Artistry in wood: Restaurateur discovers the calming nature of building furniture

CARNES, Iowa | There isn't a whole lot to see in the tiny Sioux County town of Carnes.

There's a grain elevator and then there's a former carpentry shop that has been converted into a small pizzeria, which is co-owned by Ann Plageman, Mark Slemp and Mark's son Matt Slemp.

And, to be honest, that's about there is to see in Carnes, Iowa.

However, Sfumato Pizzeria -- a restaurant specializing in Neapolitan pizzas -- features furniture designed by Mark Slemp, who also owns a construction company, and Matt Slemp, who enjoys woodwork as much as his dad.

"Pretty much everything I know about making furniture, I learned from my dad," Matt Slemp said in a workshop next to the pizzeria. "When it comes to design, he taught me everything that I know." 

Even though he doesn't advertise his services, Matt is becoming known for crafting one-of-a-kind home furnishings.

Indeed, he recently made a grand, live-edge walnut table for a client who lives in Okoboji, Iowa.

"The client knew exactly what she wanted and the end result really turned out well," Matt said.

So, does that make Matt a pizza maker, a restaurateur or a fine furniture maker? Well, he actually wouldn't mind doing all three.

This isn't too surprising since Matt has always been ambitious.

A retired U.S. Marine who was injured in a helicopter crash while serving in Iraq on Dec. 11, 2006, Matt experienced a broken left hip, a broken left knee, a broken nose and a fractured left shoulder and a brain injury as a result of the accident.

After retiring from the U.S. Marine Corps 3rd Battalion 4th Marine, Matt joined his dad in a pizzeria than was named after a painting term coined by artist Leonardo da Vinci. 

According to legend, Sfumato literally means going "up in smoke."

That certainly isn't happening to the pizzeria, which quickly acquired a devoted clientele.

Always a willing student, Matt received training and certification from Verace Pizza Napoletena, the governing body for the Neapolitan pizza makers.

"When I do something, I try to learn as much as I can," he said.

And once you think about it, making a pizza isn't that drastically different than making a table, Matt said.

They're both crafted lovingly by hand and each can be considered pieces of art.

However, he concedes an elegant table can last a lifetime. A pizza, no matter how well made it is, isn't likely to last much beyond a meal time.

Giving a quick tour of his shop, Matt said carpentry will more than likely remain a sideline.

"The restaurant is a full-time job," he said. "Making furniture is something I do to relax on my days off." 

Showing off some of the pieces he has made, it's clear that Matt knows design.

"It's fun because I love working with wood," he said. "I can show my creativity through the furniture that I make."