Monday, March 4, 2013

MODA Field Trip: Burnt Wood & Bourbon

Just less than a month ago, I went on another Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) Field Trip. The title of this Field Trip alone—"Burnt Wood & Bourbon"—ensured an enthusiastic signing up for the event. Well, that and the brilliant designers who were hosting. 

And there's another Field Trip coming up later this week!


Burnt Wood & Bourbon, A MODA Field Trip
Blake Burton, Vivian Bencich, John Bencich, Stephanie Aron Morgan, Skylar Morgan
Burnt Wood & Bourbon, A MODA Field Trip
This Field Trip is in conjunction with "The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge." Our hosts, who were beyond generous and welcoming, were the collaborative team that worked on Vignette #4, "Habitus." 

Skylar Morgan, Burnt Wood & Bourbon, A MODA Field Trip
Skylar Morgan
Burnt Wood & Bourbon, A MODA Field Trip
We were at the studio of Skylar Morgan, propreitor of his namesake, Skylar Morgan Furniture + Design, or SMFD. Co-hosting were John Bencich, Architect, and Vivian Bencich, Interior Designer, of Square Feet Studio.

John and Vivian Bencich, Burnt Wood & Bourbon, A MODA Field Trip
John and Vivian Bencich,
Burnt Wood & Bourbon, A MODA Field Trip
When we got there, we weren't sure exactly what to expect, beyond touring a studio and a bourbon tasting, which we were sure would finish the excursion. Well, to our surprise, we were welcomed to the bourbon tasting upon arrival—what a great way to be greeted! 

They'd also provided a spread of fruits and cheeses, but the five generous bottles of bourbon got the majority of the attention. Not really a bourbon fan (I've just not had that much of it), I tried the "Redemption Rye," which to my complete and utter surprise, I really liked!

John Bencich (left),
Burnt Wood & Bourbon, A MODA Field Trip
Each of our hosts shared during the presentation, discussing their contributions to Habitus. 

Burnt Wood & Bourbon, A MODA Field Trip
Burnt Wood & Bourbon, A MODA Field Trip
We toured the Studio and Skylar taught us the value of the uniqueness of wood. On his website, he says, "I try to find beautiful pieces of wood in raw form and bring them to life." And that he does...and lots of it on a large scale from what we saw.

Skylar Morgan,  Burnt Wood & Bourbon, a MODA Field Trip
Skylar Morgan,
Burnt Wood & Bourbon, a MODA Field Trip
Skylar was a brilliant tour guide and you could tell that he and the rest of the team had put a lot of thought and consideration into preparing for our visit. I was quite impressed. If that's any indication of the quality work he produces—aside from the gorgeous pieces we saw in-process—then his work is phenomenal.

Skylar Morgan,  Burnt Wood & Bourbon, a MODA Field Trip
Blake Burton, John Bencich
Burnt Wood & Bourbon, a MODA Field Trip
It was time to move outside where we got to the "Burnt Wood" portion of the program...fun, fun, fun!

The guys from Square Feet conducted the next few demonstrations. The first being a "pillar" of raw wood burnt for a specific time—which they learned by trial and error—for various burn effects.

Burnt Wood & Bourbon, a MODA Field Trip
Blake Burton, fire-weilding Field Trip guest
Burnt Wood & Bourbon, a MODA Field Trip
And then...they let us play! There were LOTS of volunteers to try their hand at burning wood—in a totally controlled environment with safety measures in place. What fun! 

Burnt Wood & Bourbon, a MODA Field Trip
Burnt Wood & Bourbon, a MODA Field Trip
The next time I went back to MODA, I of course reexamined the "Habitus" vignette and saw it in a whole new light...with a grand appreciation for the burnt wood finish. 

Burnt Wood & Bourbon, a MODA Field Trip
Burnt Wood & Bourbon, a MODA Field Trip
As you can see, there were a good many of us and from what I could tell, everyone had a great time. 

And I've met a great many people at MODA events and even made a few new friends. Not to mention that the MODA staff are fantastic...I always feel welcome and they never tire of seeing me coming in the door.

The next MODA Field Trip is this Thursday, March 7, 2013, titled, "Joseph Choma & Emerging Voices at the Barbara Archer Gallery." I invite you to go on a Field Trip...it's a taste of some of the great programming MODA offers!

When you're done here, head over to the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page where there are many more photos from Burnt Wood & Bourbon. Be sure to "Like" the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA), Skylar Morgan Furniture + Design, and Square Feet Studio while you're over there!

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