Sophie Glenn

Artist Statement

"As a furniture maker, I believe it is fundamentally important to understand the history and traditions of furniture design and making, and the key role of wood, as a material, in this history.  However, I also believe that this understanding has led many makers to have an aversion to, and often denounce presenting new forms, utilizing new methods and technologies for making, and using materials other than wood, because they are not understood to be ‘true’ to the craft.  And this, I feel, has led people to believe that furniture has to look a certain way in order to be fully recognized as furniture, regardless of function.  

In response to this, I want my designs to challenge what makes furniture recognizable. I employ traditional furniture forms and methods of making but make slight alterations or integrate contrasting elements that promote user engagement and investigation.  These alterations and contrasting elements vary from piece to piece, but often include the use of a different material (most notably steel), incorporating more sculptural forms, creating new surrounding environments, employing bright colors, or highlighting asymmetry and distortion, among others."

Blue

Hard maple, blackened steel, and rice paper, 30"H x 32"W x 8"D, 2016

Rump Shaker

Painted and rusted steel, 27"H x 18"W x 14"D, 2019