Silas Kopf

Silas Kopf has been making studio furniture since 1973. He is a graduate of Princeton University with a degree in architecture. He was an apprentice to Wendell Castle for two years.

In 1988 he was the recipient of a Craftsman’s Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. He used the Fellowship to study traditional marquetry methods at the École Boulle in Paris with Pierre Ramond. Subsequently Kopf had the opportunity to travel and study about marquetry and inlay in Italy, England, and Sweden, expanding his understanding of the European marquetry history of decorative arts. Kopf was named a Master of the Medium for 2015 by the James Renwick Alliance of the Smithsonian Institution.

Kopf incorporates a wide variety of techniques to decorate the furniture he both designs and builds. The standards are exacting and every attempt is made to build work of the highest caliber, creating work that is sought after by collectors. Most of the marquetry is made with wood, but occasionally other materials are used; brass, copper, aluminum, mother-of-pearl, abalone, and reconstituted stone.

Kopf’s work is found in museums and private collections around the world. His shop is in Easthampton, Massachusetts.

Topics/Strengths:

One of a kind crafted woodwork. Marketing through craft shows and galleries.

Instagram: @silas.kopf