Cherry, danish oil, gimp braid, velvet, horse/hog hair, loose cotton

15” x 20” x 41”

2019

Inspired by Shaker gift drawings, this throne-like chair is an exploration into traditional upholstery techniques, using materials such as hog hair, loose cotton, and jute webbing. Unlike the carcinogenic foams and coated fabrics that dominate modern upholstered furniture, the more traditional materials used in this piece necessitate an understanding of the environmental legacy of upholstery. The velvet cushions on the backrest and backside of this chair nod to both natural forms and to the particular breed of red velvet cinema seats you might find in the theaters of old Hollywood. The chair itself suggests a theater of the interior, questioning the tradition of domestic enclosure while perhaps playing a supporting role in it.