"Container", designed by Eric Degenhardt for Böwer Company.
“Beautility” accurately describes this exhibition at The Messler Gallery– it will feature beautiful, exceptional, and functional products in wood. An open reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. on the opening day, (Jan 23, 2015) and the public is warmly encouraged to attend the event.
The exhibition celebrates otherwise ordinary objects-such as buckets, bicycles, boats, and brooms-that achieve beauty through fitness to thier purpose and conscientious construction. Some, such as the hand-tied brooms of Appalachian artist Brenda Harman, are beautiful in their authenticity and simplicity. Others, such as Max Gunawan’s “Lumio” multifunctional LED lamp, employ the latest technologies to push the boundaries of innovation and design.
Guest curator Judy Bonzi said about the show,
“In researching the show I was excited to discover a natural juxtaposition
between gorgeous traditional objects that arrived at their design essence
through centuries of anonymous refinement, and contemporary products
that have been brilliantly conceived and executed for purposes that were
previously unknown.”
The show will run from Friday, January 23, through April 1, 2015. The Messler Gallery is located on the campus of the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, at the corner of Route 90 and Mill Street in Rockport, Maine. After the opening, the exhibition will be on view at the Center’s website, www.woodschool.org.
-
"Container", designed by Eric Degenhardt for Böwer Company.
-
Handmade Fly Rod, by J.D. Wagner, Rodmaker.
-
"Knives", made from maple, and designed by Federal Design House.
-
Surf Board, by Grain Surfboards.
-
"Lumio" is a lamp made from wood, paper, and LED lights, by Max Gunawan.
-
Handmade brooms by Brenwood Forge and Broom
Comments
I remember reading an article when I was in architecture school in the 80s about functional beauty. It was in an article on Scandinavian design. They word they used was "Brukkunst." "Bruk" was similar to German "brauch," meaning useful, and "Kunst" is Art in German. Since the Scandinavian languages are related, it was easy to understand "useful art." It is the underpinning of most Scandinavian design, and especially visible in Finnish works. Reminded me of the Shaker esthetic.
Brian: You are very right about useful art- it's neat to hear about the Scandinavian word for functional beauty- I guess the concept has been around a while! There is something very peaceful about simple designs that work well, and usually when I'm in the workshop, I try to make things that are both functional and pleasing to the eye.
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
Sign up Log in