Gutman said the work was inspired by photographs of Auschwitz victims. I saw images of the Auschwitz dead floating by me. I couldn't get the images of emaciated people with swollen joints and huge heads out of my mind. But Gutman's heritage also provides him with another link to the past. It's the same way with furniture.
Furniture has lines, history and continuity.
Gutman said part of that continuity is honoring his parents through his work. They come from European shtetls. When I'm working in my shop, surrounded by wood shavings, dust, and the fruits of my labor. I can feel the connection to the shtetl. In a way, it's like coming home.