Good Eye

Good Eye

“Good Eye,” the fifth and newest book in the authors’ "artisan geometry" series, explores furniture design by examining simple proportions in a fresh and profound way.

In this book, Jim Tolpin and George Walker closely analyze iconic pieces of furniture from various periods, demonstrating the proportional systems that underpin each design. They then guide readers a step further by showing how to apply that same system to create entirely new designs—pieces with a framework that can blend seamlessly into almost any design aesthetic.

If you’ve been following the work of George and Jim, this new book will deepen your understanding of artisan geometry and how to apply it in your own projects. For newcomers to furniture design, “Good Eye” serves as a perfect introduction to the subject.

The book begins by illustrating how to identify the simple shapes found in a piece of furniture. It then explains how to extract the "module" (or building block) that underlies that design. You'll learn how to use this module to scale elements like moldings, rails, stiles, drawers, and negative space.

If this sounds challenging, don't worry. “Good Eye” teaches through examples. The lessons start with a straightforward 17th-century chest, where the authors reveal the basic system that underlies its overall proportions. They use clear language and line drawings to explain how the module helps lay out the chest’s rails, stiles, and panels. Once you grasp the system behind the chest, Tolpin and Walker show you how to apply this same method to design a contemporary hi-fi cabinet.

Following this format, you will learn about asymmetry through pieces from Asia, tackle secondary modules while exploring a Shaker sewing table, and discover how to enhance existing designs through the process of “refinement.” During this process, you'll experiment with different layouts (all based on the same system) to identify the most visually pleasing arrangement. The authors also cover ornamentation and curves.

All of these sophisticated concepts are supported by real-world examples. The book contains hundreds of line drawings that make each step clear and comprehensible.

Like all books published by Lost Art Press, “Good Eye” is printed in the United States (specifically in Michigan). The book measures 8.5" x 11" and consists of 120 pages. The interior features black-and-white printing on #60 natural paper, and the pages are gathered into signatures, sewn for durability, and backed with fiber tape. The book block is attached to the hardcover with a sturdy paper hinge. The cover, wrapped in cloth, is stamped with a metal die and foil to create a striking design. This level of craftsmanship is rare today; these books are designed to endure through years of regular use.