On Episode 42 of Why Make? we talk with Tom Loeser, an educator, furniture maker, and box maker who recently retired as the head of the Furniture Design and Woodworking program at UW-Madison where he has taught since 1991.

Tom designs and builds one-of-a-kind, functional and dysfunctional, objects that are often carved and painted. His work is primarily based on and uses the history of design and object-making as a starting point for developing new form and meaning.

We talk with Tom about his exploration and investigation of unconventional furniture forms, including: chests, bandsaw boxes, public seating, and chairs, one example is his Shaker and Memphis inspired Folding Chair.

So get out your colorwheel and a copy of Josef Albers Interaction of Color and enjoy our conversation with Tom Loeser.

Find out more about Tom and his woodworking at his website www.tomloeser.com