on a patio with friends does.
Favorite food?
Mexican, Sushi, Indian and pretty much anything on the Purgatory (SLC bar) menu.
Favorite band?
I love musicians who produce lyrical content that is thought provoking and human-experience affirming. I love Tool, Radiohead, The National and even the underestimated Taylor Swift, just to name a few.
Favorite place you've traveled?
Mexico!
Place you want to travel to most and why?
Everywhere. There is so much to see and experience. I love backpacking and solitude in nature. I also love good food, groups and entertainment, so I'll go everywhere, thanks!
If you could collaborate with one maker/artist (living or dead) who would it be?
Trent Reznor or Maynard James Keenan
Where can people contact you?
cr.rose.fr@gmail.com
801-800-6503 LEAVE A MESSAGE OR TEXT
