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Pratt Fine Arts Center & Seattle Design Center present
Pratt Fine Arts Center has partnered with Seattle Design Center to undertake a project pairing the creativity of artists and designers to create unique, unexpected versions of the everyday household item: the chair. Each team started with the bones of a chair provided by Chicago furniture maker Baker, which they altered to express their collaborative vision. The Chair Project Group Show, which is on display at the Seattle Design Center through August of 2011, showcases the personal work of the artists who are participating in the project including Laura Ward, Steve Jensen, Chris McMullen, Larry Calkins, Tom DeGroot, Piper O’Neill, Romson Bustillo, Brian Murphy, Jared Rue and Judith Kindler. The chairs debuted in February in Seattle’s downtown Nordstrom before moving on to welcome SDWURQV RI WKH 6HDWWOH 2SHUD DQG 3DFLÀF Northwest Ballet in the lobby of McCaw Hall. They concluded their tour at Neiman Marcus at the Bravern in Bellevue and are now being DXFWLRQHG RII ZLWK SURFHHGV EHQHÀWLQJ 3UDWW
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“The intention of the Chair Project was to build a partnership between the art and design worlds to see where their combined talents could lead us,â€? said Brandi Clark, Director of Programs. “We partnered ten artists with ten designers, gave them a Baker chair and stepped back. No one wanted to limit the imaginations or ideas of the teams, so they were given no restrictions; WKH Ă€QDO FKDLU FRXOG KDYH FRPH EDFN WR XV DV D functional chair, an abstract work or art, a vehicle for an idea or something else entirely. We were all very excited to see how the members RI WKHVH WHDPV LQĂ XHQFHG HDFK RWKHU DQG ZRUNHG WRJHWKHU WR UHDFK WKHLU Ă€QDO ZRUN RI DUW RU LV it design?â€? “Pratt is thrilled to partner with the Seattle Design Center, to provide this opportunity for artists to connect with designers, and introduce their work to an audience that may not yet be familiar with their work,â€? said Michelle Bufano, Executive Director at Pratt Fine Arts Center. 4
A WORD FROM PRATT The Chair Project has been such an exciting adventure! This year-long collaboration between Pratt Fine Arts Center and the Seattle Design &HQWHU ZDV WKH ÀUVW RI LWV NLQG LQ 3UDWW¡V KLVWRU\ and I feel very honored to have played a part in it.
The Chair Project artists and designers.
Photo credit: Sarah Coe
The idea for The Chair Project was to partner ten designers with ten artists and set them loose with a chair and no restrictions. The ten designers represented in the project are all 2009 honorees of Seattle Design Center’s Northwest Design Awards –an annual competition that recognizes regional design leaders for their expertise in bathroom, bedroom, commercial, kitchen, hospitality, outdoor space, whole house, yacht/jet and student interior design. Some of the designers came to the project with ideas already formed about the chair they wanted to create while others were looking for a partner that worked in a particular medium. Still others had no idea what direction they wanted to move in but simply came to the table with an overwhelming amount of enthusiasm for the project! Choosing the artists to collaborate with these designers was not a task I took on lightly. We knew the chairs – so generously donated by noted furniture manufacturer Baker – once delivered into the hands of the artists, would be elevated to an entirely new level of creativity. The artists selected for the project represent a wide range of mediums, techniques and artistic philosophies. Each artist has their own unique voice and inspiration that frame their work and
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The Baker Team.
