Exploring the Curve

Matthias Pliessnig

PVD by Matthias Pliessnig, steam-bent white oak, 2012Spill by Matthias Pliessnig, steam-bent white oak, 2011

August 12-23

Students explore the aesthetic potential of curved work for furniture and sculptural forms. Matthias offers instruction in steam bending, laminate bending, and structural systems for creating curved volumes. In the first week, through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises, students explore design methodologies, structure, form, and the physics of bending. In the second week, each participant creates an individual piece of furniture or sculpture.

Students have the option of designing with CAD programs (if they are already familiar with them) or with more traditional methods of sketching, drawing, and modelmaking.

Matthias Pliessnig makes furniture and sculpture in Providence, RI. He earned B.F.A. and M.A. degrees, respectively, at the Rhode Island School of Design in 2003 and the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 2008. His work is in the permanent collections of the Arizona State University Art Museum, the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the Museum of Arts and Design in New York. Matthias exhibits nationally and his work has appeared in numerous books and periodicals, including Furniture with Soul by David Savage (Kodansha USA, 2011), 60: Innovators Shaping Our Creative Future by Lucas Dietrich (Thames & Hudson, 2009), and 500 Chairs (Lark Crafts, 2008). His web site is matthias-studio.com.

Open to intermediate and advanced woodworkers.

Tuition: $1,280

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