AN OBJECT’S ESSENCE

At the beginning of the project, we knew there was a connection between the object and the buyer. These connections might be sentimental, historical, or otherwise but they are all valuable. We considered a direction that focused on those things that add value to an object, but felt there was a stronger solution. We decided to focus instead on the objects themselves. What makes a chair, a chair? Or a table, a table?
Plato’s Theory of Forms interprets an object’s “real nature” or perfect form as an unchanging form that exists apart from our perception of it. It is the reality that we are unable to see. We, as craftsman, can only strive to translate that essence to the best of our ability. So we wanted to capture the object’s form in all of its contexts—including the immaterial kind.

THE SHADOW

While the form is the essence—the virtues, ideas, and emotions, the shadow is the imitation of that essence. The ideal that isn’t quite met. The shadows and light fluctuate and lack clarity. However, the closer you get to an ideal the clearer it becomes.

THE LIGHT

The light is a focal point within and outside of the space. It’s movement throughout the day is noticable and facilitates the visitor’s experience as they walk through the showroom. The structure of the space, the furniture, and objects that exist within the space influence the movement of the light. The evolution of their shadows dramatizes the space and takes a form of its own.

THE CRAFTSMAN

Those who create should strive to be masters of their craft in order to imitate the object’s true form to the best of their ability. They have a responsibility to closely identify and imitate the essence of a thing.