Ciseal



Ciseal

About The Artist

Nicole Hodsdon • Leonard, MI
Wood • WHOLESALE AVAILABLE • CUSTOM COMMISSIONS

I am inspired by the Midcentury Modern architecture and design that’s so prevalent in and around Detroit. The functional blend of nature and modern design of these buildings influenced me to create my own designs using the method of woodlayering. I started in 2013 with some wood veneer, a bottle of glue, a handmade mold and some clamps. Ciseal has been growing steadily ever since - supporting my design habit one woodlayered product at a time.



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Q&A with the Artist

Tell us how your work is made.

I proudly design and make all of my products to-order and by hand in my Troy, Michigan studio. After searching high and low for the best, strongest, most flexible wood to make my products, I found it in my own backyard. My wood layers are sustainably-sourced from responsibly-harvested maple tree forests in the upper midwest. Each of my products are made by pressing layers of wood veneer with glue in a mold. Once the glue sets, the once-flexible individual layers of wood become one, and the finished product is stronger than the sum of its parts.


What makes you passionate about the medium you work with?

My passion for bent plywood products stems from the Midcentury Modern greats like the Eamses and the Saarinens who's designs are still prevalent throughout the greater Detroit area. The quality of my products is in the details: the intentional curves, the hand-layered, sustainable wood veneer, and the ease of use. The finished products I offer are the result of many iterations and fine tuning for comfort, usability, and style.

What is something unique about you or your practice?

I started off in engineering at General Motors, and working at the Eero Saarinen designed Technical Center in Warren, MI piqued my curiosity about design. The more I explored, the more passionate I became about good design and the impact it can have on our lives. My products are a direct result of that passion.