Canyon

 










 

2011
plywood / steel
22" x 41"x 39"
  
Sourcing data from the USGS report titled “Analysis of Water Use in the United States: 1950– 1995,” Canyon is three dimensional representation of national water use statistics, where the central river and its tributaries are related to a specific categorical use. The two largest uses define the central shape of the table, which is based on the line of Colorado River (Thermoelectric) in its entire length, and its main tributary the Green River (Irrigation). Additionally, Industrial, Public Supply, and Domestic/Rural/Livestock are embodied as tributaries in the canyon walls. The Canyon width is relative to amount of water used, and the table height is a measure of time – the top is relative to 1950 water use, the very bottom of the canyon is 2000. Viewers can physically see the changes - as thermoelectric use grows, the statistically smaller categorical uses are swallowed into the crevice walls by its immense growth. Conversely, water use for irrigation has the reverse effect of decreasing gradually over time.

Concept Sketch

Computer Drawn Model

Data Source Document

River Table

Octopus Bottle Stopper

2008
Cast bronze / patina
6" x 5" x 6"

This cast bronze Octopus bottle stopper was created for a specific exhibition put on by the Wood Turning Center called "The Art of Opening: Bottles & Their Toppers". After receiving all the cork screws and stoppers, the Center teamed up with the Wheaton Arts Cultural Center in Millville, NJ and had local glass artists blow one-of-a-kind glass vessels for each piece. See the piece as shown in the exhibition below. Check out http://woodturningcenter.org/2009/exhibit4/index.html to see other pieces in the online gallery.

Pine Strobilus

2008
maple / paint / gold leaf
1.5" x 3" x 2"

Tidal Datum Tables

2007
steel / walnut / hardware
18” h x 18”w x 72” l

The body of work titled “Tidal Datums” is the result of my senior thesis project. The collection consists of a variety of objects inspired by the formal language of data graphics, intended to be a representation of analytic information through the medium of furniture. My work process began by gathering data graphs from NOAA’s historic tide database followed by translating the empirical information into tangible materials. The forms modeled from the data not only reveal a dynamic pattern, they facilitate a new way of experiencing information by enabling a physical interaction of tidal patterns with the body.

(Click on image for a larger view)


NOAA Tidal Graphs converted to Vector and Layered - 30 Days of Information


Furniture Sketches

Process photos

Cocoon Lamp

2006
bamboo plywood / wool yarn
varying dimensions:
small 8” h x 22” diameter
large 16” h x 31” diameter

The structure of this unusual pendant lamp is made from bamboo plywood and wrapped with 100% wool yarn which functions as a sculptural lampshade. The yarn also holds the structure together through tension rather than with nasty adhesives. The component bamboo plywood pieces slot together and are lasercut from a pattern of concentric circles, minimizing material waste from the manufacturing process. It ships flat to be assembled on site and is handmade in San Francisco.

Suspension Cabinet

2005
african mahogony / maple / aluminum rod
18” x 18” x 43.5”

This piece is about suspension as well as deconstruction. The central cabinet unit is suspended from four points within the maple frame. The outer structure is bolted together and deconstructs into component parts. The aluminum rod functions as the connection point for the hardware, as well as acts as a buffer between the wooden components, while the hardware is presented as an accent rather than hidden from view. The overall design brings attention to the structure of the frame -as a container, protecting the contents of the shelf.

Tessellation Table

2005
steel / brass / mahagony / maple
38” x 42.5” x 16”

tes'sel·la'tion n.
“to cover the plane with a pattern in such a way as to leave no region uncovered.”

This tessellation is based on a hexagon, and arises from a personal fascination with geometry. Component parts create a flat surface that plays with concepts of perception and visual illusion. Contrast of materials from wood to metal within the pattern adds to the illusion of the three-dimensional quality of the flat plane of the table..

Air House Bench

2005
cherry / upholstry
18” x 36” x 18”

The concept for this piece was inspired by a residence in Japan titled the Air House. Featuring floor to ceiling windows creating the walls, the house is almost completely surrounded by water and the natural environment. Following the formal aesthetics of the space, the upholstered piece floats in a thin, airy frame of cherry wood. The shape of the upholstery is representative of airflow, and the seam-lines reflect and emphasize this aspect of the bench.

Floating Back Armchair and Ottoman

2004
solid walnut / upholstery
24” x 28” x 33”

This chair is an experiment of the structural integrity of wood joinery. The back of this armchair floats seemingly with little support from the base of the chair. The only connection is through the armrests - a thin piece of walnut joined to the base with a mortise and tenon joint. Although it appears fragile, the structure is solid.