Photo credit: Sarah Coe
ties it all together. The artist’s individuality and how it translates from their studio work to the collaborative chair is why we were excited to be able to show their solo works in the Chair Project Group Show. The Group Show, as part of the larger Chair Project, introduces the works of these amazing artists to an entirely new audience and provides a glimpse into the creative lives of the artists by highlighting the path that brought each of them to this project. The relationship between the artist’s studio work and their chair is not immediately apparent in every case, but when looked at closely the thread between the two can be detected – whether it be through the materials they chose to work with, the techniques they used to transform the chair or the story they are telling with the chair, their individuality can be seen as a driving force in the collaborative project. Part of Pratt’s mission is to act as a conduit for artistic development, providing pathways to knowledge, support and inspiration and changing the way individuals see themselves and the world around them. The Chair Project, and the partnership with Seattle Design Center, has provided us with an amazing new opportunity to do that. I would like to thank Seattle Design Center, along with the ten designers and ten artists, for making this a true community partnership between the worlds of art and design. - Brandi P. Clark Director of Programs
Photo credit: Sarah Coe
Photo credit: Sarah Coe
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A WORD FROM THE CURATOR It was a great honor to be asked to arrange this exhibition in conjunction with the Chair Project at the Seattle Design Center. The physical space alone allowed for a wide of range of work to be shown. For some artists like Brian Murphy, the work has rarely, if ever been seen outside of the studio. For others, like Chris McMullen and Laura Ward it was a chance to show their large scale work in a new environment. It was important to showcase the individual work of the participating artists because it allows the viewer WR VHH WKH RULJLQ RI WKH DUWLVWV¡ FUHDWLYH LQà XHQFH in the collaborative results of the Chair Project. ,Q VRPH FDVHV WKH LQà XHQFH RI WKH DUWLVWV¡ VWXGLR ZRUN is dominant in the end result; and in others it is there but manifests in a surprisingly different way. In studying the work of the artists I noticed WKDW VRPH DUH LQà XHQFHG E\ RXU QDWXUDO DQG PDQPDGH environment while others convey a distinct personal narrative in their work. Both Tom de Groot and Laura Ward are interested in patterns caused by erosion and decay. De Groot’s physical approach to his work
mimics the way natural processes interact with our manmade environment. Ward uses the abandoned house and its subsequent deterioration to create patterns that are then translated into sculpture and in doing so also challenges the perception of memory. 5RPVRQ 5HJDUGH %XVWLOOR VD\V ´D VLJQLĂ€FDQW SDUW RI my work explores the role(s) individuals and groups assume as they pass and/or enter environmentsâ€?. In his works on paper he uses bold color combinations with distinct patterns and symbols to challenge how we process this information in the context of our understanding. Steve Jensen and Jared Rue both have a strong connection to the natural environment. Jensen’s energetic carving revitalizes naturally felled trees and in this show the dynamic, vibrant line work of his wall panel pulsates with raw energy. Rue is greatly LQĂ XHQFHG E\ WKH ODQGVFDSH \HW KLV ZRUN WUDQVFHQGV mere representation. It is in his use of color and light that he creates atmospheric, ethereal studies that veer almost to the abstract but remain grounded in reality. Chris McMullen’s “Crankâ€?, a larger than life kinetic sculpture is inspired by McMullen’s
fascination with the industrial environment, its process and an obvious interest in applied physics. He wants the viewer to participate in the artwork in activating the big bright red wheel, setting the work into motion. Judith Kindler, Brian Murphy, Larry Calkins and Piper O’Neill all share an engaging narrative in their work with surprisingly different results. Judith Kindler is a multi-disciplinary artist who works in photography, painting, sculpture and installation work all the while creating a seamless continuity and narrative. Of her own work, Judith says, “My work deals with the currents of sociological interactions. Whether I am focusing on a more autobiographical subject or cultural trend, I endeavor to lay bare the common threads of the human experience, allowing my own observations to inform my work.� Her work in this show is visually and intellectually engaging; it is also witty and poignant. Brian Murphy’s massive painting of a crowd of individuals is a stunning example of restraint and minimalism. In his spare brush strokes he creates a vibrant, busy scene of all types of people in all
types of interactions. Murphy, known for his self portraits, presents a snapshot of everyday life and leaves the viewer wondering if the artist is within the scene or a mere observer. Larry Calkins’ observations of his personal environment, and of current and historical people and events, document WKH LQHYLWDEOH à X[ RI OLIH &DONLQV ZRUN LV VWHHSHG in the narrative and he engages the viewer with his use of imagery that is both familiar and sometimes disarming. Finally, Piper O’Neill’s exquisite drawings on tissue paper suggest dreamlike scenes loaded with feminine symbolism. Her work is engaging not just for its fragile beauty but also for its sinister subtext. I would like to thank the Seattle Design Center for giving Pratt the opportunity to have this show; it is a sign of true community spirit. Finally, I would like to thank all of these amazing artists for their contribution to making Pratt a wonderful incubator for creativity. -Paula Stokes
Photo credit: Laura Livingston
The Chair Project Group Show opened on February 12, 2011 to hundreds of Pratt supporters and art patrons.
