BRUCE HART WOODWORKS
Nestled in the woods just off Highway 20, with scenic views of Scotts Flat Lake, Bruce Hart established his woodshop in Nevada City, CA. His dreamy workspace boasts a wood-burning stove, perfect for those chilly winter days, and houses all the necessary equipment and hand-tools for crafting the inspiring pieces that Bruce is known for. The natural surroundings of Bruce's workplace serve as both an inspiration and motivation for his creations. In addition to creating ready-to-sell furniture for the online fine furniture shop, Coast Collective, Bruce takes on commission work for clients and interior designers. "Nearly half of my work comes from partnerships with interior designers, and I deliver to their clients throughout the Western United States. My furniture resides in Lake Tahoe, CA, the Big Island of Hawai’i, Bozeman, MT, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Jackson Hole, WY," he shares.
photography: Joshua Irber
Within his workshop, big slabs of walnut, madrone, and various other wood species lean against one wall. It's easy to envision Bruce shuffling through each piece as he designs the perfect table for a client, with the intricate grain patterns serving as a crucial element of his work's aesthetic.
Originally from Marin County, Bruce honed his woodworking craft during a two-year tenure at the esteemed Krenov School of Fine Furniture. It was during the school's intensive programs that Bruce honed and refined his skills and craftsmanship. Today, he adeptly incorporates traditional joinery and construction techniques into his work, skillfully infusing them with a contemporary design sensibility.
photography: Joshua Irber
Yet, the most impressive aspect of Bruce's practice is his approach to wood sourcing. He explains, "I personally mill the majority of the wood used in my projects, which offers numerous advantages. I can actively seek out interesting logs and tree species, maintain control over the entire cutting and drying process, handpick specific boards for different components of each furniture piece, and, perhaps most importantly, this practice aligns my business with a level of sustainability and forest stewardship that many others cannot achieve."
photography: Hubbard M. Jones
Bruce's ability to personally mill and season his own wood truly distinguishes his practice within the industry. This shared value system aligns Bruce with all the artisans at Coast Collective. Sustainability is at the heart of their work. This means using high-quality materials, skilled construction techniques, and the delivery of fully assembled pieces. This commitment is why the Coast Collective philosophy simply states, "For Coast, handmade means woodshops, not factories."
photography: Hubbard M. Jones
To explore more of Bruce Hart's work, follow the link to Coast Collective. We encourage you to reach out and engage our artisans for commission work. To contact Bruce directly, please find his email link below. Your journey into the world of contemporary fine furniture begins here. Every purchase supports our artisans in their pursuit of the craft, contributes to a positive transformation within the industry toward sustainable practices, and enables our clients to collect heirloom pieces that will endure for generations.