Master's degree
Master of Arts Diploma, 2018
Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk, Poland
Product Industrial Design, major: Experimental Design
Supervisor: prof. Sławomir Fijałkowski
Supervisor: prof. Sławomir Fijałkowski
The objective of the project is to reach stylistic perfection, while drawing on the concept of what a seat embodies, a common concept deeply rooted in the European culture. The detail is what sets this work apart, as natural defect guarantees authenticity. The shape's evolution was caused by its encounter with 'useless matter'. In this case, the work resulted in a chair made from a unique piece of wood. The outcome is supposed to envision what can be achieved through exploring nature's 'flaws'. It emphasizes both aesthetic and ethical sensitivity of the author; something of utmost importance, since a master degree diploma serves, in a way, as a trademark of the designer. There is even a saying stating that every creator should design a lamp, a clock or a chair in the course of their lifetime.
From the left: first class wood, second and the third class with 'flaws', the cheapest.
The piece of wood that I have chosen.
Top view and in the next row from the left: front, right and back view.
As far as the general approach to designing goes it is crucial to apply it as skillfully as possible. This is often associated with a product that has been unnecessarily stylized - a pretty yet superficial packaging made only for the sake of marketing purposes. For fear of these harmful claims, students often abandon their sense of aesthetics, even if it is their best asset. They merely solve particular problems of each project and ignore the importance of its visual message. Ironically, the role played by the shape- or form-related issues could not be more important, for they make material culture relevant and meaningful. The design constitutes an integral part of all objects. Not only does it allow to understand and experience them better, but it also defines their quality. Eventually, even objects that were supposed to fulfill just basic, functional requirements obtain certain visual message, either as result of ascetic minimalism; or a creator’s attempt to distinguish themselves from other artists. Since we are able to grasp the essence of objects, the question arises about whether we should resign from our human need to search for an object's beauty.
I created prototype myself. If I had to do it again, I would try to create this chair from one piece of wood.
Feel free to contact me:
e.gizowska@gmail.com