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Photo credit: Laura Livingston
Photo credit: Laura Livingston
Photo credit: Laura Livingston
ARTIST
DESIGNER
Romson Bustillo
Romson Regarde Bustillo was born on the island of Mindanao in Cagayan de Oro City, the Philippines. His work is represented in private and public collections nationally and internationally, including ArtColl Trust, the Washington State Arts Commission, ACRS, Qwest Field, Indigo S.A.(Barcelona) and the Wing Luke Asian Museum. He has been an artist in residence and instructor for Pratt Fine Arts Center in Seattle, Tacoma Art Museum (NEA supported), Seattle Art Museum, the James and Janie Washington Foundation, Wing Luke Asian Museum and the Brooklyn Public Library. He is primarily a self-taught artist. Romson Regarde Bustillo and Susan Marinello would like to thank Morgan Fine Finishing and AW Hoss & Sons Upholstery.
Susan Marinello Susan Marinello Interiors is an award ZLQQLQJ 6HDWWOH EDVHG LQWHULRU GHVLJQ ÀUP that specializes in high end residential, hospitality and commercial interior design. 7KH ÀUP ZDV ODXQFKHG LQ ZKHQ 6XVDQ Marinello returned home to the Seattle area from the East Coast. While living in New York, Susan received her interior design degree from the New York School of Interior Design, and then honed her skills working with a much celebrated Manhattan LQWHULRU GHVLJQ ÀUP Elegant, understated, and in harmony with the architectural and natural landscape are words that best describe the creative practice of Susan Marinello Interiors (SMI). Susan is in partnership with Dan Marinello, who is principal in charge of business RSHUDWLRQV $V D IXOO VHUYLFH ÀUP 60, focuses on design concept to-completion assignments for luxury residential, hospitality and commercial projects. Susan and her staff pride themselves on creating value for their clients and their ability to deliver a beautiful end product on time and on budget.
Above: Moltas Series, 2008-2010, Mixed Media Photo credit: Chris McMullen
Above: Untitled, 2009, Mixed Media Photo credit: James Harnois
Throughout the years SMI has garnered national recognition and won numerous interior design awards for all facets of its design work. Some examples include Seattle Magazine’s recognition of Susan as Seattle’s “Best Interior Designer�, “The Perfect Home Book Series� selection of Susan as a Leading Residential Interior Designer within the United States and Hospitality Design Magazine’s selection of Susan within their “Wave of the Future� in hospitality interior design.
Dispersion by Romson Bustillo and Susan Marinello. Photo credit: James Harnois
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ARTIST
Larry Calkins
DESIGNER My work explores history and familiarity, a sense of time and place, important people in my life and a deeper appreciation of nature. I tend to work in series as I go from point to point. Each piece informs the next and helps to clarify the dilemmas that I encounter as an artist and observer, husband, son and friend. Lately I’ve been working in stone as an antidote to a world going too fast. The rhythm of stone is appealing to me. The sacred accumulation of time speaks to me. I’ve been applying that to my painting techniques as well, slowly building encaustic wax with the tools of the ancients. I’m trying to ÀQG WKH DEVROXWH HVVHQFH RI ZKDW , PDNH VLPSOH DQG SODLQ VSRNHQ -Larry Calkins, May 2011
Tyler Engle Historically, ours is a western culture of contrasts and opposites. Instead, a broader, more eastern perspective regarding design is, at its core, one of inclusion; not either-or, but both-and. We seek this perspective because it serves as a catalyst for a more dynamic design product. The design process of Tyler Engle Architects is both intuitive and rational. He relies on creative intuition that comes from experience and inspiration. This is balanced with a rational understanding of the tectonics of construction, which is the media of our art.
