Recorded March 13, 2023. 

Robell Awake is a furniture maker based in Atlanta Georgia. He has a background in the trades, but has dedicated his current efforts in ladderback chair making and green woodworking. Along with making the furniture itself, Robell has researched the true origins of the Poynor chair; a mule-eared, curve-backed ladderback chair designed by one of the most prolific Black furniture makers in the 19th Century; Richard Poyner. Robell’s research has led him toward combating the erasures of black craftspeople in the United States with his own work and also educating others in the field to set the historic record straight.  

To find more of Robell’s work visit his website: www.robellawake.com, Instagram: @robellawake

Help keep the podcast alive! Visit our Patreon, pick up some Merch, or make a one time donation! Listeners make it all possible. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Our 3rd Annual April Giveaway is quickly approaching! This year, we are excited to have TWO beautiful carving knives made by none other than Reid Schwartz, our guest from Episode 41.