Salad Tongs

A pair of handcrafted maple wood salad tongs designed to promote the tradition of family dinners. The tongs are not identical, but complementary to work better together.
September 2011

Process Work

This project introduced me to methodologies for the generation of forms with complex transitional surfaces. Starting with two blocks of 1 ¾” x 3 ½” x 12” maple wood, I produced a pair of abstracted curvilinear forms that facilitate tossing and serving salad. In consideration of behavior, action, and body posture, I designed my salad tongs to be used at the family dinner table while seated. I discovered that certain shapes were more ergonomically correct for those sitting to serve rather than standing to mix salad. Drawing and sketch-modeling my ideas helped me understand the qualities of curvilinear surfaces, edge and surface transitions, and proportions. With the use of the band saw and various sanders I carved the block away to its final elegant contours.

Final Product Photos

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