Above: Mr. Norman Spewerton, Encaustic Courtesy of G. Gibson Gallery Photo credit: Chris McMullen
His signature is the depth of the process which he uses to understand the parameters of each project, the invention of a responsive design and the rigorous attention to detail through the construction phase. Each project is informed by the client’s needs, desires and budget; the context of the particular site and region; and the current culture. Thus, each project is rooted in its place, its inhabitants and its time.
Changeling by Larry Calkins and Tyler Engle.
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Left: Abe & Mary, Mixed Media Courtesy of G. Gibson Gallery
Photo credit: James Harnois
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ARTIST
Tom DeGroot
DESIGNER Born in 1952, Tom DeGroot lives and will probably die in Seattle, although he WKLQNV LW PLJKW EH ÀQH WR H[SLUH LQ 1HZ 0H[LFR 7RP KDV EHHQ GUDZLQJ DOO KLV life; however, he didn’t start painting until he was 35. He has been a Zen student for 25 years, hoping to have picked up some wabi-sabi along the way. In the Northwest, he is represented by Traver Gallery; in Phoenix, by Costello/Childs; and in British Columbia by Sopa Fine Arts.
Gretchen Evans Gretchen Evans is the principle of Gretchen Evans Design located in Woodway, WA. Her award-winning interiors have been featured in Custom Home Magazine and Better Homes and Garden’s Kitchen and Baths Issue. After graduating with degrees in Fine Arts and Interior Design, she opened her own residential design company and for 10 years she has been helping clients create their dream homes.
Tom DeGroot and Gretchen Evans would like to thank Queen Anne Upholstery and Robert Allen | Beacon Hill Showroom.
Above: Quince, 2008, Mixed Media & Resin Courtesy of Traver Gallery Photo credit: Chris McMullen
Left: Spring Rain, 2007, Mixed Media & Resin Courtesy of Traver Gallery
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Photo credit: Chris McMullen
6KH )DQFLHG +HUVHOI D 5HÀQHG But Dangerous Raconteuse by Tom DeGroot and Gretchen Evans. Photo credit:
James Harnois
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DESIGNER
ARTIST
Steve Jensen
For the past two decades, Steven Jensen has developed a body of sculptural work derived from his experiences and the landscapes he encounters. The experiences encompass both his heritage and a broader contemporary circumstance. The landscape is our seas, waterways, forests, and mountains. The abundant beauty of the world’s available natural resources and the precariousness of the relationship that we maintain with them inspire him. It is this relationship that powers his carvings . This artwork begins as homage to its source media. All of the wood used in the carvings is naturally felled. No living tree has or will be cut for the VDNH RI WKLV ZRUN +H FRPHV IURP D ORQJ WUDGLWLRQ RI 1RUZHJLDQ ÀVKHUPHQ DQG boat builders. The chisels he uses have been passed from his grandfather to father to him. The craftsmanship of his work speaks to the universality and the timelessness of carving. This work uses the primitive tradition of carving to abstractly explore a synthesis of contemporary circumstances. It explores the relationships we maintain with each other and our world. The emerging globalism of art is inherent to the carvings. Images from his heritage have been expanded over the past few years by his travels through many countries, including Egypt, Kenya, Tahiti, India, China, and Thailand. He has found the universal expression of carving throughout each of the cultures he has encountered. It serves as a vehicle for imagery that is inspired by our varying experiences, DV ZHOO DV WKH QDWXUDO UHVRXUFHV IURP ZKLFK ZH DOO EHQHÀW
1DQF\ %XUĂ€HQG NB Design Group, an interior design company in Seattle, has been providing quality interior design solutions for our clients since 1988. Our resume of work includes residential, corporate, retail, hospitality, multi-family, and public sector projects ranging from historical renovations to new construction. Relationships with our clients are essential to NB Design Group’s process. Committed to design integrity and client service, we have a hands-on approach to design and project management. As an established Seattle interior GHVLJQ Ă€UP 1% 'HVLJQ *URXS KDV strong collaborative relationships ZLWK QXPHURXV DUFKLWHFWXUDO Ă€UPV throughout the region. In addition, we have developed working relationships with an extensive list of artists and craftspeople that help realize our design solutions. As an award winning LQWHULRU GHVLJQ Ă€UP ZH KDYH UHFHLYHG accolades for residential design, including new-build construction and remodels, hospitality and commercial design. We have been honored by Seattle Homes & Lifestyle’s Magazine with their “Home of the Yearâ€? award.
