Arthur Espenet Carpenter
United States, 1920–2006
Place of BirthNew York, New York, United States
Place of DeathBolinas, California, United States
Biography"The woodwork of Espenet (the name Arthur Carpenter uses professionally) is notable for its stress and functionalism and its strong emphasis on visual grace. He first began to work in the medium in 1948 after spending several years in the Navy, then in a New York importing business. 'I wanted to become independent,' he recalls. 'I chose woodwork because of all the crafts I knew, this required the least technical knowledge. I could break in right away.' Entirely self-taught, Espenet has been producing award-winning furniture and wood accessories for twenty years. His work has been shown in leading U.S. museums and universities, and articles about him have appeared in numerous publications including Life, The New York Times, and the Christian Science Monitor. Espenet, commenting on his objectives, has a clear and direct approach: 1. Utility 2. Durability 3. Pleasing tactility 4. Economy of material."Education: Dartmouth College, B.A. 1942
- Objects: USA exhibition catalog, Museum of Arts and Design, 1970.
