Two artists will converge at the Avenue for the Arts' Craft House gallery and, as a result, will produce something truly wonderful and unique.
For starters, both Matt Loeks and Krystle Formsma are accomplished in their emerging art careers as furniture makers. Yet, they tossed caution to the wind when carving out for this week-long exhibition, providing an opportunity to see the power of furniture making as so much more than just the creation of the object.
Their work is the result of their collaborative process of discovery within the realm of manufacturing. But unlike mass production, they have devoted their energy to the creation of the one-off -- a fitting couture creation activity that the French in fashion refer to as prêt-à-porter. And these works are truly ready to wear.
Using materials that include Zebrawood and solid walnut -- not cheap, even in their raw forms -- they also used reclaimed wood including a century-old ash trim that had been lacquered with a mysterious sealant.
"We stripped it and scraped for hours. But you ask why?" says Formsma. "Because it had a story of its own. It was important to us to take the time on it. Sometimes, you have to go through the struggle of the process…to understand its place and beauty in the world.”
Interesting fact: Both artists graduated from Kendall College of Art and Design. Formsma works in a furniture factory and Loeks with a residential construction firm. But the real joy of discovery is that both artists have a deeply rooted past that informs their present exploration: Formsma's father worked in a furniture factory, and Loek’s father ran his own wood saw mill.
Sometimes the apple does indeed fall very close to the tree.
Admission: Free
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