6WHSKHQ -HQVHQ DQG 1DQF\ %XUĂ€HQG would like to thank Dixon Group and Village Interiors. Opposite page: Fisherman I & II, 2009, Naturally-fallen Cedar and Fishnet, 2009, Carved Recycled Wood Photo credit: Chris McMullen
Right: Ying and Yang by 6WHYH -HQVHQ DQG 1DQF\ %XUĂ€HQG
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Photo credit: James Harmois
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DESIGNER
ARTIST
Judith Kindler
Judith Kindler is a multidisciplinary artist working in sculpture, installation, photography, and photo-based work embedded in encaustic. Judith’s past awards include serving as Master Artist at Pratt Fine Arts, a PONCHO Merit Award for Excellence, and a Gold Award for Excellence LQ 3ULQWLQJ IRU KHU GHVLJQ DQG SXEOLFDWLRQ RI WKH ERRN ´'HÀQLQJ 7UXWK Judith Kindler. She also has been the recipient of two Roscoe Awards for Innovation in Textiles in the applied arts.” Of her own work, Judith says, “My work deals with the currents of sociological interactions. Whether I am focusing on a more autobiographical subject or cultural trend, I endeavor to lay bare the common threads of the human experience, allowing my own observations to inform my work.” Outside of the studio, Judith is a hardworking ambassador for the arts in the greater Seattle community. She has been an active trustee on the boards of PONCHO and Cornish College of the Arts. She has co-chaired both the Bellevue Arts Museum‘s and PONCHO’s Fine Art Auctions and sat on the Art Auction committees of BAM, PONCHO and Pratt. She has also served as a member of the Executive Committee of the Contemporary Arts Council of The Seattle Art Museum. In 2005, she generously established an endowed scholarship for Cornish College of the Arts to be given every year to a student who is innovative in the visual arts.
Barbara Hyde Evans Barbara Hyde Evans, founder and principal of Hyde Evans Design, holds a BA in Fine Arts from the University of Washington and an AA in Advertising Art from Seattle Central Community College. She began her career in Seattle as an advertising art director, eventually moving to New York City where she served a major advertising agency as a Vice-President and Creative Supervisor. Leaving advertising and following her passion for interior design she returned to Seattle for formal training as an interior designer. In 1995 she established WKH ÀUP WKDW EHDUV KHU QDPH
Judith was also instrumental in the task force charged with envisioning of Seattle Center’s “Theatre District” including the Seattle Rep, Intiman, the Seattle Ballet, and the then-named Opera House, and she also sat on Kirkland‘s Arts Commission Development Task Force. Judith’s art can be found in many major collections, both public and private, and she exhibits her work through these galleries in the US: Arden Gallery in Boston; Gail Severn Gallery in Ketchum, Idaho; Gebert Contemporary Gallery in Los Angeles and Scottsdale; Melissa Morgan Fine Art in Palm Desert; Forre and Co. Fine Art in Aspen; and Daniel Kany Gallery in Portland, Maine. Learn more about Judith and her work by visiting judithkindler.com 17
Opposite page: Dialogue Series, 2009, Mixed Media Photo credit: Judith Kindler
Right:Please Identify What This Is by Judith Kindler and Hyde Evans. Photo credit: Judith Kindler
DESIGNER
ARTIST
Chris McMullen
Chris McMullen has been working with steel from his Seattle studio since 2000. A fascination with industrial process and a background in Graphic Communication has led to a body of work consisting of sculpture and machine-like kinetic, interactive pieces. He is the recipient of a 2010 4Culture Individual Artist Project Grant and an Artist Trust 2009 Grants for Artists Projects (GAP). His work has been featured in Bellevue’s downtown park as part of the 2010 10th Biennial Bellwether Artwalk in Bellevue, WA, as well as the 2007 Redmond Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition in Redmond, WA. His work has been permanently installed in Redmond, Washington’s City Hall as part of the city’s collection and he has completed a commission for The Science Museum of Oklahoma. Chris has exhibited locally at Bumbershoot, Fetherston Gallery, Grey Gallery and Lounge and Fulcrum Gallery as well as nationally in California, Nevada, Oklahoma and Texas. His work can be found at chrismcmullenproductions.com. Chris McMullen and Scott Cole would like to thank Durante Furniture, Evangelia Decorative Art Studio, Cantalupi USA and Mark Joseph Design and Workroom.
