I knocked on the solitary door saying 'Stephen Hultberg - Furniture Maker' off of Rainier Avenue South on the quiet South Mead Street. Everything was so still, I thought there must be nobody about. I had not called ahead, and I only held a scrap of paper with a vague address and a name in hand. I knew he was an artisan and I was curious to know how business was going.
I had already turned back to my car when, to my surprise, the door opened and a lanky blond fellow of an indeterminable age appeared. Here stood Hultberg, looking like the quintessential craftsman.
As with many who work long hours alone, Hultberg was slow to open up, but he quickly became a veritable geyser of words as he passionately showed me his workshop, tools, works in progress and an impressive portfolio of previous commissioned pieces.
Hultberg is a curious mixture of absolute realist and absolute idealist - realistic about who his clients are and what the market potentially holds for artisans like himself and idealist in his convictions about quality. He fervently believes that in our haste to satisfy our purchasing urge and get the quick thrill of a perceived bargain, we settle for inferior workmanship and ultimately get very little satisfaction.
On the other hand, Hultberg encourages his clients to stop by and savor the progress. As if to drive this point home, he lovingly ran his large hand over a custom vanity still in the raw while describing the different woods used and how they will appear once polished. It is already beautiful - simple and elegant in style but I enjoy listening to Hultberg describe each step.
These values of realism and idealism pervade all areas of Hultbergs life. He sees the multitude of machines in the shop as his "trophies," for they are all-American made, built to last. They will be passed on to another craftsman because they stem from a golden era before corporations competed for quality.
Hultberg feels that trees are valuable enough to merit the extra effort, and it visibly pains him to see mass-produced shabby furniture. If only we could all be more discerning.
Hultberg knew from the age of 18 that he wanted to be a furniture maker - not a cabinet maker. He set about working in the major shops in Seattle, methodically studying every aspect of woodwork technique from technical drawings, to marquetry, to inlay, to European carving to finishing methods. He has mastered them all.
Rather than being known for a distinct style, Hultberg prides himself on being able to service a wide range of furniture desires for all types of clients by either faithfully executing the designs of others or by adding his flair and artistry to a rough drawing and a half idea.
I asked if he would recommend this line of business to young people and he was honest in his answer.
"I live a simple lifestyle and it does not make a whole lot of money, but it certainly provides me with everything I want in a career," Hultberg noted. "I like being king of my own shop."
Doesn't sound bad does it? But he admits that there is no such thing as a 40-hour week, and it is labor intensive.
Having been squeezed out of the once artistic South Lake Union district, Hultberg is now safely ensconced in his own building as of a year and a half ago. He doesn't regret his choice of moving the business to the Hillman City area. Hultberg has lived in the area for 15 years, loves the proximity to work, and feels more connected to the community.
So, if you have the desire to invest in a real piece of furniture that will endure time and pass to further generations, stop by 5800 Rainier Ave. S. Bldg. B, or call 206- 625 0231. You're in for a real treat!
Jacqui James may be reached at editor@sdistrictjournal.com.
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