erica lynn frank

PET LOUNGE - “PATTERNS FOR PAWS”

Design Competition & Charity Auction

With aspects of both playfulness and elegance, multiple forms nestle together to create a rearrangeable composition. The main platform, which pulls its influence from flowing water, sweeps up into a promontory for perching. The second platform emulates a lily pad floating over water. Woven rope adds a highly tactile texture to the composition; it also works spatially to create a sense of separation at places.

A strategic, streamlined fabrication design uses organic but simple construction methods ideal for a hand-built structure. The construction of the seemingly complex undulating platform is made possible by a cross-laminated plywood surface supported on repeating rails. By using a kit of flat panels, automated routing is possible, joinery simplified, while still conveying the flowy language of the piece. Designed with a group of five. Primary fabricator.

• Best Craftsmanship

• People’s choice

ASSORTED STUDENT MODELS

Models created during B. Arch program showing proficiency in modeling in wood, chipboard, paper, and other miscellaneous materials. The models demonstrate attention to detail, cleanliness, resourcefulness, and a high standard for craft.

WONKY TABLE

Made from solid ash, cast iron plumbing parts, a plumb bob, and featuring a Whatsit found in the woods. A few weekends to design and build the base and top, two years to sit in the basement and get dusty, plus another weekend to drill holes and glue it up.

ANGLED LAMINATION PROJECT

Using cherry, walnut, poplar. Repurposed as jewelry stand.

CURVED LAMINATION PROJECT

Using red oak, ash, elm, purple heart, and yellow heart. The piece emulates a book, with a spine and pages. A quote from Louis Sachar’s Holes is laser-printed onto the spine.

KALEIDOSCOPE

Using three strips of hand-cut mirror glass for the interior, and poplar and walnut for the case. A modified version of Robin Kelsey’s design published in Fine Woodworking.

HAND

The main contours were cut using a digital CNC mill, doing a flip-mill to contour both sides. The details and undercuts were carved by hand.

MAKER MARK STAMP

Stamp made using laser-cutter on rubber. Handle made from white oak, yellow heart, ebony, and cherry.

BALANCING SCULPTURE

Made from MDF and steel.

ROOM SCREEN

Using poplar, ash, yarn, and acrylic. Custom-designed hinges.

CARVED CANDLEPLATE

The plate was carved from basswood using a chip-carving technique. Design courtesy of Wayne Barton.

BOX FOR SISTER

White oak for box. Lid a lamination of cherry, white oak, yellow heart.

FOLDING BOOKSTAND

An exercise in chiseling, the stand is cut from a single piece of lumber. First the hinge is chopped, then the board is resawn down the middle to allow the hinge to open. The side is embellished with a chip-carved pattern. In poplar.

WHITTLES

Left: a ball-in-cage whittled from basswood.

Right: interlinked chain whittled from basswood.

BAMBOO HAMMOCK

Made from local fallen bamboo, using rope knots for joinery. An interesting experiment in using bamboo for construction, as well as found materials.

INSTRUMENTAL WASHBOARD

In a patchwork style, built for B. for her one-day washboard band. Using poplar, utily, cherry, london plane, and walnut.

DOUBLE-SIDED BOOKSTAND

Made for father and sister to read across from each other at the table. They used to turn the napkin-holder upside-down and prop their books on either side– a flawed strategy. The stand has three components that can be assembled in a number of configurations for different uses, including single-reader, double-reader, pot-stand, cutting board, or cookbook stand.

WELDING SCULPTURES

From an intro welding course, MIG-welded steel desk sculptures.

LAMINATED SCULPTURE

Using red oak, walnut, poplar, ebony. Looks like a horse head.