
Don Harris

About the Artist:
I was first introduced to furniture making in a high school shop class—a moment that sparked a lifelong devotion to the craft. After graduating, I served more than 20 years with the U.S. Army Rangers and Special Forces. My path eventually led me back to woodworking, where I honed my skills through a 12‑year apprenticeship in 18th‑century American furniture and now operate a studio in Bozeman, Montana.
My work blends classical design with the raw beauty of the natural world. I draw deeply from the 18th‑century tradition, especially its use of the Golden Ratio—an enduring principle expressed in graceful curves, flowing proportions, and balanced fo
rms. For me, the Golden Ratio extends beyond structure; it is also present in texture, tone, and the harmony found in nature.
Each piece begins with a reverence for materials—solid hardwoods, often locally sourced, and forged steel shaped by hand. I frequently incorporate blacksmithing into my designs, creating sculptural metal bases with cabriole‑style legs that echo organic movement. Many are adorned with forged branches and hand‑formed aspen leaves, inspired by the Montana landscape just outside my shop.
The result is furniture that feels timeless—born of history, shaped by hand, and rooted in the natural world.