Opposite page: Louis’ Ascention by Chris McMullen and Scott Cole. Photo credit: James Harnois
Left: Crank, 2010, Steel, Bearings, Casters, Old Growth Fir, 84� x 148� x 84�
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Photo credit: Chris McMullen
Scott Cole Scott Cole is the President of Ardeo 'HVLJQ ,QF 6LQFH KLV ÀUP KDV been providing award-winning yacht interior design services for clients building custom and semi-production \DFKWV LQFOXGLQJ UHÀW SURMHFWV Scott’s exemplary communication skills, rasonable nature, and reputation for being a good listener enable him to take his clients’ ideas and then tactfully steer them through the complex process WR DFKLHYH WKHLU GHVLUHG ÀQLVKHG UHVXOW Scott’s clients gain value through his knowledge and skills in areas such as designing all interior spaces and outdoor areas including joinerwork/ cabinetry designs; producing accurate, detailed drawings, packages and VSHFLÀFDWLRQV IRU HYHU\ LQWHULRU LWHP selection of all interior items, PDWHULDOV DQG ÀQLVKHV SURMHFW management including oversight of all phases of design, construction, and installation; collaboration and coordination with owner’s representatives, naval architects, marine engineers, shipyard project managers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and contractors during the design and construction process; and a reputation for being extremely detailed, responsive, and following through to make sure nothing slips through the cracks during the entire 1830 month design and build process. Scott’s work has been published in over 60 design and yachting publications. He won the 2007 and 2000 Showboats ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 0DJD]LQH $ZDUGV ÀYH Northwest Design Awards, and has been a ÀQDOLVW IRU WZR ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 6XSHU\DFKW Society Awards. Scott’s ultimate goal is to listen to and realize the dreams of his clients and exceed their expectations.
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DESIGNER
ARTIST
Brian Murphy
Brian Murphy and Jennifer Randall would like to thank Woods Custom Upholstery, Randy Hillam, Allied Furniture and D.A. Burns.
Brian Murphy has a BFA from the University of Connecticut, received a post baccalaureate scholarship to attend The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and received an MFA from the University of Washington. He is represented by Winston Wächter Gallery in Seattle, WA. and has exhibited his paintings and received honors, awards and recognition – including The Neddy Artist Fellowship, Artist Trust Fellowship and GAP Award, Betty Bowen Memorial Award, Seattle Collects Sustaining Award Purchase and an Alumni Recognition Award from the University of Connecticut. His work is in both public and private collections across the United States and he has been a guest lecturer at the University of Washington, Boston University, University of Connecticut, and Southern Methodist University. “I’ve been doing self-portraiture for over ten years, and I see it as a renewable source for exploring my identity. My goal is to discover an accepting environment, both internally and externally. As both artist and VXEMHFW , IHHO D FRQQHFWHG VHQVH RI UHVSRQVLELOLW\ IRU WKH Ă€QDO LPDJH When I paint, I try to ask questions that allow for an organic process to occur rather than focusing on results. I work this way because I am interested in the potential of the studio process to reveal connections EHWZHHQ VXEMHFW DQG DXGLHQFH , DP LQWHUHVWHG LQ WKH LGHD RI VHOI UHĂ HFWLRQ and self-consciousness and in the potential for chance. Essentially, while the process itself is isolating, the product, due to its community presence, becomes public domain. Using myself as a model transforms the private investigation into an open interaction.â€?
