“When you’re signing a piece of furniture, you’re thinking lots of things; you’re thinking, if I’m putting my name on this thing, I’ve got an attachment to it, it better be good. But you’re also thinking, who is this going to? And when they receive that piece, they will probably see this signature and wonder, “Who is this Robert Fisher guy?”
Read MoreBehind the Signature:
More than ink on wood
Mason Faucher’s journey into the world of furniture making was a serendipitous one. He started at Thos. Moser, in 2015, fresh out of Eastern Maine Community College in Bangor, Maine, armed with a fine woodworking and cabinetry degree. Mason’s transformation to a dynamic and versatile craftsman over eight years at Thos. Moser is a testament to his passion for working with wood.
Mason’s affinity for woodworking only emerged once he took a woodshop class in high school. After graduation, he never imagined furniture making would become his lifelong career. While finishing his core classes in college, he discovered the extensive woodworking program and pursued it. In his final year, he toured various woodworking businesses, including the shop at Thos. Moser. Mason felt an inexplicable connection when he set foot in the workshop. “When I first came here on a shop tour, I just felt something. It’s a very unique place, and it felt like home,” he recalls.
Throughout his journey, Mason’s perspective on woodworking has evolved. He’s learned to balance meticulous attention to detail with the flexibility to adapt, striving for perfection while acknowledging that it’s an ongoing pursuit. For him, it’s not just about craftsmanship; it’s an art form, a way to create functional art. His inquisitiveness has led him to take on many roles within the company. First, he built tables, learned the art of finishing the furniture, and then began perfecting the intricacies of chair making. Most recently, he has found himself working on the CNC machine. “I love all of it,” he says. “I enjoy learning every aspect of what we do here and how it all comes together to create an incredible product. There is a lot of learning and knowledge within these walls, and we have an amazing group of people here. We’re constantly learning from one another.”
“When I first came here on a shop tour, I just felt something.
It’s a very unique place, and it felt like home.”
The Art of Chairmaking
Mason’s favorite piece to build is the Drift Chair, a sculptural lounge chair that challenges his skills and creativity. He’s quick to point out the chair’s arms, his favorite part of the chair, where the squared edges gracefully transition into flowing, rounded contours. For Mason, “The art of chairmaking shines in these subtle transitions.”
When asked what differentiates Thos. Moser furniture from others, he says, “It’s the unique joinery and complex design elements.” Mason highlights how even the smallest details, such as wooden pins, contribute to each piece’s structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. He points to chairs like the Pasadena Rocker, a masterpiece of fluid design with no straight lines, where every piece seamlessly transitions into the next.
Signing a piece of furniture is a source of immense pride for Mason. To sign a piece, he says, “signifies my commitment to my craft and the belief in the quality of my work.” His signature is more than just ink on wood; it’s a mark of his dedication and a testament to the enduring artistry of his creations. He’s passionate about sharing his skills and knowledge with others. Mason revels in teaching first-year craftspeople and customers about the intricate details of the furniture-making process. This shared experience deepens his connection and appreciation for his skill as a craftsperson.
Crafting for future generations
Mason’s passion for woodworking isn’t confined to the workshop; it extends to his personal life. One of his favorite holiday traditions is finding the perfect Christmas tree with his family, a task that resonates with his woodworking instincts. He adds, “Selecting the right tree, trimming it down, and decorating it with care parallels the process of crafting a piece of furniture.” He looks forward to instilling a love for woodworking and celebrating cherished family traditions with his one-year-old-son.
Mason has enjoyed every moment on his journey to becoming a craftsman and working with wood. From a high school woodshop class to becoming a master craftsman, his love for woodworking has shaped his career, life, and family traditions. It’s a reminder that pursuing one’s interests with passion and dedication can lead to a life replete with artistry and fulfillment.
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The Woodworker’s Notebook
For Jim Boisvert, life as a craftsman began at age ten. While other children his age tuned into Saturday morning cartoons, Jim watched the Woodwright’s Shop. For the last twenty years, Jim has kept a notebook cataloging every piece of furniture he has made as a Thos. Moser craftsman.
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