Furniture artist Brad Smith cheerfully describes his work as "rusticated, post-agricultural contemporary country." He works from his studio on a Pennsylvania farm, incorporating parts and implements from its agrarian heritage. Ax handles, pitchforks, old planks, used farm equipment, all become a part of his unusual furnishings.

Making something special out of ordinary objects is Brad's primary goal. He can take a weather-worn and battered old plank and transform it into a tabletop with warmth, durability, and lasting charm.

Brad creates his furniture one piece at time using both traditional and modern techniques. His most unusual furniture-making tool is a 100-year-old ax-handle lathe he has refurbished to perform a multitude of tasks.