Jennifer Randall Jennifer loves design and the design process, collaborating with clients, architects, contractors, the whole team. She has been working as a designer since she graduated from Western Washington University with a BA in interior design and merchandising in 1975. Jennifer is an award-winning designer, having run her own business for 33 years. She is very involved in the community and has served on many boards including: president of Washington State Chapter of A.S.I.D, president of Rise ‘n’ Shine helping children affected by AIDS, as well as president of Artist Trust. She was named a Fellow of Western Washington University. Her design work has been published internationally in magazines and featured in many books. She taught interior design at Cornish College of the Arts for eight years and many of her former students have beome prominent designers in the Northwest.
Opposite page: Seattle Crowd, 2011, Watercolor on Paper, Courtesy of Winston Wachter Photo credit: Chris McMullen
A Kind of Paradise by Bryan Murphy and Jennifer Randall.
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Photo credit: James Harnois
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DESIGNER
ARTIST
Piper O’Neill
Piper O’Neill is a Seattle-based artist who works in a variety of visual arts media including painting, collage, sculpture and animation. O’Neill holds a BFA in Illustration and Experimental Animation from Parsons School of Design in New York and a Masters of Communication in Digital Media from the University of Washington in Seattle. Piper is represented by the Winston Wächter Gallery of Seattle and will have a solo exhibition there in November, 2011.
Piper O’Neill and JCP would like to thank Walenta’s 8SKROVWHU\ 0LNH 6RÀH ,RQ Bhutan and James Mongrain.
JPC Architects JPC Architects’ doors opened in 1986 in Redmond, Washington with a primary focus on interior architecture and design. They have evolved into one RI WKH ODUJHVW GHVLJQ ÀUPV LQ WKH 3DFLÀF 1RUWKZHVW SURYLGLQJ EXLOGLQJ design, interior architecture, and facilities management services. Corporate, retail, medical, and dental projects are the foundation of their portfolio. Their collective team of architects, interior designers, technical staff, and construction managers share a commitment to meeting the business objectives of our clients while crafting inspirational, sustainable, and productive workplaces. GUIDING PRINCIPLES Imagination: create excellent design through fresh ideas. Innovation: explore new methods to discover a better way. Initiative: anticipate and be resourceful so results are not left to chance.
Above: Forbidden Fruit, 2010, Mixed Media on Tissue Paper, 85�x49� Courtesy Winston Wächter Photo credit: David Emery
Integrity: lead by example with the highest level of professionalism. Above: Early Antlers, 2010, Mixed Media on Tissue Paper, 20� x 21.5� Courtesy Winston Wächter
Implementation: ensure harmony of quality + design + budget.
Photo credit: David Emery
Right: Red Roots and the Scorpion Dream, 2010, Mixed Media on Tissue Paper, 20� x 21.5� Courtesy Winston Wächter Photo credit: David Emery
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Menagerie by Piper O’Neill and JPC Architects Photo credit: James Harnois
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DESIGNER
ARTIST
Jared Rue
When Steven and I approached the chair, we established what about his design aesthetic and my artistic aesthetic had a common thread. We felt it ZDV LPSRUWDQW WR WUXO\ FROODERUDWH DQG H[SUHVV YLVXDO LGHDOV WKDW UHà HFWHG both of us. I looked at this as being commissioned by a patron. Learn the scope, restrictions and expectations and then create from there. Steven created the framework for the project, creating a surface for the expression of the art. This included the slipcover with the great idea to keep the circle in the back of the chair open. We also established color palette and slipcover material. From there it was a matter of creating the organic silhouette. In the process it was decided upon to applique rather than paint directly on the fabric. This required a mock-up to be made and drawn upon. The center circle portion of the sketched prototype was cut out and given to Steven to have it interpreted into a bronze panel. Originally, I thought I could just paint raw canvas and cut strips out WR EH DWWDFKHG DSSOLTXHG WR WKH ÀQDO VOLSFRYHU $IWHU UHDOL]LQJ WKH EHQG and curves of the branches wouldn’t allow for a clean application, I then cut out each piece individually and pinned them to the prototype. At this point, I felt the color should fade into another color as it grew up the chair. This required painting the canvas in place on the mock-up to keep it consistent. After the painting was ÀQLVKHG LW ZDV WLPH WR SLQ WKH SLHFHV GLUHFWO\ RQWR WKH ÀQDO SURGXFW , purposefully didn’t allow Steven to see the painted raw strips for fear he would lose all faith. It looked like a frog exploded on canvas. Even I was relieved and a little surprised when it turned out as elegant as it did.
