Use Me: Innovative New Furniture Designs by Graduates of California College of the Arts
Author:Stephanie OrmaJust when you think you’ve nailed down the concept of “chair” and “table” some designer goes and creates some wholly innovative object that challenges your whole notion of what it means to rest your bum. Well, hold onto your seat–reimaging everything from chairs to shelves to tables, the graduates of San Francisco’s California College of the Arts Furniture Program unveiled their newest works in last month’s exhibition “Use Me” at the Mina Dresden Gallery. From the highly conceptual to the exceedingly beautiful, five graduating innovators presented their boldly, unexpected furniture designs that will knock you off your rocker. Check out the highlights below.
First, Andrew Perkins’ drool-worthy pieces combine natural forms with urban materials:
“Display Minimal” by Andrew Perkins (cherry, aluminum)
“Heron Table” by Andrew Perkins (bending ply, maple, recycled aluminum)
“Alumination” by Andrew Perkins (cherry, recycled aluminum, glass)
Next, Michele Marti reworks Victorian pieces into naughty works of art, exploring sexuality and where furniture ends and the body begins:
“Victorian Spread” by Michele Marti (salvaged chair, latex paint, velvet chenille upholstery fabric, ribbon)
“Curious Sofa” by Michele Marti (two salvaged chairs, velvet upholstery fabric, original buttons)
Lukas Nickerson’s furniture juxtaposes old century craft and modern technology:
“Float” by Lukas Nickerson (padauk, steel, spectra)
“Leaf” by Lukas Nickerson (mahogany, aluminum, spectra)
Carly Borman’s collection, Entwine, explores the intersection of plants and furniture in indoor/outdoor pieces:
“Moss Bench” by Carly Borman (holly and moss)
Finally, Janette Banner exemplifies “one person’s rubbish is often another’s treasure” combining discarded objects into her designs:
“Not Just a One Nightstand” by Janette Banner (plastic bin, laminate, reclaimed steel, wood, MDF)
Many of the furniture designs are still available for purchase through the Mina Dresden Gallery. So what do you think – are you ready to spice up your abode with some ultra-cool conversation pieces?
