Ben Adams, Black Wood Seat (TABLES, CHAIRS & DESKS 2024)

Photos:

Bryony Dux

Video tour:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6cU3jkSI2X/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Heavily inspired by George Nakashima's Conoid Bench, this piece is an exercise in allowing a single slab of wood to drive the creative process. Where my design differs from Nakashima’s philosophy is the decision to cover some of the slabs’ natural imperfections with decorative figured inlays. The inlays were carefully chosen and arranged to add visual interest and to impart the mark of the maker. The backrest does not extend over the full length of the seat, this is to allow the slab to be viewed while sitting, but also providing a place to rest a cup of coffee or a good book. I chose to blacken the Tasmanian Oak spindles and legs by charring the timber, not only to create contrast and drama, but to allow the natural timber of the slab to remain the focus. The legs were constructed using mortise and tenon joints, and attached by fitting them into a sliding dovetail from the back.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.