This chair is made of cherry cut into a chunky, brutalist grid of panels evoking the old paneled doors in my 1903 farmhouse home. Exposed bridle joints emphasize the muscle of the form. To contrast, the inner seat and upholstery soften the feeling of sitting in such confinement.

A challenge to build wholly with natural materials, finished with plant-based oil and wax. In the summer of 2022, invasive cattails arrived on the wind to the backyard pond. To deter them from completely taking over, the seed pods (sausages?) were harvested in the fall. Using a mixture of old upholstery techniques such as webbing, stuffover, and bridle ties, the fluffy cattail seed was tamed into the shape of slipseat cushions and wrapped in a cotton-linen blend fabric that perfectly mirrors the seed fluff’s oatmeal color. Made to be repaired as needed, the upholstered cushions are secured with brass screws and velcro.

28.5” x 20.25” x 20.25”

This piece won First Place in the Student Dining Room Furniture category at the International Society of Furniture Designer’s Innovation and Design competition (2023).