GARRY KNOX BENNETT, FURNITURE
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Location: American University- Katzen Center
Garry Knox Bennett, born in 1934 in Alameda, California, and now residing and working in Oakland, is one of American’s foremost furniture makers, known for his humorous, inventive and unconventional uses of materials and designs.
Bennett’s body of work over the past 30 years has included tables, desks, chairs, lamps and jewelry. While eminently functional, and meticulously crafted his pieces are full of visual surprises, unexpected shapes and angles, striking colors and contrasting materials and surface treatments.
As part of a mega-event opening in early June 2009 focusing on American Craft, American University’s Katzen Center will be hosting the show “Garry Knox Bennett: Call Me Chairmaker.” This exhibition, originating at the Bellevue Arts Museum, features a grouping of 52, one of a kind, colorful and funky chairs, the inspiration for which came from well-known furniture designers and architects. The Alliance is partnering with the Katzen Center on several activities which will give participants an in-depth understanding of this significant craft artist.
In the Sunday workshop, Garry will demonstrate the making of a found-objects lamp. Participants will be able to follow along and discuss the process as it develops into a finished piece, making notes, drawings, asking questions, and taking pictures that should result in their being able to go home and make a lamp using Garry’s ideas and techniques.