The Log Chop Bench is a new piece by The Practice of Everyday Design. It represents an exploration in process-based design.
They decided to approach the concept of this one-off piece by setting up a series of parameters that would define the final product without them relying on drawings or a concrete final image. Given little instruction and a loose sketch the log was debarked and the seats were axed out by a professional “Lumberjill.” The roughly chopped log seats were then mediated by the fine, hand-sewn upholstery by a motorcycle saddle maker. The project was a fluid evolution from an abstract idea into a physical sculpture that represents a dialogue between the designers and their collaborators.
"We founded The Practice of Everyday Design in 2009 to engage in installation art, product design, and building design. We are committed to forming new design opportunities by merging seemingly irreconcilable ideas. A strong conceptual framework forms the foundation for our explorations in design, each piece stemming from a simple idea or story then taking on a life of its own. We approach each piece with as much rigour as humour, for a playful but deliberate result. The unique challenges of both serial production and one-off pieces provide us with endless opportunities for creative multidisciplinary design."
The Log Chop Bench will be auctioned off at the Stellar Living 2011 Contemporary Art & Design Auction for Mercer Union in Toronto, Ontario, on May 12, 2011.
