The Votiv Story

My first memory of woodwork was at 8 years old - my father making me a wooden truck of hickory and poplar that I have to this day. Simple, timeless, crafted with love, quality woods, and built to last forever.

Gifts of devotion and passion, this is my vision for Votiv.

My name is Steve Ogden. I’m an award winning motion graphics director in Oakland, CA …and I’m a furniture designer and woodworker as well. I received my graphic design degree from California College of Arts in 2000, where I was also inspired by their industrial arts and woodworking programs. I shortly thereafter set up a small hobby workshop in my basement. Outside of primary work, I practiced and apprenticed and learned of woodwork anyway that I could. In 2011, I established my current workshop at American Steel Studios. The majority of my work is custom designs specifically for a particular household and function. I enjoy the challenges, learnings and satisfactions that come from creating one-of-a-kind works - whether commissioned by clients, friends, family or myself.

My primary inspiration in both of my fields of work are the same - the concept. In woodwork, I tend to find the concept hidden somewhere between the intended function of the piece, the story of the intended owners, and the character of the material. I seek out unique, storied and “imperfect” woods and projects they want to be paired with.

What’s your story, and what can we make for you?

steve@votiv.us
415.816.3399