Against the Grain
By Stacey Meineke
July 29–August 6, 2023
Woodworker Stacey Meineke explores the colorways and pattern play of wood in her art and furniture exhibition, Against the Grain.
Stacey’s interest in woodworking started from the practical (and aesthetic) need for grown-up furniture in a shared dining room littered with ramen-filled storage tubs. She took a woodworking class through Otis College of Art and Design and confidently told the instructor she would build a credenza as her first-ever project, to which he replied, “No. That's too much for a beginner.”
Never one to listen to the words “no” or “too much,” Stacey stubbornly power[tool]ed on, panting and wheezing all the way up the steep learning curve, silently—and almost tearfully—admitting he was right. Nevertheless, she persisted, and now has a beautiful credenza. That she will be buried in. Beneath a tombstone that reads, “Her perfectionism finally got the best of her.”
While the credenza solved one area of clutter in her apartment, it made another with a pile of leftover walnut scraps. In true artist form, Stacey said, “I can make something with these!” and thus began her 11-year journey down the woodhoarder’s *rabbet* hole, filled with countless unfinished projects.
About the artist
Stacey Meineke
Stacey is a designer and photographer based in Los Angeles where she freelances as a print and digital production designer for entertainment and advertising agencies. Between work contracts, she travels and makes art. Her artistic mediums have changed over the past 20 years. She started her career in filmmaking in New York City as a 1st assistant camera and cinematographer. After moving to Los Angeles, her profession shifted to production artist, and she started woodworking: building furniture and making wood art. Recently floral design and creating color palettes has captured her interest. Photography, however, will always be her first love. Each artistic discipline strengthens her design eye and develops transferable skills. Stacey continuously pursues a well-balanced life full of art and exploration.
@mill45design
www.mill45design.com
www.staceymeineke.com