Joseph
and Sandra have been designing and building furniture since 1996.
They began working side by side in the same workshop together in
2000 and their similar approach to design has since led them to
collaborate on many pieces. Their complimentary philosophy of craftsmanship
and aesthetic quality led to the formation of Gelinas Carr Furniture
Makers in 2002.
Joseph
and Sandra take design inspiration from many places: the arts
and crafts movement, Japanese and Chinese furniture styles, the
Art Deco period and modern architecture, to name a few. The shape
and character of everyday things, such as a bowl from a potter's
wheel or the wings of a beetle, also bring inspiration.
Subtle
use of exposed joinery and the inclusion of a primary and secondary
wood to highlight different aspects of the overall design has
become their signature, as has maintaining exceptionally high
standards for the level of detail in each piece. Expressing structure
and form is integral to the design and construction; where parts
come together to form a complex interplay of line, weight, proportion,
and color. While these elements are carefully considered in the
design phase and at the drawing board, some reveal themselves
best during construction, and are composed as the piece takes
shape.
Viewers
of Sandra and Joseph's work often remark that it not only looks
beautiful, but that it feels great. Much thought is given to how
the furniture will be built to last the lifetime of the first
owner, as well as the next. This is why a great deal of time is
spent determining how a piece will age. Consideration is given
to things such as how the wood will move and change color in different
environments, how the edges will hold their shape with use, and
what type of finish is required to both protect and enhance the
beauty of the wood.
Sandra
and Joseph are both graduates of the well-regarded Fine Furniture
Program offered by Camosun College in Victoria, BC. Joseph's interest
in furniture making began with a reading of Nakahara's Japanese
Joinery. The beautiful functionality depicted in the isometric
drawings led him to an exploration of craft and design. Sandra
was attending university when she became interested in exploring
the notion of applying theory into practice. Designing and building
furniture appealed to this interest as she found the ability to
learn and practice theory hands-on in the workshop.