Steven Hensel Steven Hensel opened Xenox Designs, a retail gallery of his designs and artwork in downtown Seattle in 1981. He started Artex Designs, initially a studio providing hand painted textiles to architects and interior designers, and later added hand painted wall coverings and woven textiles represented in major cities throughout the US. He introduced Studio Steel by Steven Hensel, a VWXGLR DSSURDFK WR ÀQH IXUQLWXUH architectural details, accessories and artworks represented in major cities throughout the US. Steven began to offer both residential and commercial interior design services and in 1996 consolidated in the Banner Building in downtown Seattle under the name of Hensel Design Studios.
Jared Rue and Steven Hensel would like to thank Sara Johnson of SMJ Studios and Dylan Andersen.
Having great people involved is the thing that makes projects come together in a cohesive way. Steven’s design sense is brilliant and his expectations high, which keeps everyone performing at their best. The bronze work is immaculate. The slipcover and attachment of the applique is meticulous. Like most custom projects you always hope it will turn out in real life how you imagine it in your mind. I can safely say this project did just that! Above: A.M. Stroll, 2009, 36� X 48� Oil on Canvas over Panel Courtesy of Woodside Braseth Gallery Photo credit: Richard Nicol
-Jared Rue
Luna Piena by Jared Rue and Steven Hensel Photo credit: James Harnois
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DESIGNER
ARTIST
Laura Ward
Laura Ward was born in 1974 in New Hampshire. In 2000, Laura received a BFA from Massachusetts College of Art in Boston. After completing her MFA in 2004 at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, she moved to Seattle, WA and immediately entered the Emerging Artist in Residence program at Pilchuck Glass School and returned in 2009 for the Hauberg Fellowship Residency. Laura has taught, lectured and assisted artists throughout the country for many years. She currently lives in Seattle where she teaches sculpture and glass classes at Shoreline Community College and Pratt Fine Art Center. She continues to assist artists with their blown glass and sculpted work and creates her own art in her studio. Laura has received Seattle area artist grants, a City of Seattle public commission, numerous private commissions and exhibits her sculptures in Seattle and throughout the United States.
Laura Ward and Sylvia Bolton would like to thank Kevin Johnson from West Coast Marine and Philip Strnard from Always Perfect Yacht Interiors.
Sylvia Bolton Sylvia has been involved in yacht design since her arrival in Seattle in 1990. She founded Sylvia Bolton Design, Inc. in 1993, after working for KSD and Glade Johnson Design Inc, which is amongst the most renounced yacht design companies in the world. Sylvia is involved with all aspects of the interior architecture and design, from creation and production of concept renderings, CAD drawings to documentation and site management, as diverse as each project she works on. Most are custom yachts created VSHFLÀFDOO\ IRU RQH FOLHQW DQG WKHLU cruising style. SBD also specializes in semi production high-end yachts and is the proud winner of “Best in Yacht and Jet”, at the NWDA 2009 with a vessel done for Cheoy Lee shipyards. Sylvia also specializes in residential design for her clients. SBD was honored with an award at the 2007 NWDA for Living Room for one of their metropolitan projects.
Above: Scope, 2006, Wood & Paint Image courtesy of the artist
Left: Carved Out, 2006, Wood, Paint & Salvaged Siding Image courtesy of the artist
Upward Seasons by Laura Ward and Sylvia Bolton
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Photo credit: James Harnois
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