reprinted with permission from Cowboys & Indians
September 2005 Issue

AGED TO PERFECTION

About 40 miles south of Santa Fe, in Algodones, New Mexico, you'll find Custom Furniture by Andy Sanchez, Father-and-son team Andy and Aaron Sanchez custom make Native art and furniture using a distinctive wood-dead standing alligator juniper trees, which are often more than 1,000 years old. The ancient trees are from the forests of New Mexico; having received little rainfall over the years, they are twisted and short, which gives the wood a unique quality. This hand-carved bowl is one of Aaron's creations made using juniper wood. The bowl is artistically inlaid with turquoise and finished with an application of oil and wax that gives the piece a smooth elegance. The bowl measures 18 inches wide by 26 inches long by 12 inches high, including the antler and juniper base. Visit Custom Furniture by Andy Sanchez online to view more pieces shown in the photo gallery.

FYI: (505) 385-1189; www.andysanchez.com

-Kathleen Fritsche