The interpretation of a line can be an ever-changing process of discovery. When lines become drawings fixed in steel, stone, or wood, what becomes of that creative moment? Combining contemporary techniques of computer-aided design with the sensitivity of the craftsperson’s hand, it’s possible to keep that creative moment open.
Chris Connell and Jeff Maas explore the expressive gestures of lines in their furniture collaborations. Through an iterative process of modeling and prototyping they test that potential. Coinciding with the NGV’s acquisition of the Altar table (2022) for Melbourne Now, Chris and Jeff present current work in progress for the duration of Melbourne Design Week.
Participants
Chris Connell
Chris Connell’s multidisciplinary design practice includes architecture, interiors, furniture, and objects. In a career spanning more than forty years, Connell’s designs have become renowned for their simplicity, functionality, and attention to detail. The Altar table was shortlisted for the 2022 Australian Furniture Design Award and has been acquired by the National Gallery of Victoria. His Pepe chair, designed for MAP in 1992, is held in the permanent collection of New York’s Museum of Modern Art.
Jeff Maas
Jeff Maas operates an independent furniture production house based in Melbourne and has worked with Chris Connell over many years to realise a series of commissioned works. Previously, he oversaw the evolution of Connell’s MAP International brand following its acquisition by Schiavello which including the development of the Gallery chair in 2017 for general use within the National Gallery of Victoria.
The interpretation of a line can be an ever-changing process of discovery. When lines become drawings fixed in steel, stone, or wood, what becomes of that creative moment? Combining contemporary techniques of computer-aided design with the sensitivity of the craftsperson’s hand, it’s possible to keep that creative moment open.
Chris Connell and Jeff Maas explore the expressive gestures of lines in their furniture collaborations. Through an iterative process of modeling and prototyping they test that potential. Coinciding with the NGV’s acquisition of the Altar table (2022) for Melbourne Now, Chris and Jeff present current work in progress for the duration of Melbourne Design Week.
Participants
Chris Connell
Chris Connell’s multidisciplinary design practice includes architecture, interiors, furniture, and objects. In a career spanning more than forty years, Connell’s designs have become renowned for their simplicity, functionality, and attention to detail. The Altar table was shortlisted for the 2022 Australian Furniture Design Award and has been acquired by the National Gallery of Victoria. His Pepe chair, designed for MAP in 1992, is held in the permanent collection of New York’s Museum of Modern Art.
Jeff Maas
Jeff Maas operates an independent furniture production house based in Melbourne and has worked with Chris Connell over many years to realise a series of commissioned works. Previously, he oversaw the evolution of Connell’s MAP International brand following its acquisition by Schiavello which including the development of the Gallery chair in 2017 for general use within the National Gallery of Victoria.